Today’s Sermon
When a novice rider gets a few miles under his/her belt, it is interesting to see how casual many become about riding and safety. Over the summer I have had many occasions to ride with some motorcyclist who fit in this category. Initially, they where cautious and alert to the many dangers a motorcyclist faces. Then somewhere along the way, that cautiousness gave way to a false sense of security. They seemed to take safety for granted, pay less attention to what is happening around them, and over estimate their ability. This combination equals one thing; TROUBLE! This is not to say one shouldn’t grow in their confidence as a rider, of course that should happen, but I am speaking of the mindset some riders experience where they feel they are invincible. No matter your experience or riding ability, let this post serve as a reminder that this wonderful hobby we enjoy can also be quite dangerous, and we should always do our best to ride with soberness of thought, and vigilance.
Sermon over, time for the offering! 
Amen!
I’ve seen tragedy come from this type numerous times.
I tend to be just the opposite and find that I have to sometimes tell myself to relax.
Dear Rick:
Riding is the most Democratic of pursuits. Everyone I know has had at least one encounter with the ground. I once read that a motorcycle’s most natural position is on its side someplace. I remind myself of this every time I put on my body armor to ride to the store.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads
True words to live by.
You preach true gospel, Brother! In the world of experience, statistics show that the most dangerous time is between around three and ten thousand miles. The initial fear gets replaced with a comfort level that’s not matched with the skill level.
Even for those riders who seek training, studies seem to show that the majority of the positive affect from the training fades after about six months. Not that all the learned skills go away, but the top of mind awareness of riding well and skillfully burns less brightly.
Thank you for the reminder.