Watch out all u guys when following a cage.

**Cr1MiNaL** · 29th May 2007, 19:31

Hey guys,

Just want to make an informative post to warn newby/amature and experienced riders alike not to follow a car too close... I was returning from westgate today bak to albany and just as the bridge finished this log of wood came at me from nowhere... the car in front of me had driven over it and nudged it into the middle of the road straight in my path.. I was crusing with one hand on the bike as we do in 50 - 70 zones and I hit the log... my front tire jumpped in the air and tank slapped about 4-5 times then hit the road and kept tank slapping...I was also drifting into the other lane which was packed with oncomming cagers... somehow I managed to straightne the bike out and stopped her just beside the new intersection they just built. Then I took a deep breath thanked god for helpin me avoid the spill and proceeded to walk back to the log and tell it what I thought of it. I beat the shit out of it in the middle of the road... stamped it and almost broke it before dragging it to the side of the road and throwing it over the ditch....

Moral of this story: Always be aware of the road ahead of you and obstacles that are near but not currently in ur path might just become in ur path.. always try n keep both hands on the bars and always peeps always keep atleast 10 feet or more distance between urself and the car in front... not because u cant stop in time .. just so that u can swerve without binnin ur bike... just a heads up guys never let ur guard down even for 1 second because that one second could be THE second. Ride safe and responsibly...

Regards
Raj.

**thehovel** · 29th May 2007, 19:42

My brother hit a concrete block that popped out from under a truck and unhorsed him.

When riding in traffic ride in the car,trucks wheel tracks, they will straddle objects rather than run over them. Regards Richard

**Chickadee** · 29th May 2007, 19:54

Bloody scary stuff.

I nearly got caught out by a pothole following too close in built up traffic. I learned my lesson without crashing or having a near miss thank goodness!

Glad you lived to tell and tale and pass on the advice.
Take care out there guys & gals
Chickadee

**Mom** · 29th May 2007, 19:59

Well done avoiding a more serious misshap. Yepper you have to be on to it when you are riding for sure!

**KoroJ** · 29th May 2007, 20:04

Pays to hang off the back corner if you want to follow close. That way you can see ahead, your light will in there face (via the wing mirror) so they know you're there and if you're on the open road, it might encourage them to move over for you to slide through if they are so inclined. And, if they decide to brake without warning etc, you're more or less beside them and wont run up their butt.

**Puddlejumper** · 29th May 2007, 20:39

Glad you managed to ride it out. Timely advice too. We all need to be reminded on a constant basis of the dangers involved in riding bikes lest we become complacent.
Or maybe that's just me cos of my mis-spent youth and impending alzheimers.

**sunhuntin** · 29th May 2007, 20:48

yep... thingsll come out of anywhere!

went with the olds in the cage on sunday to welly. right in the middle of one of my favourite corners was a fresh hit possum. still fat enough to do some damage. looked to be right in the line most bikes would take too.

**Timber020** · 29th May 2007, 20:52

That was my bit of wood, did you pick it up for me?

**Cr1MiNaL** · 29th May 2007, 20:53

Originally Posted by Puddlejumper

Glad you managed to ride it out. Timely advice too. We all need to be reminded on a constant basis of the dangers involved in riding bikes lest we become complacent.
Or maybe that's just me cos of my mis-spent youth and impending alzheimers.

whats a "alzheimer" lol I dont believe that word exists ! he he

**Drum** · 29th May 2007, 21:05

That's some good advice there YR6, and nice save!

**BIGBOSSMAN** · 29th May 2007, 21:06

Originally Posted by YamahaR64Life

whats a "alzheimer" lol I dont believe that word exists ! he he

Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.
Not a nice thing to have.
Oooh, who the hell are you?? Where am I, what's that carrot doing there...........

**beyond** · 29th May 2007, 21:15

Yep, good advice alright. It happens a lot more than some people think.
Imagine it getting thrown up and coping it full in the chest

Hows your front wheel? You might find it a bit squared off on the rim??

**McJim** · 29th May 2007, 21:15

Hey Raj - another near miss - keep making those saves bud.

Go to RRRS (Ride Right Ride Safe) run by BRONZ once a month - it has tips for such situations and others you've not yet encountered. Recommended for riders of all levels.

That's one of the reasons I ride in the wheel track of the car in front. If there's an obstacle between the wheel tracks you won;t see it until your on it. If the car wheel bounce over something you get a bit of warning - if you site square behind a car (between the wheel tracks) you could get fU*ked real quick.

And I leave a respectable distance too.

**Cr1MiNaL** · 29th May 2007, 21:17

gutted rotflol dont wish that on anyone.... orr wait a minute there was this 1 muppet on kb a few days ago....

I think I was really luky today aye Gary.. shd get a steering damper when i can afoard 1 !?

**BIGBOSSMAN** · 29th May 2007, 21:20

Originally Posted by YamahaR64Life

gutted rotflol dont wish that on anyone.... orr wait a minute there was this 1 muppet on kb a few days ago....

I think I was really luky today aye Gary.. shd get a steering damper when i can afoard 1 !?

Dunno whether an Ohlins would make that obstacle disappear Raj! Another tip mate, when riding in the country watch out for cow crap - and especially when turning. It's like riding into (stinky) oil. Right O!