High Visibility

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

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