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Dodging the Roadkill: Mistakes That Make Me Better

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN – It’s been an interesting couple of months for me, to say the least, when it comes to commanding my motorcycle.  After the wreck, I hopped back on the beast, but didn’t feel as confident as before. 

I was particularly “skittish” into the corners.  I’ve determined that the accident was a brief lapse of attention that caused me to lose sight of where I should be looking, and off the road I went.

Fast forward to this past weekend where I was going to ride the Smoky Mountains and all the exciting roads that we all love to ride.  My mind kept telling me “watch out for the Dragon” or “you better take it easy, you don’t want to go down again.”  All these negative thoughts that in reality can REALLY cause a problem if you don’t have the right mindset. 

Hank and his Harley
Hank and his Harley

Confidence is such a big factor in being a safe biker.  Skills are also important and they must be improved each time you throttle up.  I HAD to get myself, both mentally and physically, back to where I was when I went down.

A trip to the mountains and a few twisties and switchbacks changed all of that.  I handled them all LIKE A BOSS!

Learning from my mistakes!

I never once thought about my accident and I never felt apprehension while taking the corners, or the downhill sweepers.  It was a glorious feeling knowing that I wasn’t going to let the accident affect the way I ride.  

It was a mistake. You survived. No harm no foul, now kick ass and take names!

Now, I don’t want to imply that I’ve gone “off the charts crazy”, but I ride with some very talented and skilled riders.  They take corners with ease, and don’t ever seem to tap their brakes.  I find if I watch them too closely, I lose MY concentration.  But watching them navigate around the mountain teaches me things. You learn by watching.

The Devil’s Triangle was my first test, and it was a piece of cake.  I’ve never felt more comfortable.  My focus was so strong and my attention was on point and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and never once felt “squirly” about it.

It’s been said, by better people than me, that you either get back on the horse and ride his ass off, or you take the saddle off and set the horse free. 

I was NEVER going to stop riding.  I was going to wrap my legs around my Harley and ride it like never before.  A trip to the Smokies did just that!  I also have had the love and encouragement from my brothers who kept on me about getting back on the bike. Supporting me when my confidence was low. 

We’ll be headed back to God’s country again this weekend.  We have many more miles to ride, while this beautiful fall weather is here.  I love the companionship, the friendship, the pleasure of my brothers’ company, but most important, I love to ride.

Thanks for following my journey.  I love hearing YOUR stories, so follow me on Facebook and share with me. 

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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