Qualities of a Safe Rider, and Do You Think You Are A Safe Rider? Why or Why Not

[SPman]

I'm Dangerous!

..ummm...er ..oh no, that's someone else!

I must be safe then.

[BarBender]

Szell: Is it safe?... Is it safe?
Babe: You're talking to me?
Szell: Is it safe?
Babe: Is what safe?
Szell: Is it safe?
Babe: I don't know what you mean. I can't tell you something's safe or not, unless I know specifically what you're talking about.
Szell: Is it safe?
Babe: Tell me what the "it" refers to.
Szell: Is it safe?
Babe: Yes, it's safe, it's very safe, it's so safe you wouldn't believe it.
Szell: Is it safe?
Babe: No. It's not safe, it's... very dangerous, be careful.

[petesmeats]

Well i reckon the essence of a good rider is one that is aware of everything...

Aware of:
Bike feel
Road condition
Hazards
Personal feel
Other people's intentions
Other external factors

I sometimes have days where i am good and on these days i naturally travel faster. Other days i find all my lines have gone to shite and my bike doesn't feel good, and i don't feel good and all is not well in the world... These days i am fully aware and i ride well within my limits...

The (few) times that i have impressed people with my riding is when i have been concentrating on not going fast, and concentrated more on smoothness, lines, gear selection, braking and so on... being generally aware of things...

At the moment i have a rear tyre that is as bald as... a bald guy, and so i know that my cornering is going to suffer from it... I know i should do the burnout and get it over with (my procrastination in spending money is a natural student thing... unless it is on alcomohol) but until i have my new tyre on i will not push my bike hard... it's only really good for wheelies at the moment... and even then some of the time the rear lights up anyway...

I do know that the fastest rider is not always the best...

Just my two and a half dollars worth...