On Sunday I had a chance to get out and run “the East County loop” as I’ve come to call the ride from the 395 North, to the 76 East, to Julian, and then back home via 78 West. To mix things up on this ride I ran the loop in reverse, hitting Ramona on the 78 East, to Julian, etc.
On this ride I encountered significant traffic on the 76 leg, pretty much from Lake Henshaw to the 15. The most frustrating of the traffic was a driver in a Mercedes SLK doing between 35 and 40 from the lake to the Pala Casino. The speed alone would have been marginally frustrating but it was a nice day and having a relaxed ride is not a bad thing. What was frustrating and dangerous was the build-up of cars behind the SLK, and more worrisome, my Sportster.
One ass rode the back of my Harley-Davidson for a good five miles. To try and be as safe as possible I put some distance between my front wheel and the car in front (an SUV behind the SLK). By the time the Mercedes reached the casino there must have been close to two-dozen vehicles (cages and bikes) stacked up. The driver and passenger seemed completely oblivious to what was going.
Now I know that twisty roads can be problematic for drivers and riders alike and that’s fine. Do what you do within your limits and be safe but please, use the turn outs to get out of the way and let the other motorists pass. What's safe for you may not be safe for those around you.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Slow Isn’t Always Safe
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3 comments:
The person driving the Mercedes was the only one on the road.Every other person was also the only one on the road. people are becoming increasingly self centered, especially Richie Rich.Why do you think everyone picks their nose in a room full of windows, cause they don't realize they're not the only ones on the road.Chivalry is dead, so is common courtesy !
I've been in the same situation myself. There is something of a lack of situational awareness that is widespread among cage drivers. We as motorcycle riders have a heightened awareness as our lives depend on it. Cage drivers would merely get a bent fender.
I just added your blog to the aggregator. Keep posting!
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