Auntie ABATE / “Cuz” Report

Hey Cuz:

I found an interesting bit in the Lincoln County Sheriff’s report back in mid-September. Apparently, about 6:30 pm on September 1, a biker wiped out trying to miss a deer. The report pointed out the rider was not wearing a helmet or any riding gear but was standing and talking around when deputies and EMS arrived. The bike had to be towed.

I find this interesting, because motorcycle/deer interactions are sometimes fatal for the rider, but this rider apparently walked away (although they did take him to the hospital). My takeaway on this is that gear or lack there-of does not necessarily mean one will have a good or bad outcome in a difficult situation. Training and gear appropriate for one’s personal situation are important, but my opinion is riding below one’s skill set is probably the most important thing one can do.

ABATE doesn’t always agree with the MSF, but one of the points made in the MSF course work for the BRC2 is to ride below one’s ability. Just because a biker can take a corner at 90 mph doesn’t mean they should. That is what track days are for. If a biker rides below his or her ability, when something really bad happens, they will have an excess of skills available to deal with it. When group riding, we really need to watch out for the slower members of the group. One or two of the better riders should slow down a little so the less confident or less experienced riders don’t feel like they have to ride beyond their comfort level to keep up.

Motorcycle fatalities are up over last year. Many of these are single vehicle crashes where alcohol was not a factor. Required gear, reduced speeds, and restricted hours and roads are all very real possibilities that will make $5/gal gas seem minor. If those of us that ride don’t come up with a way to reduce fatalities, the various bureaucrats and regulators that don’t ride, will.

jas

Dearest jas,

Exactly. ABATE’s not a religious organization, but I must admit we have been “preaching” riding safely and within your own riding skills or limitations for quite a bit of time now, as well as not riding impaired, and keeping speed under control. As a matter of fact, we have partnered with the Wisconsin DOT in putting out flyers/posters that say just that. “Ride Your Own Ride.” If we don’t take care of ourselves, who will? You guessed it. Government regulation will wreak havoc on our rights to ride, so do your part. Your safety begins with you. Let’s GO!

Your ever lovin’ “Cuz”