TimsBlog

So I’m riding back from the grocery store. I pasted the park and noticed they were having a concert in the park. SO On my way home I’m riding far slower than I normally do. I’m expecting people wanting to cross the street. Slow as in the speed limit of 30 mph instead of 40. So someone must have been peeking out or jumped out in front of the car ahead of me. Now I’m a good distance away from the sudden brakes they threw on, but I have drum brakes. Most bikes brake faster than cars. I don’t. I need some space. Another down side to riding a vintage bike. So I lock them up and my rear wheel starts to slide out to the right. Putting me in cross traffic when I get it unlocked and straight upright. So I lean to the other side and slide the rear tire to the left. I’m not going to make it to a stop before rear ending this car so I squeeze thru the parked car and the “suddenly stopped” car. Mind you I had a good 6 car lengths between me and this car to start with. They had to have almost locked them up. I’m guessing I didn’t hear tires from the car because it was anti lock brakes. As I’m straightening out and passing everything someone yells “Look Out Hes Crazy!” For one why am I crazy for trying to dodge a collision? Should I have just smashed into the car instead? Maybe it was just the first thing that popped out of this guys mouth.

So I’m glad of two things. One I had Bangkok driving experience that came in handy for the tight evasive maneuvering. It really came in to play here. It was something I had to do daily over there. Two I’m glad I skateboarded all those years. I really think it had something to do with me staying on the bike and drawing the line to avoid the collision. There are forces that could have came into play with the rear lock up. With the wheel sliding out to one side if you suddenly try to adjust it back upright you can get flown off. Sort of like changing the momentum and hitting a wall. The bike just throws you. I’m not saying I want to do it again by any means.