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Dodging the Roadkill: Close Calls

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN – I’ve had some close calls in my short time as a biker.  When I first started riding, I was pretty anxious out on the road.  I’m sure most of you were the same way.  Experienced bikers aren’t created overnight. It takes miles and miles of riding to develop great skills.  

I’ve found myself at the end of a ride, replaying some of the potential “close calls” of the day and wondering, “what if?”

Here are a few I still remember:

I was riding in Texas, four lane highway, 75 mph.  As usual, there was a knucklehead in the left lane, refusing to get in the right lane, and I passed him.  As I did, I just HAD to glance over and give the driver that look.  

Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accident

You know the one.  You’ve done it too.

As I turned my attention back to where it was supposed to be, I was inching closer and closer to the shoulder of the road, just inches from gravel and the railing.  I barely got my bike back in my lane and continued on.  After my heart stopped racing, I took a deep breath, and shouted endless curse words about how “f…… stupid I was.”

In the Arkansas Ozarks, I actually DID run into a muddy ditch after being distracted by a rodent in the road.  I was taking a sharp turn and before I knew it, I was in the ditch, sliding to a stop. 

It truly was a WTF moment!

I wasn’t hurt and there was no damage to the bike. 

On a ride out in the country one afternoon, another vehicle started to “drift” into my lane, but I was looking elsewhere until he was almost on me.  When I finally got control of the situation, I pulled out of the throttle and let him come over. 

Today however, I was inches from a collision and, in fact, was bracing for impact, when the motorist finally saw me and slammed on the brakes.  I was able to swerve around the nose of the car and there was no harm, no foul. I was only doing 25-30 mph, bit still……

So, what do I take away from these “close calls?”

Well, for one, I refuse to be gripped by fear.  I decided long ago, that you can’t live your life in fear, whether it’s at work, at home, or on the highway.  I fully realize that this is dangerous, and while I don’t think it’s any more dangerous than flying, or diving, or rock climbing, or any other risky venture, if it’s my time, then it’s my time.  I could fall down the stairs and break my neck, or just keel over from a heart attack.

DEAD IS DEAD!

With speeds getting more dangerous, and distracted drivers all over the place, it’s incumbent on me to pay attention at all times.  No distractions.

JUST AS I WAS TAUGHT!!!  #NOFEAR

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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