Older Ryders

[Desert Spyder]

http://www.bikerspost.com/forum/topics/opinion-older-riders-must-take

This was an interesting article which definitely is in tune with our group. I would say well over half of our group fits the demographics of this article. Don't forget the comments on the bottom of the page.

But despite how you read the article, statistics don't lie. I'm not saying the mid-lifers should stop buying the Spyder so that the younger, not as affluent members of society can catch up to our accident rates, that would be ridiculous. But what I am saying is everyone needs to exercise proper judgement and care when straddling these rockets.

I've seen many in our crowd drive with wild abandonment solo and in traffic. There's certainly a thrill that goes with it. But it can be short lived.

 

[Marker]

http://www.bikerspost.com/forum/topics/opinion-older-riders-must-take

This was an interesting article which definitely is in tune with our group. I would say well over half of our group fits the demographics of this article. Don't forget the comments on the bottom of the page.

But despite how you read the article, statistics don't lie. I'm not saying the mid-lifers should stop buying the Spyder so that the younger, not as affluent members of society can catch up to our accident rates, that would be ridiculous. But what I am saying is everyone needs to exercise proper judgement and care when straddling these rockets.

I've seen many in our crowd drive with wild abandonment solo and in traffic. There's certainly a thrill that goes with it. But it can be short lived.

Interesting article and for the inexperienced riders like myself a driver safety course doesn't hurt and keep focused on what you are doing at all times and slow down.:lecturef_smilie:

 

[retiredsquid]

Exactly why folks should consider taking a certified motorcycle safety course. I will not allow my wife to ride up front until she attends one. Plus, it is mandatory according to the Navy.
I consider them to be well spent money. I had taken a 23 year break from riding and took the Rider's Edge course @ the local HD dealer and it was worth every penny. I honestly believe the class kept me from having more than a couple bad accidents. It teaches situational awareness and that is critical.

 

[dancogan]

... I honestly believe the class kept me from having more than a couple bad accidents. It teaches situational awareness and that is critical.

+1 :thumbup:

For those who have never ridden on two wheels I think there may be a tendency to straddle a Spyder and not fully appreciate how exposed you are to the dangers of traffic and the road.

 

[scudrunner]

I have a plaque from my younger days of flying which says "There are Old Pilots and there are Bold pilots. But there are no Old Bold Pilots." When I was young, I was bold (and stupid), as I got older, I got smarter. I see that in most of the older ryders too.
So the stats don't lie, but do they tell the truth? How many of those accidents were the fault of the ryder? How many were the fault of a kid doing something stupid and the older person became collateral damage? Dodging morons on the highway is a necessary evil of ryding.

 

[RodO]

As my 25 year old daughter says, "I don't bounce as well as I used to."

And, as I say: "The best best way to avoid an accident is to not be there when it happens."

So, as I preach to my 23 year old son: "Situational awareness."

 

[pjp623]

Statistics will say anything that you want them to and if you don’t like what they say, just go out and find some that you do like. It sounds like this article was put together by some insurance actuaries and not by anyone that actually rides. That said, I still think safety is paramount to all of us because as someone else stated, over time none of us bounce back as quickly as when we were 20. I also strongly suggest that anyone who hasn’t ridden for a while take the MSC to awaken any of those dormant brain cells.
Ryde Safe ! :thumbup: