If I could post a pic of me with all my motorcycle gear, I could demonstrate the meaning of 'glowing.' And I have had colleagues tell me, how I glow in the dark.
Countless time it has saved me from getting in trouble in the first place. On my way to work, as I am going through a turn, there's two blind spot on each side of the road. Heading in each direction, I have had people really notice me, and stopped from pulling in. From the beginning of my moto adventure, I realized I am going to treat riding from a different perspective than lets say the usual folks.
First, for me it is a mean of transportation. And that's all. Not a sport, but riding is a way for me to get from point A to point B. Second, which means learning everything I possibly can about the vehicle, techniques while minimizing every possible risks. I also set my priorities to help me focus. My first priority is my family, being able to spend time with them and being there for them. And my second priority and my true love is running. I love to go for runs and I plan on doing that for as long as I can.
You see treating biking as a means of commute only doesn't mean I don't have fun. I do, but being cautious about it. With that being said, woke up this morning feeling like going for a run at the Latta Plantation. So, I suited up and headed out the door. As I am waiting in my car to get on the main door my eyes felt a little sleepy still. I am waiting for the on coming car to pass. As soon as it passed, I motion to get on. When I look again. For a second, I see nothing. An empty main door, but only after that I realize there's actually a biker on the road. He was close to the car that just passed but on his dark bike, beige jacket and the half face black helmet, he was invisible this whole time. He looked me in the eye, he knows I didn't see him first and just noticed him. He nods at me for stopping on time and allow him to pass. I nod back but inside the thought of me not noticing him, getting on the main road only to have him hit the side or the rear (most likely the side) of the car terrified the hell out of me.
So, the lesson: please hear high visible gear. Leave the high beam on and if you see a car trying to merge or get on, swivel the bike to separate yourself from the background and make yourself more visible. Please.
Coincidentally, here's an article talking about the same issue.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/07/26/the-art-of-being-seen-on-your-motorcycle/#.UfK8M6hut8E.reddit
Rain riding...
July 23, 2013: Prior to that date, I was having a hard time concentrating. Twice the day before I made mistakes on my bike. You see my mind was somewhere else. I was thinking about how in few hours I will take the oath, I will walk down to receive the certificate of citizenship. I was wondering about all the time I have spent on getting to this point, the hardship, the joyous moments.
So on July 23 officially I became an American citizen. I was feeling many things. It was however sad afterwards. After the ceremony we went to celebrate the occasion at Safforn Indian Cuisine. My initial plan was to get a bagel and coffee from Owen's Bagel and head to Freedom Park. But because of the heat, decided on the more popular option at our house, Indian restaurant. My wife suggested I call Mom, but I didn't. And that's the sad part of the evening.
Later that afternoon, I talked to my mom, my brother and except for my wife not a single one of them said 'congrats' or anything to that effect. It was as if my becoming a citizens is a no deal for them. I wonder if they will ever realize the value, the essence of becoming a citizen. If it will ever sink on them what it means to take the oath.
Talked to dad last night. Didn't even bother to ask how things are in my life. Just went on about how mom sucks.
Anyway, yesterday met with my wife after work to run some errands. I was trying to hurry up since it was getting a little dark and seemed like it might rain. Well, what do you know? I got caught in rain trying to get home. However, I realized as I am commuting more and more, rain or shine; I am starting to become more comfortable in riding. I still talk to 'Elanor' and correct myself. But now it is not as intimidating riding in rain as before.
And this afternoon during lunch went for a short walk in the garage to find a bicycle parked next to 'Elanor.' My heart sank immediately seeing the bicycle so close to my bike. I hope he/she got off on their right instead of the usual left.
Speaking of rain, now I know why you should have more than one riding gear. The obvious reason being, one gear getting soaked in rain and having to use the wet glove the next morning. Amazingly however, the helmet stays dry or else it would be quiet uncomfortable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLpJi9JL79g&feature=youtu.be&t=37s
So on July 23 officially I became an American citizen. I was feeling many things. It was however sad afterwards. After the ceremony we went to celebrate the occasion at Safforn Indian Cuisine. My initial plan was to get a bagel and coffee from Owen's Bagel and head to Freedom Park. But because of the heat, decided on the more popular option at our house, Indian restaurant. My wife suggested I call Mom, but I didn't. And that's the sad part of the evening.
Later that afternoon, I talked to my mom, my brother and except for my wife not a single one of them said 'congrats' or anything to that effect. It was as if my becoming a citizens is a no deal for them. I wonder if they will ever realize the value, the essence of becoming a citizen. If it will ever sink on them what it means to take the oath.
Talked to dad last night. Didn't even bother to ask how things are in my life. Just went on about how mom sucks.
Anyway, yesterday met with my wife after work to run some errands. I was trying to hurry up since it was getting a little dark and seemed like it might rain. Well, what do you know? I got caught in rain trying to get home. However, I realized as I am commuting more and more, rain or shine; I am starting to become more comfortable in riding. I still talk to 'Elanor' and correct myself. But now it is not as intimidating riding in rain as before.
And this afternoon during lunch went for a short walk in the garage to find a bicycle parked next to 'Elanor.' My heart sank immediately seeing the bicycle so close to my bike. I hope he/she got off on their right instead of the usual left.
Speaking of rain, now I know why you should have more than one riding gear. The obvious reason being, one gear getting soaked in rain and having to use the wet glove the next morning. Amazingly however, the helmet stays dry or else it would be quiet uncomfortable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLpJi9JL79g&feature=youtu.be&t=37s
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