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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / March 2005[OT] Am I being unreasonable?
DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. He would like to get there on his sportbike, which is his first bike and which he has owned since last summer. The longest ride he's ever done is perhaps one or two hours, and he complains that his butt gets sore. His motorcycle is also the "twitchy" sort that responds aggressively to even a small change in the throttle. My response to all of this: I'm fine with him attending the show, but I would rather he not ride so far for the first time, alone. If he could find a friend to also ride (on their own bike) with him, I would be fine, but it seems to me that it's a very long ride and that many things could go wrong. Even if I wanted to do the trip with him, I would have to stop after 2 hours of riding, max, because of my knee problems, so unfortunately I can't be the person to ride with him. I recognize that, as he doesn't know anyone who fits the bill, it would be hard to find a stranger willing to tie themselves to an inexperienced distance rider like this. I told him that it's his life and I can't stop him from doing what he wants, but that this makes me very nervous and I'd rather he not do it. On the other hand, I recognize that this would be an amazing experience for him, and I'm a big believer that we're only on this world one time around and that we should try to experience as much as we can while we're here. If he doesn't do it, I'll feel that I've kept him from an important experience. Am I being unreasonable? Can anyone think of any compromise positions? I just don't feel that he has the experience and knowledge (both rider and mechanical) to do this safely. But as he says, you have to start somewhere. The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ...  Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing > event [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last > summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... Does he have a cell phone that he could contact you or someone else closer in case he gets into trouble? Hugs, CatNipped > Does he have a cell phone that he could contact you or someone else closer > in case he gets into trouble? Yes, although I don't know what the coverage would be where he'd be riding. I suspect it would be fairly thin. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca First, I'm a former hospital ER worker and you really don't wanna know my opinion of motorcycles, period; plus, if you live where you told me you live, going to that biker thing in CA is not a short hop trip. BUT since you did ask, could he either find someone on the internet, locally, or among his acquaintances who is going to the event *in a large truck* so that bikes could be transported in the bed and their owners maybe in a crew or supercab? That way, you might be able to go with him as well....... >> Does he have a cell phone that he could contact you or someone else >> closer [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > riding. I > suspect it would be fairly thin. > First, I'm a former hospital ER worker and you really don't wanna know my > opinion of motorcycles, period; My aunt works for a medical insurance company and shares your unstated opinion, except more vocally. Actually, I have to say that she's been rather quiet about it. She talked to me about it once, then hasn't mentioned it since. Then again, I've seen some of the stuff she climbs and skis; I'm not convinced it's any less dangerous. She's had friends die in skiing accidents. > plus, if you live where you told me you live, going to that biker thing in > CA is not a short hop trip. Right, if it were short I wouldn't be worried. I mean, I am always aware that things can go wrong on a motorcycle, but I'm less worried when fatigue and unfamiliar roads aren't a factor. > BUT since you did ask, could he either find someone on the internet, > locally, or among his acquaintances who is going to the event *in a > large truck* so that bikes could be transported in the bed and their > owners maybe in a crew or supercab? That way, you might be able to go > with him as well....... I personally find the idea of watching motorcycle racing about as exciting as watching paint dry (I mean, I admire the skill involved, but I can admire it without having to be there or watching it on TV as he does every weekend), so joining him isn't something I particularly want to do; I just noted that I couldn't because it would seem unfair to say, "Well, I think you need a riding partner and I could do it, but I won't because it's boring." A truck or a trailer is definitely a possibility, but then, so is him just driving there himself, with or without the motorcycle. I think he specifically wants to experience the thrill of the road trip on a motorcycle. I can't argue with that, as I'd enjoy it as well, if my knees could take it and if I had another person along "just in case." He may accept taking his bike in a trailer as a secondary option; I'm not sure to what extent having your bike at the event would matter. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > I personally find the idea of watching motorcycle racing about as exciting as > watching paint dry (I mean, I admire the skill involved, but I can admire it > without having to be there or watching it on TV as he does every weekend), so > joining him isn't something I particularly want to do; I just noted that I > couldn't because it would seem unfair to say, "Well, I think you need a riding > partner and I could do it, but I won't because it's boring." Sometimes you have to suffer for love, right? ;) Either suffer the fear while you let him do what he wants to do, or suffer the discomfort of boredom by going with him. Or not. It's just an idea. :) Thank you for your restraint re my former-employment-opinion of this as a form of transportation! I did notice, too late, that he will be a *spectator* and not a participant there, so the bike would not be needed once there. You'll be surprised to learn that I frequently took in the bike races @ Moroso Speedway where I recently moved from; our family has several friends who race there on bikes. The difference is that at Moroso, there were no autos sharing the lanes with them, with the potential to do them in. You are correct in assuming that Hopitus, with all its stogy opinions, is not a male. >> First, I'm a former hospital ER worker and you really don't wanna know my >> opinion of motorcycles, period; [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] > having > your bike at the event would matter. > Thank you for your restraint re my former-employment-opinion of this as a > form of transportation! I did notice, too late, that he will be a [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > You are correct in assuming that Hopitus, with all its stogy opinions, is > not a male. Yeah, but at Moroso there's a corner where you can drive off into a swamp and drown. Not as likely to happen with motorcycles as race cars. When our club races at Moroso the safety workers, on those corners where a race car could go off, flip upside down and the driver drown, are certified divers. Julie ROFL! I never knew that, as I never went to anything on the oval, only bike drags and NHRA events such as Pepsi Nat'l, on the dragstrip.Wed. nights they had drags where you could pretty much race anything that moved. >> Thank you for your restraint re my former-employment-opinion of this as a >> form of transportation! I did notice, too late, that he will be a [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Julie > Yeah, but at Moroso there's a corner where you can drive off into a swamp > and drown. Not as likely to happen with motorcycles as race cars. When our > club races at Moroso the safety workers, on those corners where a race car > could go off, flip upside down and the driver drown, are certified divers. Ack! There's nothing they can do to block that off??? I guess not, without slamming the car into a sturdy wall of concrete, huh? I can only imagine what you must go through when/if your husband drives there. Even on some of my fairly tame mountain bike rides, there are moments when I think, "You know, if I *really* screwed this up and ran off the trail, I could die" ... places where there's a steep dropoff into rocks or running water (or both!) just to the side of the trail. DH has talked about possibly racing a motorcycle, but so far he seems to have decided not to, though he'd like to do a track day. Man, does it scare me that he might decide to do it. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca LOL: the reason we don't understand *why* the bike has to be there is that we don't have enough testosterone in our bodies to be able to fathom this fact. >> Yeah, but at Moroso there's a corner where you can drive off into a swamp >> and drown. Not as likely to happen with motorcycles as race cars. When our [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > decided not to, though he'd like to do a track day. Man, does it scare me > that he might decide to do it. > LOL: the reason we don't understand *why* the bike has to be there is = that > we don't have enough testosterone in our bodies to be able to = fathom this > fact. Maybe so. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Thank you for your restraint re my former-employment-opinion of this as a > form of transportation! Anyone who claims that motorcycles are risk-free is fooling themselves. It's all a matter of risk vs. reward, and no one can make that call for anyone else. (This point of view is why I wasn't willing to put my foot down to DH.) > I did notice, too late, that he will be a *spectator* and not a > participant there, so the bike would not be needed once there. I thought that, but apparently I was wrong. I don't quite understand why the bike needs to be there, but apparently that's a key point. > You'll be surprised to learn that I frequently took in the bike > races @ Moroso Speedway where I recently moved from; our family has several > friends who race there on bikes. The difference is that at Moroso, there > were no autos sharing the lanes with them, with the potential to do them in. I'm not that surprised. I would be surprised if your family friends never rode motorcycles off the track as well as on it, though. > You are correct in assuming that Hopitus, with all its stogy opinions, is > not a male. I can't recall implying either way, but good to know =) Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event > in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. <snip for space> Do you want him to look at you 20 years from now and say "I really wish you had not talked me out of that long ride." He's a grown-up. Let him do what he wants. Besides, he'll never learn from his mistakes otherwise. >> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle >> racing event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Let him do what he wants. Besides, he'll never learn from his mistakes > otherwise. The problem is, some mistakes can't be learned from, because the person making the mistake is dead. This is particularly true on motorcycles. I think you're probably right, but I know I'll be a nervous, useless wreck the whole time he's on the road. If he were a more experienced rider, I would be less concerned. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > The problem is, some mistakes can't be learned from, because the person > making the mistake is dead. This is particularly true on motorcycles. > > I think you're probably right, but I know I'll be a nervous, useless wreck the > whole time he's on the road. If he were a more experienced rider, I would be > less concerned. Totally understood. You are not being unreasonable--my husband talked about getting a motorcycle for his sole transportation. I won't even tell you what I said and did, but he changed his mind. :) Love is love, anywhere. Do what you have to do. (You could combine my approach with that of Hopitus--say, "well I know that would be fun for you but I want to go with you. Since my knees are so bad, can't we find someone with a truck?" ;) >> The problem is, some mistakes can't be learned from, because the >> person making the mistake is dead. This is particularly true on [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > about getting a motorcycle for his sole transportation. I won't even > tell you what I said and did, but he changed his mind. :) Yeah. I wasn't thrilled when he said he wanted to get a motorcycle, but I knew that he'd wanted one since he was a teenager, so what could I say? I decided to attend the MSF class (teaches you the basics of motorcycle riding and safety, and tests you for your license) with him, and to my surprise had a lot of fun. He got a bike the next week; I wasn't about to miss out, so I got my own once I figured out what I wanted (which turned out to be a BMW). He's never threatened to ride a motorcycle as his sole transportation, though. It's more of a fair-weather activity. Because his commute is less than two miles, it's easy enough for him to ride home and switch to the car if he thinks the afternoon weather will be dicey. > Love is love, anywhere. Do what you have to do. (You could combine my > approach with that of Hopitus--say, "well I know that would be fun for > you but I want to go with you. Since my knees are so bad, can't we > find someone with a truck?" ;) Hrm, I may have expressed my opinion about motorcycle racing too often for him to believe that! I think fundamentally, what you're saying is that it's not unreasonable for me to be nervous, but that it's his life and it would suck to make him miss out on something he really wants to do. I agree with all of that and if he really wants to ride his motorcycle, that's what he should do. Risk is something we accept every day to varying degrees. Besides, he has oodles of spare vacation time, and I don't, so maybe this way he can burn his vacation in a way that won't make me jealous! Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > I think fundamentally, what you're saying is that it's not unreasonable for me > to be nervous, but that it's his life and it would suck to make him miss out > on something he really wants to do. Exactly. I am a big proponent of everybody getting to do what they really want to do--at least for adults. Granted we don't want anyone to get killed, but we also don't want those we love to feel we have somehow robbed them of their dreams. Love can be delicate. I agree with all of that and if he really > wants to ride his motorcycle, that's what he should do. Risk is something we > accept every day to varying degrees. Besides, he has oodles of spare vacation > time, and I don't, so maybe this way he can burn his vacation in a way that > won't make me jealous! Hee! > Exactly. I am a big proponent of everybody getting to do what they really > want to do--at least for adults. Granted we don't want anyone to get killed, > but we also don't want those we love to feel we have somehow robbed them of > their dreams. Love can be delicate. Me too. It's just easier when everyone involved agrees about reasonable and unreasonable things to do =P Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing > event > > in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. > > > <snip for space> Get him a cell phone with coverage that will allow him to call for help if he needs to. Make sure he has maps, drinks, etc.. Make sure there is money in the bank account to cover it if he needs to stop in a hotel or some such to rest, or if he finds that it is just too far for him to go. Ask him to phone in, say, twice a day to make sure he is ok. Do you know anyone in the area, even if they are not at the bike event, that he could go to if he's in trouble? Are there any local bike clubs, who have other people going who might let him join their group? --Fil Monique, I don't think that you are being unreasonable. Like Hopitus, I have some experience with motorcycle accidents (I used to work first response safety at motorcycle road races) and even with a helmet and leathers things can go very wrong very fast. My DH races a formula car in the SCCA. There is only one event he races during the year when I'm not there and one reason for that is that I don't want a hospital spending hours trying to find me to get permission to perform a life saving procedure. I realize that a hospital would do what had to be done to save a life, but you understand what I'm saying. And a cell phone doesn't do an unconscious person any good. I don't honestly believe that any experienced rider would make that kind of trip alone. Are there motorcycle clubs in your area that you could ask if anyone is planning on going? What about the guy you bought your bike from, would he possibly be interested in borrowing your bike and going with your DH? From your message it sounds like you're not interested in attending. One suggestion would be for you to drive and tow a trailer in case your DH decides he would like the comfort of a car or truck for awhile. Whatever you decide I think that your reluctance is valid and should be considered. Julie > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event > in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > to find a stranger willing to tie themselves to an inexperienced distance > rider like this. > I told him that it's his life and I can't stop him from doing what he wants, > but that this makes me very nervous and I'd rather he not do it. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last > summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event > in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. Monique, Is this the Laguna race? If so I'd think you could find someone your DH could hook up with that is riding. This would be like F1 race or America's Cup for sailing enthusiasts or the Olympics. This is HUGE! Even if your DH had to ride one or two hours alone before he met up with someone he should be able to find riding partners. Perhaps Yahoo Groups or even a motorcycle newsgroup would give you an idea of who in your area plans to go and between now and July you and DH could spend weekends riding with and getting to know them. Julie >> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing >> event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Julie Ummmmm .... That sounds familiar. Racing stuff goes in one ear and out the other for me. Is it really unusual that the Laguna would be in the US? I think DH said something about how this is a rare opportunity ... Yeah, I think I can maybe lean on him to try to find a riding partner. That would be the best solution, in my view. I just wonder if an experienced rider would really want to team up with a less-experienced rider for this kind of thing. But if it's that big a deal, maybe there are organized rides, not just individuals, heading out ... Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Ummmmm .... That sounds familiar. Racing stuff goes in one ear and out the > other for me. Is it really unusual that the Laguna would be in the US? I > think DH said something about how this is a rare opportunity ... This would be the Motorcycle Road Racing World Championship race held at Laguna Seca raceway. This is the first time since 1994 that they've been at Laguna (which by the way is a beautiful race track). Leading up to this race they will be in Spain and Portugal in April, China and France in May, Italy and Barcelona in June. The Laguna Seca race in July is the only time this group will be in the U.S. this year. Check your local area for charity rides. You might enjoy going with him on day rides and you could get to know other riders in your area. In three months he might not be quite as inexperienced and you might meet some interesting new friends. As a last resort, there are a lot of nice wineries and spas in the Laguna Seca area. You could follow DH to the track with the car and trailer, drop the trailer and go on winery/spa tours while he's watching the races ;) Julie > Yeah, I think I can maybe lean on him to try to find a riding partner. That > would be the best solution, in my view. I just wonder if an experienced rider > would really want to team up with a less-experienced rider for this kind of > thing. But if it's that big a deal, maybe there are organized rides, not just > individuals, heading out ... >> Ummmmm .... That sounds familiar. Racing stuff goes in one ear and out the >> other for me. Is it really unusual that the Laguna would be in the US? I [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Italy and Barcelona in June. The Laguna Seca race in July is the only time > this group will be in the U.S. this year. Ah. I guess that's important, then =P > Check your local area for charity rides. You might enjoy going with him on > day rides and you could get to know other riders in your area. In three [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > car and trailer, drop the trailer and go on winery/spa tours while he's > watching the races ;) Nahhh, we have a friend who's also crazy to go, so I'm going to let them have some fun. I'm not that interested, and while DH has oodles of vacation time to burn, I'm always struggling to earn enough vacation. Now that the greater fear of him attempting the ride is gone, I am starting to worry about the lesser fear. As DH said, "Those discounts on shinies could get expensive!" Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca I don't like motorcycles,, here riders are known as temporary Australians. Marie from OZ. >> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing >> event [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Julie > I don't like motorcycles,, here riders are known as temporary Australians. hahaha! > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing > event [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last > summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... I don't think you are being unreasonable, sounds like you understand the situation very well. Including how big a problem it is for one adult to tell another adult what they can or can't do. Still remember very well when my brother got away from home and my mother's opposition and bought a bike. One that for starters was too much bike for him to handle. And how great it was when he'd take me for rides. That was until the day he was stopped at a four way stop. And a guy coming from the side ran the stop sign. Dick was barely moving, wasn't hit, and wasn't even really hurt. But he did lay the bike down. And had road rash from his shoulder to his ankle. He walked the bike the rest of the way home and put it up for sale. He truly didn't understand until that moment that there was nothing substantial between him and the road. And that it didn't have to be his fault. Something your DH must consider is that to get to an event in California in the summer, he will pretty much have to ride through some really hot, really dry places where is can be truly dangerous to be alone and to break down. > I don't think you are being unreasonable, sounds like you understand the > situation very well. Including how big a problem it is for one adult to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > opposition and bought a bike. One that for starters was too much bike for > him to handle. And how great it was when he'd take me for rides. I remember when DH and I told our parents we'd gotten motorcycles. DH waited until I got mine and told my parents before he told his. We're both professionals, I'm 27, he's 30, and we've each been on our own for quite a while. My parents weren't thrilled, but then acknowledged that it was my choice, and my dad even asked a bunch of questions about my bike (he used to ride with a group in Germany, so I think he realized it would be tough to keep a "bikes are bad" stance). DH's mom actually hung up on him. Well, as soon as he said motorcycle, she handed the phone off to his father, which amounts to the same thing. They are not happy campers about it. > That was until the day he was stopped at a four way stop. And a guy coming > from the side ran the stop sign. Dick was barely moving, wasn't hit, and [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > there was nothing substantial between him and the road. And that it didn't > have to be his fault. *nod* I know a few people who gave up motorcycles for good after experiences like this. Some had a lot more time in the saddle, too. This is one reason I highly recommend the MSF course for anyone thinking about riding a motorcycle. They hammer into your head how vulnerable you are. When you're on a motorcycle, safety has to come first. You constantly have to think, what if this guy did this dumb thing, what if that guy did that dumb thing. They say to ride as though everyone on the road is trying to kill you. If I'm not prepared to exert the level of effort and alertness I need to ride, I don't get on the bike. But even if I do everything as well as I can, something could always happen. It's a calculated risk. But man, when I'm riding in to work in the morning and the sky is a beautiful blue, the snowcapped mountains rise up in the distance, and the sweet-smelling wind rushes past my face ... what a wonderful feeling. > Something your DH must consider is that to get to an event in California in > the summer, he will pretty much have to ride through some really hot, really > dry places where is can be truly dangerous to be alone and to break down. *nod* He's fortunately realized that riding a crotchrocket (his term) cross-country doesn't sound all that pleasant, so he'll be driving out with a trailer. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> had some very interesting things to say about Re: [OT] Am I being unreasonable?: >This is one reason I highly recommend the MSF course for anyone thinking about >riding a motorcycle. They hammer into your head how vulnerable you are. When >you're on a motorcycle, safety has to come first. You constantly have to >think, what if this guy did this dumb thing, what if that guy did that dumb >thing. They say to ride as though everyone on the road is trying to kill you. My grandfather told me while he was teaching me to drive to take it as given that the other guy is crazy AND out to get me. Smart man. Signature"The universe is quite robust in design and appears to be doing just fine on its own, incompetent support staff notwithstanding. :-)" - the Dennis formerly known as (evil), MCFL > "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> had some very interesting > things to say about Re: [OT] Am I being unreasonable?: [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Smart man. Yes he was. My father told me the same thing. He called it defensive driving. When I read Mo's post I was thinking, "hey, that's the way I drive a car!" > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing > event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. > > He would like to get there on his sportbike, which is his first bike and > which he has owned since last summer. Update -- I spoke with DH and he says, "Primarilly, the interest in riding the bike is purely to have it at the event that week, and maybe do some riding in California. I am not interested in riding 3600 miles on a crotchrocket." Phew. He is working a few potential leads in getting his bike trailered and out to the race. Apparently, he does have at least one friend who is very excited to go (and she's an experienced rider), as well as maybe her husband, and they do have a vehicle and trailer to tow all three bikes. I guess I was all stressed out for nothing. This wasn't how I understood the situation last night, but I guess I misunderstood. Yay! Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Update -- I spoke with DH and he says, > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I guess I was all stressed out for nothing. This wasn't how I understood the > situation last night, but I guess I misunderstood. Yay! Excellent outcome. We all worry about the ones we love, so don't feel like you're alone! I share everyone's relief at prospect of truck/trailer/tow solutions. That way, at very least, will be relaxed, non-stressed or sunburned and fully able to enjoy excitement of the event. >> Update -- I spoke with DH and he says, >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Excellent outcome. We all worry about the ones we love, so > don't feel like you're alone! >> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing >> event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >I guess I was all stressed out for nothing. This wasn't how I understood the >situation last night, but I guess I misunderstood. Yay! Yay! Your hubby sounds like a sensible guy... sounds like he's going to have a great vacation :) ~Karen aka Kajikit Crafts, cats, and chocolate - the three essentials of life http://www.kajikitscorner.com *remove 'nospam' to reply >>Phew. He is working a few potential leads in getting his bike trailered and >>out to the race. Apparently, he does have at least one friend who is very [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Yay! Your hubby sounds like a sensible guy... sounds like he's going > to have a great vacation :) He's very sensible; in fact, when I get annoyed at him, it's usually for not being as impulsive as I am. That's why this came out of left field. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event > in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last > summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... Unreasonable? No. Tell him to read the statistics. Good luck. MLB > DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event > in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. 1800 miles is a long way on a bike for someone who hasn't done cross-country. Have him rent a bike trailer, and an SUV if he has to, to pull it, tow the bike and then he can ride at the show/location. -L. >> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle >> racing event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > -L. *nod* It looks like that's what he's decided to do, and it even sounds like a friend of ours who has a truck and trailer already wants to make the trip with him. I'm very much relieved. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > *nod* It looks like that's what he's decided to do, and it even sounds like a > friend of ours who has a truck and trailer already wants to make the trip with [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca Oh, that's excellent. I know I would have been a serious mess. -L. >> *nod* It looks like that's what he's decided to do, and it even sounds like >> a friend of ours who has a truck and trailer already wants to make the trip [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > -L. Well, if he'd had a riding partner or had more experience with multi-day rides, I would have been less concerned. Honest! I think ... He rides his motorcycle whenever possible around here, and I'm cool with it. I just like to know when he's planning to be home. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >>> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle >>> racing event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a >>> mountain range away. My ex did this umpteen years ago from Calif to Ohio - after riding cross country, despite a bubble-helmet, his lips looked like burned liver. They were sunburned, greatly swollen, cracked and bleeding - what a mess!!! He had stopped at a couple of medical facilities for creams and salves but the damage was already done. Sounds like your DH has decided not to do this - wise choice...........Lorna >>>> DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing >>>> event in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > had stopped at a couple of medical facilities for creams and salves but the > damage was already done. Youch! Bubble-helmet = full face? He's talked about getting a tinted face shield, and if he'd decided to do the ride I'm sure that's one thing he'd have done. I'm sure the height of summer isn't the best time to ride across Nevada (I think that's on the route?). > Sounds like your DH has decided not to do this - wise > choice...........Lorna Yes, I'm very happy =) Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event >in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >that his butt gets sore. His motorcycle is also the "twitchy" sort that >responds aggressively to even a small change in the throttle. It sounds to me like the ride is doable, but your husband doesn't have a clue what he's letting himself in for... maybe you could persuade him that this is something that has to be worked up to. I'm sure it's not at all the same thing to go for a two-hour joyride as it is to ride for hours on end... and it's definitely not a ride to make alone! He may find that his first training ride is enough to put him off the idea when he gets off the bike and can't move! lol ~Karen aka Kajikit Crafts, cats, and chocolate - the three essentials of life http://www.kajikitscorner.com *remove 'nospam' to reply One of my hobbies is riding motorcycles. I know there is risk involved, I know what can happen. I have also logged several thousand miles by bike, both on long and short trips. My longest trip to date was 4,200 miles over the course of 8 days. I've also been in your shoes - staying at home while the one you love takes off for parts unknown on their motorcycle. I wouldn't think your worries are unreasonable, so asking him to take as many precautions as possible would not be out of line. Some questions come to mind. A) Has DH had a rider safety training course? I would recommend one if he hasn't already done so. Your local dealers should have info about them. B) What kind of safety gear does DH wear while riding? There is still risk with proper gear, but chance of serious injury is somewhat minimized with a good full faced helmet and protective clothing. C) When is this event? Does he have time to make a couple of "shorter" rides in comparison with what he's proposing? Suggest to him that he make a 500 mile day trip. That may change his mind about 1800 miles. D) What kind of bike does he have? There are some groups that are internet based that are grouped around a particular bike or style of riding. He may not be able to find somebody to ride with the entire way, but he can find folks to meet up with along the way. If he does decide to go, suggest that he plan the trip in several small hops instead of three or four large leaps. Then add a couple days out and a couple days back. I would recommend that he route along major roads - there is usually better cell phone reception and more chance of somebody coming along that can help if his bike breaks down or something. Best of luck, Lori >DH would like to attend (as a spectator) a several-day motorcycle racing event >in California this summer, about 1800 miles and a mountain range away. [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] >The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last >summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... Hi, Lori! DH decided he didn't really want to ride so far on a crotch rocket, so all is moot for now, but ... DH and I both took the MSF course as our means of getting the 'M' on our licenses, so yes, he's taken a safety course. We're also talking about taking the expert rider's course. DH wears FF helmet, gloves, and armored leather jacket all the time. He would like to get a leather one-piece for longer rides; right now he just wears jeans, with which I am not thrilled. We both need to get moto boots; right now we both wear full-ankle hiking boots, but I've heard horror stories about shoelaces. He would definitely have time for a few mid-length trips, but as I said, he's not doing this. A friend of ours also had a good point: if DH really thinks he wants to do this, he should ride east into the flatlands, not west into the mountains. Mountains are curvy and exciting; as our friend said, the flat areas have a beauty of their own, but DH may find the riding to be quite boring. It's just a personality thing. What motorcycle(s) do you ride, and are you an Ironbutt member? I used to love going on roadtrips (by car), but my knees just won't let me drive or ride that long. If I go on a roadtrip, it would have to be by bicycle (which could be very cool, too). > One of my hobbies is riding motorcycles. I know there is risk involved, I > know what can happen. I have also logged several thousand miles by bike, [quoted text clipped - 69 lines] >>The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last >>summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > DH wears FF helmet, gloves, and armored leather jacket all the time. He would > like to get a leather one-piece for longer rides; right now he just wears > jeans, with which I am not thrilled. Not to scare you or anything, but I would invest in the leathers. I was speaking with a co-worker who also works with the EMT group in town. Apparently there was a guy and his girlfriend on a motorcycle. He accidentally "goosed" the motor. He went forward, she went off the back of the cycle. She had on a helmet. and a leather jacket, but apparently the jeans she was wearing were completely torn off and she was left in the road with a backside and legs that looked like hamburger and no pants on. The EMT said if she had had on leather pants, the damage wouldn't have been quite so severe. Odd the coincidences and conversations that occur while you are waiting for a tornado drill to complete. Diane >> DH wears FF helmet, gloves, and armored leather jacket all the time. >> He would like to get a leather one-piece for longer rides; right now [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Diane Oh, *I* have full gear, including pants! And I don't ride pillion anyway; I call the supposed pillion seat on sportbikes "launch platforms." I have my own bike. I've read about (and seen! the joys of the internet) plenty of injuries that would have been prevented by leg protection. DH means to get a leather onepiece for longer rides. I wish he'd wear armored pants all the time, but he's a grown boy; I can't force him to do so. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca Boy are we getting wayyyy off topic! I can tie this in with cats, though - my big fluffy one, Harry, loves to curl up in my jacket after I get back from rides. He won't do it if it's been hanging up in the closet for awhile, just when I get back. I dunno' about him sometimes.... I've taken the MSF course twice, once when I first started riding, and again when I'd been riding for a couple of years. I found out that even being a concientious rider will develop bad habits. I have several friends who are MSF certified riding instructors, and they say some of their worst students are self-taught riders who think they already know it all. I ride a Honda 750 Magna and my husband rides a Honda ST1100. Mine is set up like a cruiser style bike, which I'm not exactly thrilled about, but short legs limit your choices. Jack's is set up for long distance riding. The seating position puts most of your weight on your thighs, very little on your behind or arms. I've never cared for the "crotch rocket" style your DH is referring to. It puts too much weight on your arms and is very tiring over longer distances. It is possible, but not very comfortable. He has an Iron Butt plate. I'm going to have to make some more modifications to my bike before I can even think about trying for it. My bike only has about a 125 mile range before I have to stop for fuel, which would make an Iron Butt run a little tricky. Not impossible, but it would have to be well planned. A good website to pick up used gear in good shape is www.newenough.com. They also carry dealer and manufacturer closeouts. Some dealers will put their closeouts on eBay, too. My DH and I both wear Joe Rocket cordura gear. We each have 2 sets - mesh for summertime riding, and insulated for cooler weather. Take care! Lori >Hi, Lori! DH decided he didn't really want to ride so far on a crotch rocket, >so all is moot for now, but ... [quoted text clipped - 94 lines] >>>The guy from whom I bought my bike actually rode to Alaska and back last >>>summer. Actually, maybe I can ask him for some ideas ... > Boy are we getting wayyyy off topic! I can tie this in with cats, though - > my big fluffy one, Harry, loves to curl up in my jacket after I get back > from rides. He won't do it if it's been hanging up in the closet for > awhile, just when I get back. I dunno' about him sometimes.... The only on-topic tie-in I can think of is this: the only time Oscar has ever inexplicably soiled anything but her litterbox, it was the waterproof liner to my moto pants. Having a waterproof coating, of course, you can't just suds 'em up with the strongest detergent you can find. It's still a bit of a mystery to me, though; I noticed an upleasant odor that seemed like cat urine coming from the waistband of the liner, which had been on the floor for a while (I'm not exactly the best housekeeper). They were dry, though, no wet spot. I've never actually worn the liner, so I can't imagine she was attracted to the smell. It's a very smooth fabric, though, so maybe she had a bit of a urinary tract problem. > I ride a Honda 750 Magna and my husband rides a Honda ST1100. Mine is set > up like a cruiser style bike, which I'm not exactly thrilled about, but > short legs limit your choices. Jack's is set up for long distance riding. > The seating position puts most of your weight on your thighs, very little on > your behind or arms. I ride a BMW R1100R; DH rides a Honda CBR600RR. How short are you? I also thought I was stuck with cruisers because of my height, but there are "standard" bikes that are pretty comfy. My '96 beemer has an adjustable seat, and on the lowest setting I can flat-foot it. I'm 5'5 with probably a 32" inseam. Granted, though, it's a heavy bike, especially for my first. While I'm riding, I don't notice the weight, but I do when trying to park and such. > I've never cared for the "crotch rocket" style your DH is referring to. It > puts too much weight on your arms and is very tiring over longer distances. > It is possible, but not very comfortable. Yeah, but that's what he likes. I don't get it, either. For the record, though, you're not supposed to ride it so that your arms are supporting you; you're supposed to use core strength (abs) to hold your body in position. The same is true on a bicycle, and I have a heck of a time trying not to put a lot of pressure on my hands on my mountain bike. > He has an Iron Butt plate. I'm going to have to make some more > modifications to my bike before I can even think about trying for it. My > bike only has about a 125 mile range before I have to stop for fuel, which > would make an Iron Butt run a little tricky. Not impossible, but it would > have to be well planned. Hrmm, yeah. My knees won't let me do it, right now; I can't even drive for more than an hour or two without excrutiating pain. > A good website to pick up used gear in good shape is www.newenough.com. > They also carry dealer and manufacturer closeouts. Some dealers will put > their closeouts on eBay, too. My DH and I both wear Joe Rocket cordura > gear. We each have 2 sets - mesh for summertime riding, and insulated for > cooler weather. Yup, I've seen this site, but moto gear is so personal, and has to fit so well, that I just can't see myself buying stuff online. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> Boy are we getting wayyyy off topic! I can tie this in with cats, though - >> my big fluffy one, Harry, loves to curl up in my jacket after I get back [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >smell. It's a very smooth fabric, though, so maybe she had a bit of a >urinary tract problem. One of ours has an affinity for DH's rainsuit. We have to keep it put away or it ends up a wee bit smelly. We can't figure out which one, or maybe more of them. >I ride a BMW R1100R; DH rides a Honda CBR600RR. How short are you? I also >thought I was stuck with cruisers because of my height, but there are >"standard" bikes that are pretty comfy. My '96 beemer has an adjustable seat, >and on the lowest setting I can flat-foot it. I'm 5'5 with probably a 32" >inseam. Granted, though, it's a heavy bike, especially for my first. While >I'm riding, I don't notice the weight, but I do when trying to park and such. Nice bike. I wouldn't mind having a FS650 myself. They can be lowered pretty easily. There's that whole funding issue, though. Too many hobbies, not enough funds. It becomes an issue. I'm a whopping 5' even, with a 26" inseam. The bike I had before this one was a V65 Magna, with a seat height of 32". It was a monster at low speeds, but I loved the bike dearly when it was in motion. >Yeah, but that's what he likes. I don't get it, either. For the record, >though, you're not supposed to ride it so that your arms are supporting you; >you're supposed to use core strength (abs) to hold your body in position. The >same is true on a bicycle, and I have a heck of a time trying not to put a lot >of pressure on my hands on my mountain bike. Well that would explain it, then. What are abs? :o) >Hrmm, yeah. My knees won't let me do it, right now; I can't even drive for >more than an hour or two without excrutiating pain. Ouch. That doesn't sound like much fun. >Yup, I've seen this site, but moto gear is so personal, and has to fit so >well, that I just can't see myself buying stuff online. Good point. I've never actually bought any gear online, but I do know that some websites have great prices. I still prefer to try it on before I buy, though. Grins, Lori >>I ride a BMW R1100R; DH rides a Honda CBR600RR. How short are you? I also >>thought I was stuck with cruisers because of my height, but there are [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > pretty easily. There's that whole funding issue, though. Too many hobbies, > not enough funds. It becomes an issue. A friend of mine just got the FS650 last fall. She'd been drooling over it for a while. She's also short and had it lowered. I know what you mean about funding. >>Hrmm, yeah. My knees won't let me do it, right now; I can't even drive for >>more than an hour or two without excrutiating pain. > > Ouch. That doesn't sound like much fun. Nope, not much. The good news is that it's only a problem when I can't move my knees around for a few hours (cars, motorcycles, airplanes, to a lesser extent movie theaters) ... they don't hurt when I'm using my legs, so it doesn't interfere with my favorite activities. Now, I've been told that if I properly follow the exercises my physical therapist recommended, I will eventually (we're talking many months or years) kick this problem ... so it's my own fault, really. It's just hard to continue doing exercises when you can't see any improvement. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Boy are we getting wayyyy off topic! I can tie this in with cats, > though - my big fluffy one, Harry, loves to curl up in my jacket after > I get back from rides. He won't do it if it's been hanging up in the > closet for awhile, just when I get back. I dunno' about him > sometimes.... Sweetie, the only things around here that are off topic are posts advocating cruelty, being mean towards others, and spaming. I'm not even sure that trolls are really off topic as we tend to look forward to them. Pam S.
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