Another Close Call!

[Zed]

It's been a while since I've had a close call on the bike but today I got reminded just how quickly it can all turn to custard.

I had a great ride out to Piha today, had some lunch and a chat with some 'surfers' then returned home. On the way back I found myself stuck behind a car, a van, and another car for about 5mins before it was *safe* to pull out and pass them all, as you do on a big bike. So we come on to this long straight convoying at about 60kmph and I indicate and pull out to overtake them, drop it into 2nd and boot it, pass the last car and start passing the van but as I'm passing the van he decides to indicate and pass the car in front while I'm passing him!! I had to think real quick so I gave the front brake a handful and pulled right over to the right side of the road as the van was coming out to collect me! I had a mere 5-10 cms of road left before I was a gonner, but thankfully I kept my line and kept braking till the van was in front of me...phew! I'm sure the car I passed was holding his breath too! The van driver just seemed to be oblivious to what was happening?

I'm glad I'm here now typing this post because I could easily be in pain in a hospital ward instead...I think I was going about 120 when the van pulled out with his -0.5 second indication.

Some pics of my ride to Piha attached, with one of the airbase in my backyard!

[jrandom]

Goodness me. Nice escape, Matt, glad you're OK. Cage drivers is stupid cnuts sometimes, ain't they?

Love the picture of the Blackbird and the Herkybird...

[2much]

Shoulda removed his fucken wing mirror, he obviously doesn't use it anyway!!!

Glad to hear you survived to ride another day...

[James Deuce]

That's no Herky Bird, that looks like a C17.

Good dodge there Zed. Had that happen more than once.

[Sniper]

Ouch, not good to hear that Zed. Glad you came out unscathed

[jrandom]

That's no Herky Bird, that looks like a C17.

Yes, I looked closer after I posted, and realised I'd mis-ID'd. Tail shape all wrong. But only losers edit posts to remove evidence of brainfade.

[justsomeguy]

Glad you're ok Matt.......

Sorry that this happened.....

Hope the bastard gets what he deserves.....

[Macktheknife]

Damn, that was a close one Zed, glad youre ok man.

[White trash]

Yes, I looked closer after I posted, and realised I'd mis-ID'd. Tail shape all wrong. But only losers edit posts to remove evidence of brainfade.

Bullshit. I do it all the time...........

[Yokai]

Someone somewhere's looking after you - Thank God. <- this is not necessarily a command ;-)

Glad you're Ok Zed...

[Wolf]

Congrats on the escape, had similar things happen both on the bike and in a cage - they just don't look. So far I've been fortunate enough to still be behind the moron when he's started the manoeuvre and haven't had quite such a narrow squeak. Good on ya for keeping your head (not that I'd expect other-wise from you.)

[heavenly.talker]

Some pics of my ride to Piha attached, with one of the airbase in my backyard!

Beautiful day for it Zed!!! Glad that you are okay!!!

Scary situation that could have been very very bad. Good skills to keep it on the road and right side up !

[Scorpygirl]

Glad you are OK Zed!! Close call indeed and good skills!!!

[Kickaha]

Bullshit. I do it all the time...........

proves the point Fish was making quite nicely then doesn't it



Fuck I really should keep my mouth shut or I'll be sleeping on the lawn

[Zed]

Thanks for all the encouraging words KBers, I suppose if each of us shared our close calls on here *when they happened* we'd actually be a tighter, more caring community! (not that we aren't already caring)

Todays experience was one of those reality checks to remind me that as a biker I 'choose' to be in the higher risk group of NZ motorists. :spudbn: