 favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 850
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 850 |
thought i'd open this up to smart tips you folks practice. i like to time intersections w/ another car to run interference against potential left turn cagers. i also always use the turn signal when merging from the ramp onto the interstate. cat here's some tips: urban riding tips 
George in Easy Rider: "Oh, oh I've got a helmet! I got a beauty!"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I've become selective on where I position my bike in the lane, when entering a multiple lane intersection. I want to avoid being hit by folks who short cut their lane and cross a lane of oncoming traffic (or a mc sitting!) This website has a lot of safety tips & techniques: MC Safety Tips
Al
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
When riding past a shopping mall, pay attention to what sort of businesses are there. Be careful around these at any time, but especially if they have such shops as a nail solon, cell phone or 99 cent (50P) store.
Never lose track of the fact that can't see is not at all the same as nothing there.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Eye contact helps tons.
I always ride like I'm invisible and they're all trying to kill me. Always!
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 807
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 807 |
Thanks Cat,I printed the off the page,makes very intresting reading,although there's not much call for it up here,made me realise I've ridden defensively most of my riding life.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 503
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 503 |
Quote:
Eye contact helps tons.
I always ride like I'm invisible and they're all trying to kill me. Always!
They are trying to kill us. Drive like you have a bullseye on your back and you improve your chances of survival for sure.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
A big problem with traffic safety is what I refer to as 'image rejection'. A perfect example of this occured on night when I was riding with friend on a poorly light road. There was some old bat at a stopsign ahead and, as long as all she could see was 2 headlights, she could see us. Unfortunately, there was a streetlight at the intersection and, when we reached it, she realised that we were on motorcycles and she can't see motorcycles so she pulled out in front of us.
The only way I have found to effectively counteract this is to look scary or behave oddly. Most people have a very difficult time convincing themselves they can't see you after saying, "God, look at that wierdo on the motorbike!".
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999 |
always stop with the bike in gear, you never know when you'll have to take evasive action.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
i like to time intersections w/ another car to run interference against potential left turn cagers...
Not only timing intersections, but in all areas where you can, use the cages to screen you from other cages. Reminds me of Basketball.
And like Jethro says, "always stop with the bike in gear, you never know when you'll have to take evasive action." At least keep the bike in gear until the cage behind you has come to a full and complete stop. Again, this is using the cage behind you as a screen...
Defensive driving is the only way to survive.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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1. During my lessons I was taught to sit at lights etc with the foot brake on and in gear. 2. When in town I ride with my light bar on. Too many people worrying about picking the kids up or going to the post office to pay the gas bill to think about not trying to kill you. 3. I have now got so used to doing a 'lifesaver' when changing lane or driving past on-ramps etc, that I do it in the car all the time too. Even with blind spot mirrors fitted. 4. No matter how hot it is, never be tempted to ride without wearing protection. I always wear a condom  , just kidding - never go out without gloves on. Have you ever fallen off a bicycle? seen your hands after?
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4 |
As I always say... loud pipes save lives.
I'm getting experience as a consequence of something that has happened to me. For example, a drunken woman that was using her cellular checked me from behind when I was waiting for the green light. From there on, I don't stand in the middle of the lane.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
To put my own spin on some of what has been said (and just like Lays potato chips, you can't eat just one):
- Ride like a fighter pilot - everybody is the enemy.
- The best defense is a good offense. Of course just about everything on the road is bigger than you, but I'm referring mostly to lane position and eye contact with cagers (loud pipes also play into it). There's a really bad T intersection near my office and I always stare at the driver on the right waiting to turn left in front of me. So many have pulled out into traffic I almost try and intimidate them into watching. But I still cover the brakes just in case.
- Even when they see you, they don't see you (see above)
- Time is your friend. I think a lot of the reason they don't see you is that they're are either tired or in a hurry. If they're in a hurry, you can help make them see you, for instance at a four-way stop, by pausing a little more when it's your turn or by going through the intersection a little slower. You might make them mad but they'll see what they're mad at. Once you clear the intersection then you can nail the throttle.
- Don't ride in their blind spot
- Always check your mirrors, especially when stopped. I have carpel tunnel syndrome and my hands can start to hurt pretty bad if I have to sit at a light holding the clutch and brake lever, but I don't shift into neutral and use my rear brake to hold my position to rest my hands until I'm sure the traffic behind me has come to a stop.
- I listen to music with my MP3 player and headphones on long trips, but never in town - it's too distracting
- Don't worry about waving to a passing motorcycle when in heavy traffic because you never realize just how quickly conditions can change. I almost ate the back of a pickup truck this week because he decided to stop just as I was starting to throw a wave at another bike.
Oh crap, that got longer than I planned. Gotta get to work.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Oh, and I would say be extra wary of drivers on the phone, but anymore drivers NOT on the phone are the minority.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Oh, and I would say be extra wary of drivers on the phone, but anymore drivers NOT on the phone are the minority.
To expand on that, be wary of people *NOT* on the phone because these days, that's just plain wierd.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Here's one thing I haven't seen mentioned:
Watch out for the beaters. You know the ones. Crap falling off or already off. Multiple dents, maybe missing a light lens.
These people do not care about their vehicles, probably don't care about much else, and they darn sure don't care about running into you.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Watch out for the beaters
Great point, I always steer well clear of those folks in my car, there is a darn good reason why those cars look the way they do!
Al
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Watch out for the beaters. You know the ones. Crap falling off or already off. Multiple dents, maybe missing a light lens.
Especially watch for "crap falling off." That stuff can be dangerous.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
Quote:
To put my own spin on some of what has been said (and just like Lays potato chips, you can't eat just one):
- Ride like a fighter pilot - everybody is the enemy.
- The best defense is a good offense. Of course just about everything on the road is bigger than you, but I'm referring mostly to lane position and eye contact with cagers (loud pipes also play into it). There's a really bad T intersection near my office and I always stare at the driver on the right waiting to turn left in front of me. So many have pulled out into traffic I almost try and intimidate them into watching. But I still cover the brakes just in case.
- Even when they see you, they don't see you (see above)
- Time is your friend. I think a lot of the reason they don't see you is that they're are either tired or in a hurry. If they're in a hurry, you can help make them see you, for instance at a four-way stop, by pausing a little more when it's your turn or by going through the intersection a little slower. You might make them mad but they'll see what they're mad at. Once you clear the intersection then you can nail the throttle.
- Don't ride in their blind spot
- Always check your mirrors, especially when stopped. I have carpel tunnel syndrome and my hands can start to hurt pretty bad if I have to sit at a light holding the clutch and brake lever, but I don't shift into neutral and use my rear brake to hold my position to rest my hands until I'm sure the traffic behind me has come to a stop.
- I listen to music with my MP3 player and headphones on long trips, but never in town - it's too distracting
- Don't worry about waving to a passing motorcycle when in heavy traffic because you never realize just how quickly conditions can change. I almost ate the back of a pickup truck this week because he decided to stop just as I was starting to throw a wave at another bike.
Oh crap, that got longer than I planned. Gotta get to work.
I love the fighter pilot analogy. As the Great Santini said to his son, Ben
"Gotta work that defense Benny-boy. Check your six."
Ride Safe
Ryan
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
On the other hand, if you only keep up the mechanicals and interior of your work car and keep the exterior as disreputable as possible, people tend to stay out of the way.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
<chuckle>
I certainly would (and do)!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
When travelling through town and approaching a built up area, cover the horn
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
Pay close attention to the person waiting in the car at a crossroad or junction, but pay closer attention to their wheels- are they moving or rolling?
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
Statistics show that we humans are alerted to movement- alert a fellow driver of your presence by "wiggling" the bike momentarily, when approaching a vehicle from behind or a junction. With lights on this is particularly effective and caused the other vehicles to be more alerted to your presence
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
when at lights-and on a flat surface- cover the brake with your hand- not your foot. Use the foot to steady you. Use the other foot to manipulate the gear shift ready for a quick exit- should you get a potential shunt from the rear.
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
When approaching traffic at a stand still dont bunch up close the the vehicle in front-leave a safety gap or "escape route" for the above reason
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
although the road ahead may be clear and "ideal for making progress" and overtaking a vehicle infront- remember to check for junctions on either side of the road. In UK these road junctions are often indicated by a broken white line. A cross view down these junctions BEFORE overtaking, may save your life.
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
Watch the occupant of the car you are following- like so many posts before- you are looking for clues to aid your survival;
1.heavy brakedust on front wheels may indicate a late stopper- ( strangely enough- often found on BMW's in UK)
2.Children in the rear of the car-driver gets distracted
3.Pick up time from school
4.rapid head movement- talking to passenger and looking at the passenger also- NOT looking at you or the road
5.Mobile/cell phones
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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 Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 241
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 241 |
Good tips, especially since, just Friday, some dim-witted soccer mom driving an Isuzu Trooper almost turned me into a grease stain while yakking on a @*##ing cell phone. 
Any landing you can walk away from is a good one.
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 Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I used to have a 77 3/4 Chevy that looked like crap. I only drove it when I had to carry stuff but it was funny how I never had people fail to yield when they were supposed to.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
when approaching the brow (top) of a hill, especially a blind summit, always keep into the side of the road, in UK left,in America right. This road position may help if a fool approaches from the other direction and tries to overtake traffic by taking up your side of the road.
Don't get into this position too early as you want to maximize your chances of being seen. Domination of the road position is the key!
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 485
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 485 |
Watch out for open trucks haulong stuff! One more than one occasion I have had to shift position because the load did not look tied down properly and on one occasion I had to kick away (always wear boots) one of those round landscape stones rolling down the road.
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Re: favorite traffic riding tip
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 163
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 163 |
put antlers on your helmet, then people will see you
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