Clarksville, TN – As bikers, we accept the risks of our lifestyle. The dangers of riding a motorcycle. For some reason, it seems that everybody in traffic is either in a big hurry, or angry, or both.
I’ll never understand why we’re so angry. It doesn’t take much to for someone to “flip” us off, or ride our bumper to let us know they’re in a hurry.
Why can’t we all just get along?
When I rode home from the Gulf the other day, I was stuck in stop and go traffic in Birmingham. It took me 90 minutes to get through there and we all know how dangerous it is to be stuck on a motorcycle in that sort of traffic.
I also ride throughout the Tennessee and Kentucky countryside, where vehicles come out of nowhere. Pulling onto the road from a hidden driveway. They might look both ways, but they’re not expecting much traffic, if any, and they’re definitely not looking for a motorcycle.
So when another driver recognizes me, or shows me some courtesy, I always try to acknowledge it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an angel on two wheels, I’ve flipped off my fair share of drivers, but when someone lets me in traffic, or stops to let me pass, I always give them a wave of appreciation.
To be honest, I’m just grateful that they didn’t put me in a life or death situation. Too many times someone will pull out from a hidden driveway, not even stop long enough to look both ways, and pull out right in front of me.
I’ve had truckers stick their hand out the window to encourage me to slow down as we approach an accident on the interstate. We all know how quickly stalled traffic out there can sneak up on us.
So while we ride with an attitude of, “everybody’s out to get me,” I realized that it’s not always the case.
I wrote an article earlier in my journey about the stress of a long trip and how getting upset, or anxious along the way, can wear you down mentally. Combined with the physical demands of a long ride, if you’ve been screaming and hollering at other traffic all day, when you settle into your hotel room, you become a big puddle of “mush.”
It’s exhausting!
I try my best to not let other cars bother me, or take it personally. I also try to acknowledge their kindness. Just a quick wave or a thumbs up is all it takes. We talk all the time about “look twice for motorcycles” so when they do, I’m gonna thank them for their courtesy.
Ride safe my brothers and sisters and thanks for following my journey!
