Mortality?

[johnnyboxer]

Seeing the Cumbria thread, prompted me although I had been thinking about it yesterday too

Yesterday was my first proper road ride of 2014 (athough I had been doing a bit of trailriding and Trials overwinter)

I was very aware of how alien it was and rusty I was, especially for the first 20 minutes or so and nearly turned around and came home, thinking this wasn't really doing it for me

But I stuck at it and had an ok time - not the joyous, 'wow' that was great feeling though

It felt a bit pointless, sterile

I stuck at it and mainly chose back roads which were unclassified and traffic free

There was a bad accident on the news last night, local to where I was riding - pillion killed near Pickering and sounded like the rider had crashed into the back of a 4x4 waiting to turn right

Coming home (before I heard the news on the tv)

I was aware of how dangerous bikes can be and how vulnerable (but alive) you feel

Weird one - I love touring abroad on the GSA, but frankly I now have little desire to ride in the UK

The roads are crap, the weather is crap, other drivers and riders are crap

What's the point?

Is it that we become more aware of our mortality as we age..............I dunno?

[lmac]

I don't know any answers to this but understand your feelings.

I was out and about round the dales and Trough of Bowland yesterday with the Mrs on the back and at times felt the same way after seeing some of the things going on the roads.

But then I thought I knew why.

For a one day ride I usually like to get up at the crack of dawn and be away for first light or just before (didn't yesterday), I find then I can usually do a couple of hundred miles, have a breakfast and be heading home as most of the loony's are on their way out, and see more.

I think I feel this kind of isolates me a bit from the madness and you cant beat the morning stillness, empty roads etc.

It seems to work for me anyway.

[Paul_C]

If you don't enjoy it then it's time to stop.

Personally I think riding all year round is a good idea. OK, I avoid going out in the snow and ice but otherwise it's a matter of the right bike and clothing.

There are loads of brilliant roads in the UK, but I agree that many of the major ones are congested, specially on sunny Sundays. Turn off the satnav. Search out nice looking roads on a map. Go out and enjoy yourself. Consider doing the Round Britain Rally. It'll point you towards different places and a reason for going.

http://www.roundbritainrally.co.uk/index1.htm

[johnnyboxer]

Thanks IMAC - your suggestion of going out early is a good one, point noted

Paul C - I enjoy riding bikes, no question....................it's the riding on the road bit, in the UK that leaves me a bit cold

I love riding in Europe, standards seem better

I am very fortunate, to live out in the sticks about 10 miles from the Dales and 10 miles from the Moors, with even green lanes within 1 mile from home, so it's not the ability to find and ride on deserted roads

On A roads I was either dodging potholes, cyclists or oncoming motorcycles or speed camera vans..............it all seemed a bit pointless, coupled with the sheer vulnerability on a bike, that I was feeling

Dunno, it's a hard one to get yer heed around?

[Elle]

I stuck at it and mainly chose back roads which were unclassified and traffic free

Is it that we become more aware of our mortality as we age..............I dunno?

Can't say my riding gets rusty but it's definitely different going from 1 bike to another. Rode my Serow on Friday & the squidgy knobblies made me think the tyre was flat! Then got on the GS on Saturday - big heavy lump with daft indicators hmy:
But by the time I got home, I wasn't thinking about it at all.

Normally, I'd avoid any type of traffic congestion and fast A roads unless I need to get from A to B quickly. I think you're right to stick to the smaller roads, our overcrowded roads are killing the art of motorcycling.

Death is inevitable so I rarely think about it. I'm too busy trying to live

[johnnyboxer]

Death is inevitable so I rarely think about it. I'm too busy trying to live

I shall remember that (thumbs)

[Bigdavesmate]

I too was out yesterday, and got no joy from it either. I think mothering Sunday may have had something to do with it, but I couldn't wait to get home.

Reginald Molehusband (showing my age, look him up you young uns!)was out in force and the overall standard of driving coupled with the amount of traffic made for an unpleasant morning.

[Whippet]

(thumbs) Don't be too disheartened Johnny , it's always sad to hear about fellow motorcyclist getting killed. I have thought about this and the need to get some perspective . Some roads seem to attract riders who "push the boundaries " I'm not suggesting that's what happened yesterday, I tend to stay off the beaten track, yesterday I had a bible round n yorks with Cocker and it was smashing , very little traffic.
Your right about Europe though, it seems safer somehow, also it depends who you ride with and knowing your limitations!
I'm note arrogant enough to think I'm immortal either, every time I go out it's an adventure, enjoy it :cheer:

[yoda]

Steady run out using back roads for me yest afternoon, had a loop over the wolds and called back in at Willingham woods for a cuppa, 3.30 ish, it was packed, rode the last bit home on A roads, a lot of bikes about and most people ok but saw plenty of sports bike loons riding badly and way to fast for the state of the filthy pot holed roads around here, ah well silly season has started again.

[Mike101]

I ride everyday and every mile is a joy. I ride in wind, rain and traffic most days.

I ride even when i could drive my car. Every min on my bike makes me smile. I ride along thinking about what bike i'd like to own and ride and then i realise that i own a bike that many people aspire to own themselves.

I never moan about traffic as again there are a lot of people who can't ride who would love to ride on traffic. Take away your bikes keys for 6 months and then see if you want to ride in traffic.

I am so lucky to have the choice or a nice car and two great bikes.

On the subject of mortatlity i still maintain that well over 90% of bike accidents are casued by the bike being stupid or going to fast... so i slow down and enjoy the ride.

When i see a lot of videos on you tube of preople riding offroad it's often all about wheel spinning and going as fast they can. I like to ride slow offroad and actually enjoy the ride rather than hanging on.

Mike