In today's paper is an article about a trucker who ran down a motorcyclist on a freeway in the rain and dragged her for 300 feet before coming to a stop with her pinned under the semi truck's front axle (http://www.jsonline.com/news/ozwash/may04/229264.asp). His excuse? It was raining so hard that he didn't see her "until the last minute." Their speed difference was reported to be just 15 mph. The article said it was unlikely that any citations will be issued.
So... I guess as long as you're *trying* to see bikers on the road, if your stupidity causes you to run one over, through no fault of your own (hey - it was raining), then it's ok with the police and the courts. Or if you're medicated and blow off a stop sign and kill a biker, that's pretty much ok too (remember the S Dakota governor a few months back?).
ticks me off... >:(
Are you friggin kidding me?!!?!!?!!
Riding ON A HIGHWAY...AT NIGHT...IN THE RAIN...WITHOUT A HELMET...WELL BELOW POSTED SPEED LIMIT..
and the truck driver should be cited?? FOR??
I agree riders get the short end of the deal in many cases, but this is not one of those...
Sorry, I disagree. It was legal for her to be on the road, but there's a difference between legal and common sense. She SHOULDN'T have been out there.
Reading the story, I don't fault the truck driver... It's like if your car breaks down on the highway and you decide to walk across the highway to get some help. You walk in front of a moving vehicle and get hit. Is it the vehicle's fault?
The woman was stupid and is lucky to be alive... With any luck, she'll learn from this and at least wear a helmet...
I agree with Tom in that it seems like motorcycle riders often get the short end of the justice "stick"... but in this situation (as reported), I think appropriate actions were taken. It WAS an "accident". The truck driver was doing nothing wrong (except possibly driving too fast for conditions). Without knowing more details relative to the model and color of the bike she was riding, and whether or not she was wearing anything that might have rendered her more visible (a reflectorized rainsuit, perhaps) there's not a lot to justify finger-pointing.
Yes, the woman was fortunate to not have been killed.
This situation is very different than the Janklow incident.
You guys are all kidding, right? The speed difference was 15 mph - she was going 50 mph, which is legal to do on a freeway (and not "well below the posted limit", in my opinion. that would be like 35 mph - you know, the way little old ladies do - what if he had cleaned up one of them instead??), and the truck was going 65 mph, which was the posted speed.
If she had been wearing a helmet he still would have run her over. Are you saying that at least then it would've been the trucker's fault? ??? ::)
What if it had been a bicycle instead of a motorcycle. The speed difference would have been even greater, making it all but impossible for the trucker to miss his target.
Choosing to not wear a helmet does not reduce one's status to road debris for cages and truckers to take pot shots at.
Did you read the article? ::)
Quote The truck driver was doing nothing wrong (except possibly driving too fast for conditions).
Ummm, no. Driving too fast for the conditions is grounds for a speeding citation, according to the law. In this case, it nearly killed someone. Which is why there is a law against it in the first place. He was wrong. She's lucky to be alive. Evidently a helmet wouldn't have mattered anyway - she wasn't wearing one and her bean is still intact.
THe truck driver should be ticketed and prosecuted for rear ending another vehicle.
He rearended her. Am I rite?
Tom, so you place no blame at all on the motorcyclist?
I would go as far as to place blame on both parties, but by no means would I consider the MC rider here a complete victim...
Didn't read the story. Walking across a freeway and riding a moto on the freeway? I don't see any correlation there whatsoever. The truckdriver should be cited for inattentive driving, minimum. But, the moto rider should be cited for stupidity-no helmet.
A guy in our riding club was going through Illinois, in a smaller town, at the time of HIS incident; broad daylight, hi-viz clothing, hi-viz stickers all over the rear of his bike, and NOT raining. In a 35 mph zone he was rear-ended by a semi going 60. Steve and his bike were punted 175 ft.. A nurse on the scene was tending to him on the sidewalk where he landed. The truck driver wandered over and said,"Dang, that's my third 'sickle this year." That driver received no citation either.
I can see the rationale of those wanting to point fingers at the biker, but where should we all stand when it's you or your family member that's disabled by an inattentive semi-driver running down the road with 20 or 30 tons and their head up their arse?
I'm not one to back up truckers... heck they get in "my way" every trip to the track. But IMO they are the best drivers on the road. THEY DO IT FOR A LIVING. That doesn't mean 100% of them, and it doesn't mean they don't make mistakes. But he did nothing illegal.
All these assumptions being made as to what to cite him can NOT be proven; by YOU or otherwise. Inattentive driving? how do you know he wasn't paying attention? HE DIDN'T SEE HER because of the conditions. That does NOT mean, however, that he was driving TOO FAST for conditions. Hell I bet 80% of the vehicles on THAT road THAT night were PASSING that truck. And I'd bet 99% of them can't drive as well as this guy, but that's besides the point...
BTW, 15 below is WELL below. Go ask a cop if 15 above is WELL above... In many cases, it's considered 'reckless'... so I think you catch my drift there...
As for the helmet... hey, it's a state where you can choose. But in this case, her decision to ride that motorcycle under such conditions, and NOT wear one shows her obvious disregard for her own safety. If I had no other choice BUT to ride in those conditions, I would have only done so with appropriate gear and reflective gear.
QuoteHE DIDN'T SEE HER because of the conditions. That does NOT mean, however, that he was driving TOO FAST for conditions. Hell I bet 80% of the vehicles on THAT road THAT night were PASSING that truck. And I'd bet 99% of them can't drive as well as this guy, but that's besides the point...
Your statements are illogical. First, if he didn't see her because of the conditions, then by definition he was going too fast for the conditions (this is in effect what the law says regarding driving at a speed appropriate for the conditions). Secondly, just because other people are going too fast, too, does not make it right. Didn't your mom tell you that when you were a kid?
QuoteBTW, 15 below is WELL below. Go ask a cop if 15 above is WELL above... In many cases, it's considered 'reckless'... so I think you catch my drift there...
In "many cases?" Like which ones? Not the ones that I've been ticketed for at 15, 18, 20, 22 over. All have been simply "speed in excess of the posted limit." How do I know? Because reckless carries a 6 point penalty, up to $10k fine, and possible jail term. Haven't had one of those.
QuoteIf I had no other choice BUT to ride in those conditions, I would have only done so with appropriate gear and reflective gear.
Well bully for you. At least then, when you were laying under the truck, pinned under the front axle, you could lay there with the satisfaction of knowing that you were right and...and what? Would your choice of attire have made the trucker wrong? Or would you still say he was perfectly fine doing what he did?
I have not seen such illogic for some time on this board.
QuoteTom, so you place no blame at all on the motorcyclist?
No, I wouldn't. What would you have the state charge her with? "Stupidity" is not a chargeable offence, at least not last I checked (which is a good thing, because several of the posters in this thread would have cause to worry if it were). Nor is riding without a helmet, riding in the rain, or riding at a reduced speed in adverse conditions (this last one is actually not only not illegal, it *is* illegal to do otherwise).
We are not debating whether riding without a helmet is a good idea or not; nor are we debating whether riding in inclement weather is a good idea or not.
We are debating whether a truck driver (supposedly with F1-like driving prowess, being a pro and all), is beyond reproach for having mowed down a motorcyclist whom he "didn't see in time" due to bad weather. With all his experience, wouldn't you have thought that he would have adjusted his speed down so that he could stop for and/or avoid unexpected obstacles in the road?
To me this is black and white - he was wrong and should have the book thrown at him for reckless driving, and even reckless endangerment.
I ride on the street - a lot. And I am not impressed with the way bikers are treated by other drivers. The least I should be able to expect is that the State would make an effort to reinforce the notion that I have the same rights to the roads as cars and trucks do, and to clamp down on drivers who try to kill me, on purpose or otherwise.
hmmm, I got in a car accident (while driving a car) once where I got rear-ended by another car and the person driving the other car got a ticket. I don't see how that is any different if you rear-end a motorcycle...
I'll have to agree with Tom. Regardless of what the motorcyclist was wearing, they were still hit from behind, while driving legally down a road. Regardless of the difference in speed (I see lots of freeway signs that say "min. speed 45", so she was OK there), or what they were wearing for safety gear. I may not have been riding like that personally, but it does not make it your fault if you get rear ended while doing it! Does that mean that it would be OK if an 18 wheeler hits you from behind while wearing your roadracing leathers, boots, gloves, back protector and helmet?
I understand that truck drivers may be some of the better drivers, but there is always an odd one in any bunch...
QuoteYour statements are illogical.
That's all I need to quote....Interesting the authorities ruled it the same way though, isn't it?
By the way, when's the last time you seen an F1 car on a major highway?? .....thought so.
Turn statements around and attempt to publicly humiliate till you're blue in the face. Your not going to change my opinions, which obviously aren't too illogical, as I agree with the decisions of those who were there.
::)
QuoteReading the story, I don't fault the truck driver...
enuf said
QuoteBy the way, when's the last time you seen an F1 car on a major highway?? .....thought so.
??? ??? ::) ::) ::) :-/
(BTW, the correct verb is "saw", not "seen."). :o 8)
I agree with you, Tom. If a car rear ends another car, almost every time the "rear ender" gets a ticket. Why should it be any different for bikes. I would guess in this case, they figured the bike should'nt have been out in that kind of weather and the victim acted like it was her fault. If it was raining so hard he couldn't see a bike in front of him, he was going too fast.
Got to go now. I'm going deer hunting on my way to St. Louis. ;D
Surprised no one already said this.The posted speed limit is the max speed for IDEAL conditions. YOu can get a speeding ticket doing 55 in a 55 if the road conditions are bad enought that you need to slow down. IF the trucker couldnt see infront of him, then he should had been going slower.
As far as truckers being the best drivers on the road, well they USED to be. In the last 2 yrs I've been put on the shoulder by one who decided he wanted to change lanes. Never mind the fact I was already by the tractors tag wheels when he flipped the signal and moved right over. TWO of us ended up on the shoulder due to that clown. Seen that happen MANY times to other drivers all because the trucker is coming up to another truck going 1 mph slower than they are. Had one this summer purposely SLAM the brakes on in the left lane trying to get me to rear end him. Same guy tried that to others also. Then tried to keep them from passing him by weaving a bit. A guy who rides with us drives trucks and he says he turns his signal on for 3 flashes then moves over. HE said he doesnt care if theres a car there, they can get out of the way. ::) I dont know how many of you guys have CDL's or even got a CDL instructional permit, but when I took the permit test, ANY nitwit would pass that easy. Seems like truckers are just as bad as the preverbial soccor mom and yuppie on a cell phone nowadays. Its getting way to crazy out there on the interstates, no common sense, no courtesy and no patience from anyone.
I am a trucker and don't understand why he didn't get a ticket. Yes, 50% of us give a damn, but 50% of them are new, or exhausted, or just idiots. Ticket or not the truckers insurance is going to pay hospital bills lost wages, pain & suffering, and all the lawyer fees.
There is no way to judge who you are driving next to, so the safest way is to be as far away as possible. You never know, the safest driver with the best truck, can spit a 20lb piece of leaf spring any direction, anytime. People, even the drivers, don't realize how much 40 tons weighs and your cage is no protection. 2 days ago a truck back ended another truck at the tunnel. The police said they "think" it was a minivan that was sandwiched inbetween. 3 fatalities.
Bottom line is, none of us were there to determine all the variables, so we could sit here and debate for hrs about something we know nothing about. The lady could have been wearing all black on a black HD with a burnout taillight. :o I comepletely agree that any motorist should slow down some if conditions dictate. But in this case, it might as well been a deer jumped out in front of him. The lady obviously took the same precautions (other than driving slower) that a deer would: none.
I guess I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, as it's obvious the cops did. Have any of you ever seen a 1986 Harley Davidson from the rear during a rain storm at night? Well, apparently neither has this guy. (OK, that wasn't funny...) But had it been a car with two relatively bright taillights, or the rider had some sort of reflective material on, this incident would probably never have happened. It's AMAZING how far you can see reflective material, even in inclement weather. But a 10w light bulb (or whatever they are) behind a could-have-been old, dirty red lense at night in the rain 12-18" off the ground.... like I said, too many variables. Common sense, folks. Even with a modern sportbike's bright-arse LED's, it would be more than wise to make yourself a little more visible to other motorists.
The decision to not fault the driver, from what info is provided, is a good one IMO.
I finally read the article. The cop stated the motorcyclist was going the correct speed for conditions. THE MOTORCYCLIST WAS GOING THE CORRECT SPEED FOR CONDITIONS. It does not matter what kind or what year of bike was involved-she was run down by an irresponsible jackass running too fast for conditions.
The point of the post is that all too many cyclists are being killed, disabled, and mamed on the roadways today with ZERO REPERCUSSIONS. Do you get it Greg? Motorcyclists do not have the perceived rights given to us by the laws. If you don't want your rights, that's fine. If you don't want to speak out for other cyclists, that's fine too. However, do not try and tell a bunch of motorcyclists the tractor driver in this scenario has no responsibility for his actions w/o catching some flack.
Professional drivers? Anybody that gets paid to do something is a professional. That doesn't mean they're any good. Just ask the guys I am a backmarker for. ;D
Easy fix: Don't ride on the street. Take it to the track where it's "safe" ;)
Sucks though. We had some guy here locally get rear ended at a light (again, 2nd time this week, different people) last night on a Laverda and he didn't make it. He was stopped an some kids were cruising, and while changing CD's at 50 MPH in a 35 MPH zone, they kinda forgot to stop for the 2 big lights hanging across the intersection. Biker got killed. Kids when home with parents. >:( No alcohol involved, so I guess it's not a big deal. Should be on the news some day soon. Wasn't "breaking news" because it happened at 4 am.
This... is why I gave up street riding. They need to make seperate highways for motorcycles only 8)
Also, another thing to think about:
What we as sport bike riders "look" like to people that don't ride motorcycles, and even some that do?
If you think about it, all they see on the news is how "dangerous" we are and they portray stoppies, wheelies, and tricks as how we ride. Channel 7 (ABC) news did a special report just this week (Thurs.) about "stunters" on "crotch rockets" being a "danger to Metro Detroiters" as they called it. I started to watch it, but all it was about is people on Busa's doing 170 MPH down the freeway, drag racing, stoppies, and so on so, so I shut it off. Then, you go Jimbob or whomever saying how cool he is on camera, and how fast his bike is.
What do you think this makes us look like to the "general public" that watches that complete B.S. on TV? So, we are targeted as dangerous before we even leave the driveway. Obviously, this doesn't justify someone running you over, but when it happens, regardless of what the cause was, the news stations air this kind of crap. Regardless, we are considered a menace and people now worry more about talking on the phone or reading a magazine while driving rather than the guy on two wheels around them.
Yup. I can just see it now. Black Harley, black leather jacket, black bandana, black chaps over black jeans, 3" iron cross taillight bolted to the swingarm... Maybe if she'd taken a hacksaw to her pipes and been running in second gear, her loud pipes would have saved her life! She was riding a Harley. She got what she deserved.
No no, no. I really don't mean that. I just never miss an opportunity to rip on Tom about Harleys!
Without knowing all the circumstances surrounding the accident, I'm not going to offer an opinion as to whether or not the truck driver should be sighted in this incident. However, I will leave you with something I experienced one night....
As a motorcyclist myself, believe we have the right to be on the road just like anyone else. BUT, we should be responsible about it also. There are several 'classic' bikes in this area (I don't know if they're Harley's, BSA's, or Triumph) with the lights they run, at night you can barley see them. THANK GOD one was riding with another person, except for their dim headlights, you could not see the back end with the red with blue dot lights on his tail. When I came upon the pair it scared the crap out of me because they were turning with NO TURN signals. Sorry, hand signals don't work at night especially when you have black gloves and a black leather jacket.
If I hit them, would you be so quick to condem me?
Dawn :-/
QuoteAlso, another thing to think about:
What we as sport bike riders "look" like to people that don't ride motorcycles, and even some that do?
If you think about it, all they see on the news is how "dangerous" we are and they portray stoppies, wheelies, and tricks as how we ride. Channel 7 (ABC) news did a special report just this week (Thurs.) about "stunters" on "crotch rockets" being a "danger to Metro Detroiters" as they called it. I started to watch it, but all it was about is people on Busa's doing 170 MPH down the freeway, drag racing, stoppies, and so on so, so I shut it off. Then, you go Jimbob or whomever saying how cool he is on camera, and how fast his bike is.
What do you think this makes us look like to the "general public" that watches that complete B.S. on TV? So, we are targeted as dangerous before we even leave the driveway. Obviously, this doesn't justify someone running you over, but when it happens, regardless of what the cause was, the news stations air this kind of crap. Regardless, we are considered a menace and people now worry more about talking on the phone or reading a magazine while driving rather than the guy on two wheels around them.
Ride in Janesville and see how much crap you get from the Janesville Guestapo because you have a bike that looks like a racebike. I get constantly followed and even had an officer tell me "we are watching you verticle mischief a$$holes" (verticle mischief is teh moron stunt team near here). Between that punk on a R1 flipping a cop off and taking off in awheelie and the other idiots using teh city streets as their race track/ stunt stage...they RUINED riding for many of us here.
Rob,
It may be extra bad in J'ville but it happens everywhere. I ride a GSXR 1K on the street. I get followed incessantly by the cops in our little town. I got a kick out of one who stopped me once. It was a guy I'd known when he was a kid. I even used to talk to him about racing.
He thought he was going to impress some young hooli on a crotch rocket. When I took off my helmet he ended up sounding like Eddie Haskell, "Oh Hello, Mr. Cook, did you get a new bike?"
"Yeah," I said, "the Ducati just didn't wheelie as easily as this one." ;D ;D
One of the few benefits of getting older is that I don't get anywhere near the number of tickets I used to.
Tom's right. We're second class citizens on the road. I ride aggressively on the street. I try not to be a jerk, but I do make sure I'm controlling my own environment whenever possible.
When I get my HD I'm gonna prove a point. I wanna get some straight pipes and pass a cop in a 30 doing 45 and any bets I wont get pulled over? :o I've seen that happen.
I had to laugh at Don's remark. Age does have a couple of perk's. A few years back my father in his 60's then, decided to take my Dunstall Norton for a spin. When he got back he was laughing about the confused cop that gave him a stern tounge lashing. ;D
Frankly, in bad conditions, if I'm doing the speed limit and an accident occurs, I expect that I will be ticketed. These are things they teach in basic law classes that are typically needed for any kind of degree. I will say she was stupid for not wearing a helmet. I will never understand why people do not get the reasoning behind the helmet, or jeans, or gloves. Anyway, If that had been a motorcycle cop that got hit---holly shit--- it would have been all over for that truck driver. And as far as riding in the rain, when I rode the street, rain does happen at unexpected times. Rain doesn't mean she shouldn't have been riding. Hell, what does that say about us racing in the rain.
Off the subject, Tom, I had fun racing with you at Heartland park Topeka last season. I was the one on the green nt-650 hawk. I believe it was the lwgp race. What was that four or five corners we ran side by side? Sucked really bad when you came by on the straight. Right after you passed the motor said good bye. Threw a rod bearing. I wanted to beat you real bad. Was fun as hell, isnt very often that I trust people enough to run through corners like that. Tried like hell to at least hold my position after, made it almost to the finish line, but decided was better to pit out since she was trying to thow me everytime I let out of full throttle. Was cool battling w/ you. 742
Hey Don. Aren't you a little old to be riding a Gixxer 1000? ;D
Kevin,
Since you're home already I'm guessing deer sausage isn't on the menu for tomorrow? ;D
I'll get you some samples Monday or Tuesday as we discussed. 8)
Rick
;D Thank you, Sir! The deer sausage on my exhaust manifold smells really burnt. :-X
Did you rebuild the old red Chevy, Kev? Hey, how was the Gateway turnout?
QuoteNo, I wouldn't. What would you have the state charge her with? "Stupidity" is not a chargeable offence, at least not last I checked (which is a good thing, because several of the posters in this thread would have cause to worry if it were). Nor is riding without a helmet, riding in the rain, or riding at a reduced speed in adverse conditions (this last one is actually not only not illegal, it *is* illegal to do otherwise).
I'm not suggesting that she be charged with anything. I'm simply stating that she holds a portion of the responsibility for putting herself in that situation.
When I rode on the street, I took the extra steps to make SURE I was visible. If someone was coming up behind me, I would tap my brakes or move to make sure people would see me.
In my opinion, they were BOTH at fault, and this was an ACCIDENT. It wasn't a malicious idiotic drunken run-down, it was an accident.
Could it have been avoided? Sure. It could have been avoided by her riding the speed limit or perhaps wearing different gear (reflective, etc. but the article doesn't state what she was wearing so I will let this go). It could have also been avoided by the semi driver going a bit slower. BOTH people hold a share of the responsibility here in my opinion.
QuoteWe are not debating whether riding without a helmet is a good idea or not; nor are we debating whether riding in inclement weather is a good idea or not.
Not true... I'll agree that we're not debating the helmet issue. However, I would absolutely say that the inclement weather is a point to be discussed. One might even go as far as to say that the weather was to blame in this situation.
QuoteWe are debating whether a truck driver (supposedly with F1-like driving prowess, being a pro and all), is beyond reproach for having mowed down a motorcyclist whom he "didn't see in time" due to bad weather. With all his experience, wouldn't you have thought that he would have adjusted his speed down so that he could stop for and/or avoid unexpected obstacles in the road?
To me this is black and white - he was wrong and should have the book thrown at him for reckless driving, and even reckless endangerment.
Well, I guess the two motorists and police don't share your view apparently...
QuoteI ride on the street - a lot. And I am not impressed with the way bikers are treated by other drivers. The least I should be able to expect is that the State would make an effort to reinforce the notion that I have the same rights to the roads as cars and trucks do, and to clamp down on drivers who try to kill me, on purpose or otherwise.
Do yourself a favor and take the responsibility of making yourself seen. Once again, right/wrong/otherwise, if you're on a bike and tangle with a car/truck/etc, you will lose. MC riders need to be out there with the understanding that legally they have equal rights on the road, but realistically, they do not.
in most states the logic/interpretation of the law is that you must be in control of the vehicle at all times. That means if it is raining motor oil and it is still your responsibility to stop your vehicle before you stuck anything in the roadway.
So it is raining, at night, then we all agree visibility must have been reduced. Then it is not safe to drive at the posted speed limit. He didn't stop in time did he? then he should have been driving slower. Most Interstates require a minimal speed of 40mph. She was above that. Most states post "65 MHP limit CONDITION PERMITTING".
So the truck driver may not have violated a law, but clearly AT FAULT. so if she choose to sue the truck driver and the freight company, she will get a big win and settlement, and rightfully so.
The woman lacks common sense (maybe) and should been more observant of her surroundings and maybe took actions to avoid being hit by a truck. Or wear more visible clothing. But we can't make that judgement because it may not have helped anyway???
Regardless of how stupid she could have been, the issue clearly is, a truck driver could not maintain total control of his vehicle and stuck someone in the roadway from behind. So he is responsible. Again may not be charged with anything, but will be 100% at fault in a civil court.
Quote Hey, how was the Gateway turnout?
To answer for him, meager. :-/
Quote MC riders need to be out there with the understanding that legally they have equal rights on the road, but realistically, they do not.
Umm...yeah...like I said - second class citizens. (I have never seen someone argue so vigorously in support of the point I was trying to make, while trying to argue the other side).
QuoteOff the subject, Tom, I had fun racing with you at Heartland park Topeka last season.
That was fun - thanks 742. Sorry to hear about the blown up bike, tho - that sux. Back on it this year? I was down at Gateway yesterday. Like tigerblade said, it was pretty slim turnout, especially for LW - LWSS=3 bikes (in expert), and it was Suzuki Cup racing this weekend, so LWSS and Supertwins (8 bikes) were both Cup money classes.
Maybe we'll cross paths again - always up for some riding.
Hey Cook - you coming out to BHF in a couple weeks?
QuoteUmm...yeah...like I said - second class citizens. (I have never seen someone argue so vigorously in support of the point I was trying to make, while trying to argue the other side).
hehe... see, we agree! lol... I'll let it go, because I DO see your point, I just feel a little different about the responsibility here, and let's face it, NEITHER of us know all the facts on it...
Quoteand let's face it, NEITHER of us know all the facts on it...
I'll cop to that - my initial post was based solely on what the Journal Sentinel article reported. And we all know that you should believe every word you read in the papers, right? ;) ;D Problem is, some people, especially non-bikers, *do* take it as given. Then they get in their cages and figure, "oh what the heck - if I do accidentally mow down a biker it won't be a big deal. I'll just tell the cop that I couldn't see him/her (they shouldn't let those crazy death machines on the roads anyways...)" Ya know? Good discussion, tho.
actually, after the motor blew, I said piss on it! I was planning on getting a 600 anyway. I moved to Ga this winter so I am running WERA mainly. There is some pretty tough comp. down here. My grids at Barber were 57-61-67. Not like in the lw class. Kind of crazy having to start in back with the squids. Or should I say scary. Are you coming down to Barber for CCS in aug.? It is so smooth, unlike topeka. By the way I have some pictures of us during that little battle. Couple are good the rest are so-so.
QuoteHey Don. Aren't you a little old to be riding a Gixxer 1000? ;D
Nah. Well...I'm a little too old to be riding with the front wheel in the air. :P ;)
Quote Hey Cook - you coming out to BHF in a couple weeks?
Yep, I should be there. Sorry I missed Gateway. This summer's going to be tough timewise. I've got family responsibilities (good stuff I have to do with my teenage son) that will take me out of town a lot, but I hope to do most of the local race weekends. See you there!
Don - see you there, too (as long as it's not raining).
Ducky - doubt I'll make it to Barber, altho it is a track that sounds like a lot of fun to check out. If I do get down there, it would probably be with CCS - didn't renew WERA lic this year. have fun with those guys (and ask Stumpy about 60 bike grids in middleweights - that was RA a few weeks ago - just in expert - another 40 in Am. Wild).
I'm sure everyone has seen the new sign there putting up by road constuction" hit a road worker will cost you $14,000 and jail time"!!! The problem is the perception is that a car hits a motorcycle. THATS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The car hits a MOTORCYCLIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The laws need to change so that hitting a motorcycle/motorcyclist is the same as hitting a pedestrian! A PERSON! Also, vehicles need to be consittered a killing device. I'd being willing to bet that a person has a better chance of surviving a gun shot than being ran over by car doing 65 mph.
Jeff
Did you guys see that Janklow got out of jail today? >:(
Yes I saw that and it's disgusting. Remember he was a politician/lawyer. If you would have run over him you'd be serving a life sentence. Different rules for different people is what undermines everything the USA is supposed to be about.
The AMA is trying to get laws put in place to put more severe penalties for injuring/killing motorcyclists.
I street ride, as screwed up as the AMA is when it comes to racing, they do a great deal to help street riders (such as being able to use HOV and carpool lanes). That is why I am still a member since 1980.
I drive big trucks every day for my job, and I've had a few close calls. People HATE trucks, and will take any risk to get out from behind one. The worst is on side streets early in the morning. It never fails that I'll be doing 25 in a 25 zone, two blocks from a school, and some broad will fly around me in her SUV, smoking, drinking coffee, talking on her cell phone, and turning in her seat to flip me off as she goes by. Meanwhile, cars are backing out of every driveway and kids are waiting for the bus on every corner or are walking to school. It's always a broad in an SUV, too. They are the worst, followed closely by teenaged boys in whatever they can afford to call a racecar.
I've seen people push aside the barricades with their bumpers and drive right up to the job site, then drive over someone's lawn to get by. This when all they have to do is go around the block to get by.
Another problem with people cutting off trucks is that I don't think most people realise how long it takes a truck to stop. I don't know how many times I've been locked up and smoking, sideways as hell because someone whipped into my braking area from out of nowhere and then just stopped! If you leave 5 or 6 carlengths following distance so you can stop, some bunghole will always dive in and make it 2 carlengths. There go the smoking dualies again...
My wife once followed me home from a party in a blinding rainstorm. I was on a Goldwing with tons of extra lightson the back. She was in a pickup. She told me that there were times that I just disappeared into the spray.
Of course i could also talk about all the times I nearly got run over in broad daylight on a bright red motorcycle, but I've learned that people can't even be expected to see a huge dump truck with a 10-foot plow blade and mulitple strobe lights, so how are thy going to see a little black motorcycle at night in the rain?
Let's face it. Most drivers just suck. As racers, we are more offended by this lack of skill than the average Joe. And the traffic laws are written for the least common denominator. The better driver on the more capable machine has to suffer for the senior in the K-car who can't handle the 35mph pace. As a racer AND a truck driver, I consider myself to be way above average, and I just can't believe the morons who I drive with every day!
QuoteI drive big trucks every day for my job, and I've had a few close calls. People HATE trucks, and will take any risk to get out from behind one. The worst is on side streets early in the morning. It never fails that I'll be doing 25 in a 25 zone, two blocks from a school, and some broad will fly around me in her SUV, smoking, drinking coffee, talking on her cell phone, and turning in her seat to flip me off as she goes by. Meanwhile, cars are backing out of every driveway and kids are waiting for the bus on every corner or are walking to school. It's always a broad in an SUV, too. They are the worst, followed closely by teenaged boys in whatever they can afford to call a racecar.
I've seen people push aside the barricades with their bumpers and drive right up to the job site, then drive over someone's lawn to get by. This when all they have to do is go around the block to get by.
Another problem with people cutting off trucks is that I don't think most people realise how long it takes a truck to stop. I don't know how many times I've been locked up and smoking, sideways as hell because someone whipped into my braking area from out of nowhere and then just stopped! If you leave 5 or 6 carlengths following distance so you can stop, some bunghole will always dive in and make it 2 carlengths. There go the smoking dualies again...
My wife once followed me home from a party in a blinding rainstorm. I was on a Goldwing with tons of extra lightson the back. She was in a pickup. She told me that there were times that I just disappeared into the spray.
Of course i could also talk about all the times I nearly got run over in broad daylight on a bright red motorcycle, but I've learned that people can't even be expected to see a huge dump truck with a 10-foot plow blade and mulitple strobe lights, so how are thy going to see a little black motorcycle at night in the rain?
Let's face it. Most drivers just suck. As racers, we are more offended by this lack of skill than the average Joe. And the traffic laws are written for the least common denominator. The better driver on the more capable machine has to suffer for the senior in the K-car who can't handle the 35mph pace. As a racer AND a truck driver, I consider myself to be way above average, and I just can't believe the morons who I drive with every day!
Lemme tell ya K3 - I gained SO much more respect for truckers the VERY first time I had to pull a trailer in traffic. Holy cow. NOBODY wants to be behind you, no matter how fast you're going - and NOBODY wants to let you change lanes. I've had people cut me off, panic stop in front of me, flip ME off... AFTER they passed me (so they KNOW I've got a large trailer behind me.) And if I've got it rough, pulling a 24' trailer with my pickup truck... I can't even begin to imagine how hard it is for some of these over-the-road guys with the 50'+ rigs...
I still ride on the street... though nowhere NEAR as much as I used to. After realizing that a lot people don't see me in my 3/4 ton, 4-door, 4-wheel-drive pickup truck (well, don't see or simply don't care) it makes it harder and harder to enjoy riding a motorcycle (which is teeny-tiny by comparison) on the street. Which is kind of a bummer because there are very few things in my life that are as therapeutic to me as going for a nice long relaxing street ride.