Morning Fall
by Edward McGinty
The riding season approaches and with it a kind of tradition I’ve been building of presenting the Morning Fall video as part of a reminder to myself and other riders, beginners and experienced, of the risks we face and accept when we take to the road. I don’t believe we can ever afford to be complacent or deny what it means to ride.
So like the annual appearance of the Wizard of Oz or It’s the Great Pumplin Charlie Brown, have a look at Morning Fall.
Does anyone else think about risk or has it drifted into the background?
Couldn’t see the video but I really do think about it while riding. Or even while walking these days…
I always think about risk. In fact I just upgraded my back armour to level 2. Better boots and I am always riding with caution in mind.
I’m in a heightened state of awareness on my scoot. I’ve seen the reflection of my eyes, and they seem like they’re stuck in a, “WHOA!” moment. lol I’ll admit that, mid-season, after a couple of motorcycle deaths have hit the newspapers, I have to remind myself to enjoy what my ride. The most recent accident that really affected me was of some teenagers huffing a can of spray paint while driving. The driver passed out and ran over, and dragged, a motorcyclist. So, while I feel like I’m hyper aware, I also realize that there may come a moment where there may be nothing I can do about it. And that’s scary to think about… but it won’t keep me off my scooter! 😉
It’s that time of year again to reevaluate the risks of riding, to inspect my gear, and prepare for the riding season. This year, it has come time to replace some of my gear after much wear and the growing desire to upgrade to mitigate some of the risks. Ride safe out there…and if you’re driving, stay alert for the riders.
— Patefermente
On a similar vein, I produced this one almost 20 years ago. It’s dated, and more ‘traditional’ video than the one you posted, but the message is the same. The wife of our stunt rider refused to watch it for years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIJfqz2bwiI&feature=share&list=UU_4MrKxfOyV3MinOZF2wd1Q
Steve, the video was MIA on my iPhone, but it’s an important lesson, so I tracked it down on Vimeo.
An appropriate sobering thought as the season kicks off.
Thank you.
BTW, note to Blogger / Google, it’s getting harder and harder to prove you’re not a robot.
It makes me laugh to myself though. Growing up in the 60’s I would never have believed that one day we would regularly and seriously have to prove we weren’t robots in order to get things done!
Every time I pull my helmet on, I ask myself if it’s a good day to die, and am I prepared. Then I ride.
I’s like to say I think about risk, but I don’t. I generally make sure I’m riding within my ability and road conditions. Having said that I still forget about deer. They’re just not on my radar and it’s always a surprise when I see one.
Poignant. Thanks for the reminder.
Dear Steve:
It is wonderful to know that you are out riding again. And is even better to be reading your blog. I have seen the video that is part and parcel of this episode before. It haunted me before and it haunts me now.
It does not look like all be riding anytime soon. I am not happy. This may be another lost summer for me.
Fondest regards,
Jack/Reep
Twisted Roads
RichardM: I swapped the embedded video to one that didn’t have so many issues. I try to keep in mind, riding or walking, to pay attention.
Peter Sanderson: Sounds as if you are focused in a reasonable manner. It always surprises me how little effort it actually takes to be cautious and how little it affects the joy of the ride.
well that was depressing. Beautifully done, but depressing. I took the passenger pegs off my bike so I wouldn’t be tempted.
And when riding at twilight through forests, I watch the sides of the road more intensely than what’s on the road itself, and I always dress like a DIY Iron Man, in full regalia. Risk/Reward/Consequences.
I’ve posted that video every spring for many years. It was shocking the first time I saw it and burned into my brain the risk of riding. I wanted to make sure I did not forget. Twilight around here is full of deer. South of here is referred to as “Venison Valley.” My cardiologist had an unfortunate encounter with a deer on his BMW F800.
To brighten things a bit, check out this video —Old guys riding motorcycles
oh yeah, haven’t seen that one in a while. Really great.
I watch that video when I’m feeling bad about getting older…