It's a bit late coming, but it's been stewing (or brewing) for a while.
It's also a bit long, but I hope you're still around to read it.
I've read through some of your posts, truly a sad day dude, thanks to lack of responsibility.
An increasing trend, brought about by legislators enacting laws to protect these very people, but I digress.
Importantly, glad to see you're well(ish) though, and chin up, never say never.
Many years ago I broke back and neck, through someone failing to give way.
Then, someone did the same thing to the ambulance on the way to hospital!!!
I was lying lengthways in the back, barely conscious, and they had to get hard on the brakes.
I'll never forget the pain as my spine compressed...
I was a pillion at the time, but it didn't matter, same net effect.
(There shouldn't be many here, but for anyone advocating the use of open face helmets.
I was catapulted off the back, ' was told I went cart wheeling through the air and, from what I could work out, landed on helmet then shoulder.
There was a big crack in that chin bar, but I shudder to think.)
The first thing I did when I got out was, pick up my bike, got a new lid while I was there.
My bike wasn't the one damaged, it was in getting warranty work on the alternator, which is why I was a pillion.
About a year later I moved and changed jobs, got rid of the bike, a GSX-R 750F (alternator bearings were a common fault) and went back to playing with cars.
Years later, my circumstances changed again.
It was then that I realised, it hadn't left me.
I'd been riding since about 12 and driving for a lot longer than that.
Cutting an already long story shorter, I told myself I wouldn't unless I got formal training this time, I was married by this stage.
(No reference to
your riding ability)
For me, it was one of those defining moments in life, like someone switching on a light. Yeah, I know, well used line.
I've since, done more courses than I can remember and run hundreds more (I later began teaching it full time, after doing so part time for about 10 years).
It doesn't stop me getting it wrong; but the feeling while on that bike is irreplaceable.
Believe it or not, I've been driving since I was 6 (tractors), but I rarely ever drive these days.
Indeed if I am, I couldn't fit it on the bike...
As much as we preach, as careful as we are, the reality is, we all make routine assumptions out there.
We do that every time we go through an intersection and don't slow down to about 5 mph,
Gladly, most times, it works out for us...
That's the nature of the beast, on the street.
Your first thought, obviously, needs to be for your family.
But, there's always a but
, there are alternatives to the street, as has already been pointed out.
FWIW
It's a bit like smoking, it NEVER leaves you.
Peace.
Here's a fond memory for you.
