Saturday 26 July 2008

Facing my fears

Today I've been out on my Yamaha FJR 1300 motorbike. I've travelled a long way. With the sun in my eyes, the throttle between my fingers and the roads beneath my wheels... I've had alot of fun. Today I went to Warwick in Warwick shire- a beautiful county. With endless winding roads to open her up and work my way up and down the gears. I did decide it would be rather brave of me to take her down the motorway, the last time I did that I frightened myself BIG time, today, however.... was easy. My previous bike didn't have the pull that this bike's got;if I want to move away with this bike I do-she has such shear power, she's awesome. I couldn't have chosen a better day for roaming around the countryside, the only down side is, in this heat... I get very hot n sticky in my black leather trousers.... but as I have a fetish for 'black leather' I can put up with it. The clue to riding on a three lane motor way is to keep your cool, concentrate and have eyes in every direction. You need to remember that every body on the road is wanting to get to where they're going as fast as they can... sometimes having little regard for the other users on the road ie: us motor bikers. I did at one stage of the journey find myself relaxing and actually starting to enjoy it, finding myself positioned in the outside lane whilst overtaking. Each and every time I go out on Black Thunder, every time I sit on her and turn the key in the ignition I'm risking everything, but I know what I have to do, I know there are idiots out there, drivers who don't see me, us... other road users who couldn't care less if they cut us up. But, you have to give them a wide birth, I have to know what the car in front of the car in front of the car in front is doing before the two cars behind 'that' car have realised and start to either slow down or start to stop. I have to read every one else's moves, if I don't then I in Big trouble. It's hard work, but I have to do it, for my safety. My safety is paramount to my survival.. and anyone who I take out with me, the pillion passenger is my responsibilty too. I read some where that you have to do some thing every day that scares you. I did that today, and I'm very proud of the fact that I faced my 'fear' and survived. I'm looking forward to going out again and going back on to the motorways, knowing now that they don't scare me anymore. I've faced my fear.

20 comments:

Ron said...

Hi Idigo!

Just wanted to stop by and visit, and say thank you for stopping by my blog today!

When I saw your avatar, I noticed that I had seen you at the fabulous Nitebyrd! Isn't she great?

Hey, I enjoyed this post! I onced worked with a girl, who she and her husband built Harley's. She use to bring in photo's of them and they were gorgeous.

And she said the same thing about riding a motorcyle as you....

You have to constantly be aware of what's going on around you.

Congrats on facing your fear. Doesn't it feel great? This is something I try and do too.

Nice meeting you!

Cormac Mac Art said...

So true. In fact its bloody terriffying! Don't think I'll ever feel safe on a bike again! Which is odd, as its the one vehicle I have not had an accident. I used to love them, but had one nasty moter accident too many.

Indi said...

Thankyou ron. I love watchin American Chopper, those bikes are some thin else aren't they, but with our small country lanes they'd be lost, but with your long endless highways, I'd have some fun...if I owned a Harley!

Indi said...

cormac mac art~ I know where you're coming from. I had a fall off a 125cc scooter some years back... I almost shit myself, but I eventually got back on and regained my nerve-unlike horses of which I daren't go anywhere near!

Indi said...
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Clay Perry said...

good for you! sounds like a great way to spend a day.. im jealous..

Indi said...

clay perry~ Thanks..You're free to come join me any time..!

Queenie said...

Hi there, thanks for popping by my blog.I use to love my bike, admittedly it was only a Suzuki 250, but its still a trill when you turn the key. Like cormac never had an accident on the bike, being a passenger with a driver who wasn't aware, is the reason I'm about to have yet another operation. Its good to hear that even though your enjoying your time on the road, your watchful of others around you. Hope the weather stays fine, so you have many more enjoyable rides. How can you tell when a motorcyclist has enjoyed their ride. The green-fly stuck to their teeth, boom, boom!!!!

Indi said...

Queenie~ I'm sorry that you're still having to have operations, due I assume to an accident involvin motorcylce? I will be safe. . and I love your joke;-)

Maeve said...

I try to be extra careful when there is a bike around me while driving in my car! It could be a good looking guy riding it after all!

Indi said...

maeve~ but you'd never know if they were male or female, as the body form looks pretty much the same when in leathers and wearing a crash hat! but thanks for you comment

Mark cum for you said...

Hello from one biker to another
If you are roaming around Warwick again try the Waterman Pub on a Wednesday night around 2000 of us gather there all in our black leathers.;-)

nitebyrd said...

Good for you! How awesome your ride must have been! Your knowledge and love of motorcycles will keep you safe as will the positive thoughts sent by friends.

I'm so proud of and happy for you, hun.

Indi said...

mark cum for you~ yeah thanks for tip will keep that in mind.Black Leathers eh? ( BIG smile on face! )..

Indi said...

Nitebyrd~ thank you for those lovely words. I will be safe, it's nice to have comforting words not only from other people but other bikers, we're a big family who area always lookin out for other bikers.. thanks

Rooster Boy said...

Hi Indigo!

Thanks for dropping by my new place. Love the pic! So I had to see where it came from. And Maiden ROCKS! Come back any time!

Rooster

Indi said...

OK rooster boy I will be back... and yeah MAIDEN duz Rock, seen them in concert too... wicked!!

Trixie said...

Warichsire, a lovely area! I would so LOVE to ride a motorcycle. One day... but it costs so much to get that licence in this country!

Indi said...
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Indi said...

trixie~hello :-)Yes it's very expensive to take bike test let alone pass it. I'm off to Whitby in September for a few days, going on the bike, should be fun. If we have dreams then regardless of price, we should pursue them...