3 way Highway Race - anyone?

Catchy start for a title.... anyway, I thought I would post my newest experience. I knew it would probably come up sooner or later. I am still what everyone (and I) would consider a newbie since I've only been riding for about a month since my high school and college days (lets just say a few years back).
:soapbox:

Anyway, I was out and about enjoying a late afternoon ride home when two invincible pulled up and thought it would be a great idea if we took up both lanes and revved up for a race. I waved them on and they stuck around for awhile trying to get me to join in but I guess they finally realized I didn't really need that. My wife's cousin was involved in a serious motorcycle wreck last weekend and her husband was actually killed in the wreck; she is in the hospital still. I guess in my mind I kept thinking of my family and the "why". I try to ride as safe as possible and watch everyone like their out to get me. I feel very comfortable on the VFR and I am extremely glad I purchased it.

I don't know why, but I just felt like sharing this .....it feels good to belong to a community like this. Thanks everyone for listing to my ramblings.

btay67

 

Good-on-ya, mate. Stay safe.

 

Smart thinking man sorry for the loss

 

It takes a bigger man to wave them on by, than to stoop to their level and look like an idiot. Sorry to hear about your loss.

 

X100, I could not have said it better.

Bob

 

I used to rise to the bait on this type of thing -- would just stick on their tail to let them know that staying with them was no big deal. One day I got into one of these "matches" and was screaming around a blind corner with the adrenaline pumping. No accident or anything like that, but suddenly realized the risk I was taking and more importantly realized I had a son and wife at home that were more important than this. That changed my riding style forever.

 

Thanks everyone for your posts, I really appreciate your comments. As silly as it sounds I did feel like I was letting my VFR brethren down because I know I could have at least hung with the invincibles. My better judgment and assessment of my skills held me back.

Too bad JOEY_DUDE wasn't around!! My understanding from the posts I've read he could of toasted 'em!! (especially with the rockets addition in the "joey's worst nightmare thread).

Take this with pure respect joey_dude, like bragging rights of a big brother....

btay67

 

Like Michael D said, my primary goal when out riding is to make it home to see my wife and kids - in one piece.

I haven't been on this forum long, but from the posts, it seems as though the riders here are mostly older (I guess I should check archives for an age poll) and hopefully wiser. So as far as feeling like you let this Viffer brother down, you did exactly what I would have done. Ride your own ride.

 

Ha ha, it's cool. I do admit doing the drag race but in my defense the only other vehicle on the road within a five mile radius was the souped-up mustang next to me. It ain't breaking the law if you don't get caught!!! :lol:

But I'm not doing that sh*t if there's a bunch of traffic around and/or if I feel like I'm over my head. So I have to give you a kudos for having the better sense to withdraw. I would not be surprised if one of those days the bikers who challenged you end up in an accident themselves. It's kind of ironic that the bikers who think they're invincible most likely will end up in an accident and those who think they're mortal most likely will end up safe.

One thing that drives me a little crazy about fellow sportbikers is how some of them just scream through blind corners. I don't care how good you are if you don't know if there's going to be gravel, car pulled over, oil, etc.. around the corner. I enjoy a spirited ride like everyone else but I always make sure to keep the speed within a reasonable limit so I have enough time to react in case I see something around the corner.

All right that's enough of my rambling, thanks for sharing the story and enjoy your motorcycle adventures!