Why I quit riding my motorcycle

I recently witnessed a pretty bad motorcycle crash that had me take a break for a couple months. This wasn't really a planned break from riding as much as it was a subconscious break that just had me lose some interest in the idea of getting on the bike. In this video I walk you through that crash and some of the thoughts I have on continuing riding in the future.
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[@Valorcycle]

Its crucial to always maintain a high level of respect for the machine. Never get too comfortable, passive, or arrogant while riding as thats when things can go wrong. Of course mistakes happen, so have proper gear to help protecr youraelf as best you can.

[@hogdavidson489]

I can understand what your experiencing and want to take a break, I’ve been riding for over 50 years and have buried several brothers from accidents, I have made it clear that if I go down and don’t recover that I went out doing what I love, I’ve come to the understanding that when your time on this big beautiful world is up that there’s nothing you can do about it. So with that being said please make sure that you’ve accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, death is jus a door we walk through and fear is a spirit that doesn’t come from God. We walk (and ride) by faith, Love one another and be that brother or sister that someone may need to lean on, God bless y’all

[@tdublove9558]

Wise words thanks 🙏

[@tylerthrash3155]

Took me a long time to get back on after getting ran over. And yes definitely wise words above..

[@studid55]

Thanks bro, This is perfect and what we all need to hear, but many DONT WANT to hear. We all will see what this life really was. I dont plan to find out at age 22 tho. More like 82 please. If riding a motorcycle is the HIGHLIGHT of your life, idk, maybe find something else. Normally, its something simple like a family that is worth FARRR more than riding....

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

All I can say is I don't blame you for taking a break. There have been a few events over my lifetime that made me take a break. A person has to know when not to ride, meaning your mind isn't straight. So I tip my lid to you Dan. Eric

[@MotoMengy]

Good on you Dan for realizing a break was needed rather than pushing through and riding with frazzled nerves. Safety is priority one. I've seen a few wrecks in my time but I've never been shaken hard enough to take a break, but I've often wondered if the day might come when something did rattle me that much.

[@TobyNorthEN]

Thank you for sharing with us! Getting past the mental impacts can be tough. This can be the kind of thing one dreams about and loses sleep over. I'm glad to see you riding again. Be safe and on behalf of the other gentleman, THANK YOU for coming to his aid.

[@azdesertdog]

Witnessing something like that definitely gives you pause and for good reason. My brother witnessed his business partner die in a crash like you described. Immediately sold his bike and has not looked back. Years ago as a volunteer firefighter I saw the aftermath of several wrecks. Once I was handed a sock and asked to look for toes. That will woe you up. After fourty six years of riding I have had my own share of wrecks. I still get back on. A little more educated, a little more cautious and a little more cognizant of my mortality.

[@MrVader2004]

I was out with My son, saw him go down hard in a corner in my mirrors.....Luckily gear saved him from serious injury

[@TheJedRides]

There's a line in the movie BULL DURHAM in which Kevin Costner explains to Tim Robbins that you've got to play baseball with "fear and arrogance". I think the same is true for lots of things we do, including riding a motorcycle. Bad things CAN happen every time you get in the saddle. Bad things are GONNA happen if you don't have the right balance of fear and arrogance.

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

Very good point the jed rides 👍. Witnessing a tragic crash like that can be traumatic. And can make you think. However I try not to ride outside my limits. I have a saying, IF YOU DONT MAKE THE CHOICE, THE CHOICE MAKES YOU. I hope the rider makes a full recovery. Be safe everyone.

[@scotthausam6445]

I'm grateful to have stumbled upon this video. Thanks for sharing this with the community.

[@chetcrowley6526]

Watched a good friend get in a wreck a few years ago, shook me pretty hard. You aren’t alone with this situation.

[@tmar0075]

After having 2 accidents in the past 3 yrs on my bike..i can understand the reluctance jumping back on..i took a break for awhile myself..slowly getting back on it when I feel comfortable doin so...i still feel the effects from my last incident..but of course I still enjoy the wind in my face..😊

[@Delzona]

I've read that the number one cause of motorcycle accidents is single rider going into a turn too fast! I've had a similar experience and I was a newer rider and I went into a turn too fast. Since then I've taken a few advanced riding classes and learned a lot more about myself and how to handle a bike in a turn. Speed control, pre-loading the front brake (trail braking) and knowing what's on the other side of the twisty. If you don't know because you can't see through the turn then SLOW DOWN. I also practice as much as possible anticipating the unexpected in a turn. Even mentally thinking about what could happen helps. Lastly, I'll say one thing I've stuck by on group rides. "You ride your ride, I'll ride my ride" In other words I'm not going to exceed my skill level trying to stay with you and you shouldn't exceed yours to stay with my. Glad you're not giving up riding! Use this experience to better yourself so you'll always return home from every ride!

[@Superfangelo]

Good post!

[@kimw200blaze4]

Well if your trail braking into a corner, your going too fast on an public road in the first place. Trail braking is for the track. Apart from that, I agree with everything else you have said.

[@pacopetepnw3434]

been a while since making comment on your channel. You are a good person Dan. (always telling my Buddies about your quality and diverse content too).🤘❣

[@HDVIBE]

I have yet to experience anything like that. Ive seen minor stuff and cant even imagine the impact of such an event may have on my riding. Thanks for sharing. Ride safe

[@jshawley]

There are a LOT of options besides leaning the bike more that would have saved the crash. Trail braking, body position, downshifting / engine braking. The bad part of those options is that the MSF class does not teach any of them. Hit up an advanced riding school or attend a track day ( Yes, even on your Harley ) The techniques you will learn aren't just about going fast, it's about going fast safely. I use the knowledge I have gained from track riding every time I go on the street. Not because it's cool, but because it makes me a safer rider. Going into a corner to hot? Well, just 1-2% front brake will tighten up the radius of the turn so you can make it through. Have a corner that is a decreasing radius and you need to tighten up in a hurry, drop your head and shoulders to pull the mass of the bike into the corner. Stuff like that. It doesn't matter the kind of bike either. If the floorboards are scraping, get your ass off the seat and hang off to get the clearance you need. Glad to see you have returned.

[@JP1970]

Totally understand--good reminder. Bikes are dangerous! Thanks and stay safe, Dan! I try to remember that every time I throw a leg over mine. Head on a swivel! Oh, and a little prayer works for me!

[@papap.8006]

Dan I can completely understand your feelings after watching an accident like that. After sometime you will feel comfortable with riding again. If it’s important enough to you. I guess what I am saying if you get enough enjoyment out of riding. I know I am heading out to my brothers in Tucson in October for some riding and I hope it’s cooler then. But like you said it’s so hot presently that most people don’t ride much in the heat. You will know when or if your ready to get in the saddle. 👍

[@BoDean52]

No need to explain Dan and hope you get okay with it one way or the other. Family impacts a ton we do.

[@BillTheHarleyGuy]

i had see i person go down in front of me and know what you mean about taking a break as i been there myself , glad to see you back 👍

[@Superfangelo]

Two simple words to go by can prevent many, many motorcycle accidents, especially when on unfamiliar roads: SLOW DOWN! Edit to say: the heat and humidity here in n. Georgia has kept me off my bike most of this summer. I just can't do it as an ATGATT rider.

[@Delzona]

I still do ATGATT even during the AZ summer! It's hell, but if I'm riding, I'm wearing my gear. Hell just the thought of coming off the bike and laying on the blistering hot roadway is motivation enough for me to wear my gear!

[@Superfangelo]

@@Delzona Yeah, I'm gonna gear up to do more cold weather riding. Nothing crazy, but I think I can be more comfortable at 45 degrees than 95 and 80% humidity. Heat didn't bother me so much when I was younger. Now, at 70, I'm a wimp.😄

[@Delzona]

@@Superfangelo nah, as you long as you are still riding that's the most important part. When I lived in Maryland I used to ride through winter until they started salting the roads! Heated gear made that possible! lol

[@Superfangelo]

@@Delzona I'm gonna ride, one way or another, until I can no longer swing a leg over my hawg. 🏍

[@Delzona]

@@Superfangelo My sediments exactly!! I've even looked trikes for when the day comes that I can't hold my RKS up anymore! lol

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

if it doesn't feel right, don't do it amen Dan!

[@InfamousCreep]

It's tough, I question riding myself. We just gotta stay vigilant 💯.

[@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987]

A couple months ago in a couple week span I seen 3 mc accidents including 1 fatal on my route to work that already makes me nervous but I drove my truck to work for a couple weeks

[@impoppa9647]

Good to see you on the bike again. Sometimes we need a break even from things we love to do. Sometimes we also need a prod either from ourselves or other to start falling in love again with our favourite activities. Just like dating, start slow and gentle get back that first loving feeling again. You will know yourself if the longterm desire to ride regularly again is within you!

[@MrEdMatters]

Totally understand, wife and I were riding in the mountains and approaching a hair pin turn and there was a Guy coming from opposite direction, we did not see the impact but watched the bike ghost ride the guard rail, I pulled over and we got off and looked for him, grade on the other side of guard rail dropped at least 20 feet and with the thick brush we couldn't see him, some younger people stopped also and climbed down, no phone signal also in the area, some others stopped and we instructed them to drive till they got a signal and call for help, freaking bad situation, emergency vehicles showed up in about twenty minutes or so, we found out later he passed away down there, his buddies riding in front of him didn't even know he was down, they kept on for a while, they eventually showed up, we felt terrible all day and for months to come, luckily my wife still gets on the back and rides, ride safe all

[@c-leezyrc2313]

My friend was killed Dec 07 motorcycle accident. I didn't ride for more than a year after that!! Completely understand your situation.

[@richardsveum8452]

I completely understand, got off the bike for the last time in 2021 after a close call. Just too many idiots out there to risk it anymore. Arthritis made the decision easier but I still miss it.

[@kenvangoe9358]

It's amazing how an event like someone crashing in front of you can change your thoughts of life in general and our own mortality but it happens just doing simple safe things can turn out to be dangerous it's what they call happenstance you just have to live your life to the fullest and not dwell on the possibilities of something bad its just like being locked up for a year without contact you become afraid of interacting with society and become a recluse just be careful and ride safe my friend God love ya

[@taps_1021]

If you ride long enough. You will see some gnarly stuff. I have seen alot from minor injuries to loss of life riding. It's very high risk but rewarding at the same time.

[@JarheadSixRides]

Thanks for sharing this man. I appreciate the video

[@Smallbore2wheels]

Definitely a good reason to second guess riding for a bit.

[@InfamousCreep]

Glad to hear the rider is doing great 👍

[@picasso12b]

I recently saw a man die right in front of me. He blew a red light and went into the side of a truck. It was horrible to watch and really shook me up. I took about a month off after that. Everytime I was getting on my bike, my wife of 30 years was having complete anxiety and I decided to sell the bikes. It’s been 4 months and I cannot stop thinking about riding again. I’m torn!

[@Knoxvillemoto]

Makes sense. I watched a guy die in a head on couple years back. You definitely think about it for sure.

[@adarngoodjoe4043]

I don't think of motorcycling as being dangerous. Rather, I think it's unforgiving. Dangerous to me is when you're riding a bike that isn't mechanically sound. I tell everyone to really learn to brake, especially with the front brake, even in a curve while leaned over.

[@4tech69]

"I don't think of motorcycling as being dangerous." That's just stupid. It is Dangerous. 28 times more dangerous than driving a car no matter how mechanically sound your Bike is. Fuck outta here with that dunning kruger bullshit.

[@keltecdan]

The other drivers on the road is what makes it so dangerous. People don’t take operating a motor vehicle seriously. They get in start it up and put their mind on autopilot spacing out thinking about everything else except driving. Plus you add the distractions of a cell phone and or things outside or inside the car which makes things even worse. Being under the influence or intoxicated is another big thing as well. I wish there were tougher laws on motorists if they get into an accident and it’s their fault. Should be a minimum of 30 days license suspension if at fault.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

I have witnessed way too many accidents involving cars, trucks, semis, atv and motorcycles through the years. Had many close encounters myself. I still drive, ride and travel.

[@luizdejesus6240]

If you ride long enough, you will witness things that happen to others, never mind the things that may happen to you. You are doing the right thing, take time to process the event and what you can do to modify your riding to reduce the inherent risk of our pass time...

[@t.mitchellb2766]

I lost my dad to an accident on a motorcycle. A car cut across three lanes and clipped his front wheel, sending my dad flying. He had his gear on, but it did not help. That said, I tried riding after that some but it's just not the same any more.

[@GearsGadgets]

First off, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Second, the fact that you got back on at all is commendable bravery. I can say with some confidence I am not sure I would be able to the same. I know you didn't have to share so I thank you for sharing your story and again, I am very sorry for your loss.

[@t.mitchellb2766]

@@GearsGadgets Thank you for your kind words.

[@ChadWinters]

I just started riding at 50. Still very cautious, I bought a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 which encourages very casual (slow) cruising, hopefully will help keep me out of trouble

[@donaldduck2405]

Thank you, good to see back on the bike. RLTW

[@summerforever6736]

Was he on a cruiser? im glad he is ok!

[@BaggersandBrews]

I have a very similar Story Dan, I get it.

[@Jourvence777]

The editing was beautiful

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@mojavewolf1]

My late husbands brother was only 21 and he lost control of his bike and was decapitated by the guard rail 😢Then latter after serving in Iraq 🇮🇶 His Son came home from war and bought a sport bike . He was hit by a truck in Las Vegas and again in early twenties , paralyzed from the waist down . So he made it thru the war and then this happened 😢

[@FishOn1]

As a long time rider coach, I’ll suggest he almost certainly would have been better off pressing more to turn harder. If he was not scraping hard parts, it could lean more. If he decided to stand up, the best corse of action is very hard braking. Standing it up only to aim for a spot to go off road is a bad decision.

[@GearsGadgets]

Well he was dragging hard parts which is why I said the advice of giving it more would have absolutely undoubtedly led to a low side and would have happened a split second later placing him under a moving fire truck. The other option of standing it up then pretending as if you have 15 second to slow down and pick a soft spot lacks appreciation for reality and millisecond survival based decision making. Unfortunately the rider coach input ALWAYS have unlimited better options than went down however every one of these post-incident analysis ALL benefit from unlimited time to dissect and assess. Reality is, accidents happen and every accident will have some judgmental professional offering some self righteous input. This is the same thing that happens with every police interaction breakdown, a real lack of appreciation for real world split second chaos. That’s my take.

[@FishOn1]

Hmm. If he was indeed dragging hard parts, I seriously doubt he would have been able to stand it up the way you state he did. Your response shows that you obviously know everything there is to know, so I won’t bother with any other comments. Best wishes as you continue to ride, probably with no training what so ever.

[@GearsGadgets]

@@FishOn1 my response only shows that I was physically there and I am relaying to you what I saw with my own two eyes from 20-30 yards away. I don’t even come close to pretending like I know everything, I am a modest guy who isn’t afraid to admit when I’m wrong. Me rejecting your recreation of something you didn’t witness isn’t me saying you aren’t qualified to provide input, I’m simply saying you are recreating a narrative to fit the training as opposed to providing input on what actually happened. I will walk back the low side comment if it makes you happy and say.. MAYBE he could have pushed through harder and ran wide which would have put him on the grille of an oncoming fire truck. Not sure that would have been preferable.

[@felipe-nt-d]

Dang... And I got bummed because I fell with my bike while stopped at the intersection.

[@Skipshift]

Totally understand! I went for a long period without riding after coming up on a rider that hit a deer. It was NOT a good scene and I saw parts of the human anatomy that only a surgeon should, I'll leave it at that. It took a long time to feel comfortable riding again. Staf safe out there ✌

[@Superfangelo]

Hitting a deer, meaning the possibility thereof, is a scary as hell thing that a rider has little to no control over.

[@davidvanbrunt4233]

It will rattle you ,if it doesn't then something is wrong....

[@djkak5320]

I’ve experienced a circumstance like this, although I was a close, personal friend of the rider that went down and the outcome couldn’t have been worse. If a lot off anxiety can paralyze a person, a little anxiety can keep them from_________. My sense is that getting back on the horse, as you have, serves to remove or reduce anxiety related to the machine, rather than the activity and your capabilities, which can be managed. I was a skydiver for 10+ years and during that period whenever a student experienced a parachute malfunction and had to deploy their reserve, they became priority one and were put back into the air immediately...or they would never return. Everyone is different as are their reasons for riding and what they get out of it. Life is filled with risk, much of which can be managed. In this case getting back on the machine is part of the process. After getting back on the motorcycle, a person can decide later if they should continue riding motorcycles. If a person experiences anxiety looking at the motorcycle in their garage, they are likely already done with motorcycles, whether they realize it or not. It all comes down to all of the different things that are important to each one of us. “And In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ― Abraham Lincoln?

[@NelsonChaosX]

This is such good advice. thank you for it

[@powamoto]

Have you seen a car accident? Been in 1? Did you stop driving your car? No you didn't. Anybody out there wanna turn in ya keys let me know ✌

[@GearsGadgets]

Watching someone face plant into a guardrail is significantly more traumatizing than watching someone have a bunch of airbags protect them when they hit the same guardrail while they are held firm in their seat with their seatbelt. One accident is more likely the person walks away with a couple scrapes, the other is more likely someone is airlifted to a trauma center.

[@powamoto]

@@GearsGadgets so you stopped ✋riding after they were hurt 😢seeing my crash would make most squirm I stood up broken bones and all and rode away No Fear Brah .

[@robertanderson2552]

I'm tempted to stop motorcycling as I have kids and don't want them to take up motorcycles... I'd feel guilty if anything ever happened to them because they followed me into bikes

[@buzzhead817]

yes all true but there more you can do to protect your self

[@wendellthomas464]

How about an airbag vest?

[@californiapoontappa]

Lowside is better then a high side

[@masterspin7796]

I was at a motorcycle accident near my house around 1968 where two girls ran into a car that was turning into his driveway...compound fractures..I remember it before I got sent home I was around 9 years old...I still ride.

[@GearsGadgets]

Everyone has unique circumstances with unique perceptions, and unique ways of dealing with those unique and complex combinations of events.

[@masterspin7796]

@@GearsGadgets My best friend hit a cow past 2a.m. on his Harley a few years ago and got messed up bad he no longer rides I think about getting hurt every time I take off...could be my last ride?

[@expatbiker6598]

Personal responsibility is lost in a good chunk of people. There was a Stat on insurance accidents. There's a 10% of population responsible for over 40% of accidents. Repeat offenders. Just like crime. All accidents I've had were none fault but 2 I could have prevented them.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Speed kills. I carry a large first aid kit because of idiots going to fast. Ride safe not unsafe. I have 4 kids of my own and one of wife's all at home still. My duty as a motorcyclist is to ride safe and help others when I can. Even a safe rider does stupid. I just dumped bike after the mud hole in my moms driveway. Tried to ride the grass hump between mudholes. Should of rode through them.

[@tizzin8r]

I pray everytime before I kick the leg over my saddle. Give thanks and ask for protection. I’ll ride till I die or until the good Lord says I can’t. 2 Timothy 1:7 🙏

[@Babaindahaus]

I quite just after 1 year (15k km)... I have to say, that its a big boring uf u cant race... And i need my driving license... I would be jobless if they take it....

[@randycallow3736]

All pretty silly.. you explain how each position in a group.. the leader.. the middle and the end guy have some role.. some responsibility.. dumb.. ride your bike.. keep your pace and have a meet up point.. no helmet to helmet skills evaluation.. and the actual accident.. people push really really hard.. again for the impress your pal factor and crash.. when people are riding over their head.. bad is the result..in the SW it's even easier because California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas.. give you plenty of straight smooth road only to find out you don't have the skills for curves.. death is certainly extreme but too many people on 2 wheels are riding above their ability and nobody wants to see a death from a mistake.. but that's real..even Harley has disc brakes so you can chill before the tilt of almost every American DOT corner.. crashing is bad but because you were pushing your limits and nobody says so.. shame

[@nelsonfernandez7473]

If you ride motorcycle and have young kids get life insurance if you can sorry but people that ride motorcycle gave up on common sense a long time ago, yes it's fun but even a grom will put you in a casket, and that is no fun

[@GearsGadgets]

Ken Block lived a short life but he lived WAY more life than someone who’s 98 years old who was afraid to ride a grom. Some people mistake common sense with fear of living life and that’s far more sad than someone who dies young doing the things they love and setting an example for those around them to enjoy the short life we all have. There are no guarantees in life, you could wrap yourself in bubble wrap and still die of a stroke at 43 years old. Enjoy what you have.

[@adamtisch8358]

​@@GearsGadgetsAmen!!!

[@adamtisch8358]

It's all up to God. U can be the healthiest person on earth and get hit by a train. Or u can do what u Love and enjoy every moment of it and not take for granted. I got news for ya man... If it's your time. Your going! No matter what you do. All up to God.

[@constellations3756]

It was difficult to understand you....very muffled.

[@BossMan302]

Soooooo you wanna sell your bike ? Lol