Two years have gone by since I ran off the road for no apparent reason, head on into a tree, suffering some serious injuries. Hopefully I am fully recovered now.I have not ridden on my own since my accident, but have been on the back a few times. I took a giant step and rode on the back seat on a long weekend trip (700-plus miles) with my former riding partner who was ready to ditch me after the first 50 miles as I was in a state of panic the whole trip unless my feet were on the ground. I was constantly tapping his shoulder saying, “Can you slow down? Do you see that car? Etc.” Thank goodness he was patient with me.
I am now considering buying my own motorcycle again, and having a lot of different feelings. I know in my heart that I can ride.
My question is, how many of you still have anxiety when you get on your bike after an accident? Did you start off with short distances or just get on and ride 100 miles? Thank for all the support here!
Lana
Dresden, TN
Please help us answer this question. Put your comment below.
And if you have a question, email it to Editor Genevieve Schmitt atgschmitt@womenridersnow.com.
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Getting Back in the Saddle After an Accident
I am a new rider. At 51 I got my motorcycle license. My husband already had a bike and I rode on the back. It was time to get my own bike. I went to the dealership and bought a used Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster. I had the bike only two days. I was riding in my neighborhood to get a good feel for the bike when I crashed. I let out the clutch too fast and had too much throttle and went off the road hitting a tree. I broke several ribs, lacerated my liver, and punctured a lung.I spent two weeks in the hospital. I want to get back on another bike, but am scared. I will probably take the safety course again.
Unfortunately, we have heard this story too many times before. While many women have good luck with a Sportster as their first bike, it is a very big, powerful motorcycle to start on. And, as you learned the hard way, has a very small margin of error for when you make common mistakes.Once healed, I hope you consider a smaller, lighter motorcycle with an easier, more forgiving clutch pull. WRN has a list of good motorcycles to start with here. Note that we included Sportsters, only because many women have had good luck with them. However, I personally would never recommend a motorcycle with that much power to a beginner.
Wow, there are a lot of us in this scenario and no real solution to help us get back on that bike. But we have all learned or found a way to do it and sounds like friends and family have been there for support. I am still not sure why our confidence get so crushed! But it does and trying to get from 1 back to 10 after all the physical parts have healed seems to be biggest challenge!I rode horses at one time and one was named Stitches. (The reason she was named this as she went through a barbed wire fence. Needless to say she was skittish and I was off her more than on her but I kept getting back on her and rode off!) But it reminds me it is not the bike’s fault and it is hard to get back on and not have the heebeegeebees. I’ve taken several experienced rider courses since then, and each time helps get some of those heebeegeebeees out of me! Of course I am more aware and look at all the distracted drivers today and shake my finger at them to just drive and not do anything else but pay attention to driving, and be aware and get off the phone.Here is to keeping the shiny side up. You ladies rock!
On May 5, 2010, I was on my brand new Yamaha V Star. My husband took me to an industrial park where there was a huge parking lot, so I could practice as I had just gotten my motorcycle license. I was feeling pretty confident by the time we were ready to leave, but as we were leaving the parking lot I decided I was going to pass him and beat him to the stop sign. There was an adjacent lot I was going to go into so I took off. What I didn’t see was the big chain that separated the lots preventing people from doing what I was trying to do. I hit the chain, it got caught in my front tire and I went up an embankment when my bike stopped, but I was thrown into the side of the building. I shattered my right collarbone, broke my right shoulder, broke four ribs, and pelvis in two places. I also punctured my lung and had a hematoma on it, plus I punctured a hole in my right scapula and the muscle got stuck in the hole. I was airlifted to a Chicago hospital that specializes in trauma, put on life support, and they told my husband he’d have to wait and see. Fourteen days later I walked out of the hospital and went home. My doctor kept calling me his miracle patient. My husband told me that for the first three days I was in ICU every time I gained consciousness I asked about my bike and he had to tell me I had totaled it. It only had 68 miles on it.July 30, 2010 I bought a new bike against many friends and family’s wishes, but this was something I really wanted to do. When I first got on the bike in the parking lot, I panicked and kept screaming. The dealership had closed, we had ridden my husband’s bike there, so I had to ride it home. Once I got out of the parking lot, my confidence started coming back. I hated parking lots for a while and would scream when we entered one, but I just kept at it. I did a lot of self-talk remembering how well I did in class and how much I loved the feel of riding. I started talking positively to myself before we would enter a parking lot to calm myself down and my husband would always boost my confident too. It took a while, but now parking lots doesn’t effect me at all. I now own a Heritage Softail Classic and I love riding. I learned a lot and am very vigilant when I’m on my bike. I seriously pay attention to everything around me all the time and I’m always thinking what if and have a plan. I think my accident made me a better rider and I’m so happy that I listened to myself and not to others around me. If I can do this, anyone can! I took baby steps, and now I ride everywhere on any road without fear! My best advice is to do what you feel comfortable doing and build on that. Ride safe!
Two years ago I was riding with our group when one went down. It was a surreal experience. While the Medivac was coming, my husband told me to go home with a couple of the guys, that it could be awhile. He was shocked that I got on my Ridley and went home. While riding I was having weird thoughts about how nice the ride was and how I hoped our friend was OK. Turns out, he passed on and I was in denial. But I continued to ride, just a little bit more carefully. A year later I upgraded to a Harley Switchback and started the process of learning to shift. Went for a ride with my husband, I got stuck on a hill, and dumped the bike! A little road rash and my confidence was out the door. It took me a full season to get over it, but I am riding and still conquering my fear of hills, tight turns, etc. But it’s one ride at a time.
Just over five years ago, I was hit from the side at 60+ mph. I had just bought my first Harley, a Road King. I was turning left with a protected green arrow, and a texting teen ran the red light. I suffered multiple injuries that landed me in the hospital for five weeks; body brace for nine weeks, C-collar for 14 weeks, and a second surgery on my leg two years later. Needless to say, I was back on a brand new ’09 King three months after the accident. I dropped her my first ride out alone on my way to a Patriot Guard Mission. I was a little nervous and panicky for a while, but the more I rode, the faster my confidence came back.I am now on a ’14 Street Glide and riding well. I knew I couldn’t not ride. Everyone is different. I’ve know people that stop riding just hearing about someone else getting hit or going down. I can’t say if it would be different if the accident had been my fault.An earlier post recommended taking the course. I couldn’t agree more. This will help you decide if you really want to ride again in a controlled environment. Good luck.
I had to respond to this because it seems like you feel like I did after my crashes. I went down twice in my first two years of riding my own. The first one I was hit from behind. The second was me being a newbie and stupid! Even my closest friends told me to give it up. (They are no longer my friends.)I was so afraid to get back on, but more than anything, I couldn’t bear the thought of giving up what I had worked so hard to get to — I mean more than just riding! Riding my own means more to me than just riding. After my accidents, my whole self esteem was shot to my core. I doubted myself in every way. I sought out other seasoned women riders and they changed my life as I knew it. I posted and shared my story. What I learned was it’s all in your head, the fear the anxiety, and lack of self confidence. I had to get honest and humble with myself more than anything.I asked myself if I gave up riding my own then what would I do? Getting on the backseat was no longer an option for me. I had to remember the serenity I once had and I needed to learn my own riding skills. I slowed down, asked a lot of questions, but more than anything the support I got from women riders was what helped me. I got back on track and back on my bike only because if I didn’t I would of died inside. When I was on my bike and got nervous, I slowed down and told myself to relax! Freezing isn’t an option, you have to self talk, go slow and focus on what you’re doing, learn your bike. Learn your comfort ability, ride, ride, ride… and oh yea… look where ya wanna go!
I began riding late 2007. June of 2008 I slid in some gravel and broke my ankle in three places. I was devastated. It was a beautiful summer and I was laid up and unable to ride. I was also somewhat glad to be laid up because I was scared to ride again. I did the same thing you did, posted (or attempted to) on here, looking for encouragement. Apparently I was the first to do so at that time and WRN felt I might be a discouragement.I argued my case, that learning from my mistake could possibly help someone else, and I needed the support and encouragement to get back on that bike. I was finally able to ride in Sept. of 2008, but all I did was take my bike to storage, nervous the entire trip. Spring of 2009, I considered buying a trike, but couldn’t get past the feelings of letting myself get “beat down” to giving up two wheels, which I really enjoyed pre-accident. So I took (again) the motorcycle safety course and got back on my 500cc Buell. I fell in love all over again and rode a lot that summer. The following spring of 2010 I traded up to a 950 Yamaha V Star and rode to Vermont from Pennsylvania, then to North Carolina. This year I traded up again to a 2014 Indian Chief Classic, 1800cc and a whopping 830-plus pounds and I am once again in love. Since my accident in 2008, I have logged about 65,000 miles under my butt. I live to ride and don’t regret anything, not even my accident because it was a learning experience.Please get back on your bike and ride. Take a safety course to boost your confidence because confidence is everything! Then start out riding 10 miles, 20 miles, 50 miles until you feel that confidence. Every mile you ride is another mile toward building your experience and confidence.Remember the saying, there are two kinds of bikers, those who have been down and those who are going down. You’ve paid your dues and earned your “rite of passage” into the sisterhood. Don’t let anything hold you back!
Fell and broke my foot. Two years later, fell and broke my pelvis. I had to get back on the horse. I wasn’t going out in fear. My first time back on, I sat with the motor running and my body shaking about as much as the bike itself was vibrating. I took a deep breath and hit first gear and took off. I’m still a little hinky on slow tight turns, but I’m good again now. Takes time to get that confidence back up again. I’m glad I did it and didn’t quit. If I quit, it’ll be on MY terms, not fears.
Two and half years ago, I had a serious motorcycle accident, breaking my hip, tearing my ACL/MCL and a compound fractured tibia — broken in three places and protruding through the skin. I required immediate surgery and several months of healing and a couple years of physio. My accident was in January 2012 and my goal at that time was to ride my own motorcycle to Port Dover for Friday 13th in July. I made myself get back on my bike as soon as I was able (probably sooner than I should have)…the same bike I crashed on. Shortly after, I bought another bike that was better suited to me, and yes, I made it to my event. My advice to you is, get back on a motorcycle! The longer you wait, the harder it will be. Yes, you will have anxiety, you will be nervous and you will probably ride slow at first. It wasn’t until this year that I’m finally completely free on the bike again. It takes time…just stick with it. It’s better than being on the back because you are in control. I hope this helps you. Happy riding!
Lana, It’s been two years since I totaled my bike. I caught air and ramped a driveway after going down off in a ditch in a curve. It took three to four months to heal from the tailbone fracture and I’m still getting over the totaling of that bike as I’d only had it for day days at that point. Luckily, insurance paid it off. I went back to square one on my old bike in the school parking lot at six months after injury and rode there until the speed bumps no longer hurt my rear. Two years and two different bikes later, if I go more than two to three days without a ride I get anxious at start-up, but I think it’s because I’m so excited about finally getting to ride again.Breezy knees to you sister!
Soon after I got my learner’s permit, my husband and I were out riding, me on the beater bike he’d put back together for me to learn on. Up until that time, I’d been riding only the side streets between home and my “practice parking lot” at the local elementary school. We were almost home when, in the process of a right turn, I hit a deeply recessed manhole cover, and throttled up from hanging on too tight. Of course, I accelerated… right into the left front fender of a vehicle waiting at the light. It happened so fast, I didn’t have time (or instinct, yet) to hit the foot brakes; bounced a little bit into the air on impact, and fell sideways. Helmet saved my noggin, had some belly bruises from the handlebar, and a few bruises on my legs. I was rattled, no shape to ride home. After we finished the police report at the scene, I rode home on the back of hubby’s bike, and he and a friend went back to get my beater. I waited a few days for the soreness to go away, and went back to my parking lot for a few more weeks of practice; I started the safe rider’s course after that.Fast forward three years and many pleasurable rides together. It was harder to get back on my bike after the accident that took my husband’s life… at first I had mild panic attacks, so I just sat on it in the garage, not even running. Progressed to sitting on it with it running. Then a brief ride around the block a few times… and back to the schoolyard to settle my nerves. Each episode got a little easier, and I felt close to him… talked to him, even. Now I ride it to work on nice days and the occasional just for fun jaunt. I’ve also been able to participate in some of the charity rides we always did as a couple before he passed. It was important to me to not live in fear, and to ride the bike he bought for me. It’s fun again, as it should be. Has to be taken at your own pace, good luck and keep at it if it’s important to you.
Hubby and I were hit on his Fat Boy. While it was in the shop he rode my Low Rider. I was a wreck! I felt like I had a target on my back. Even in my full sized pickup truck.After about two months I rode on the back of my bike with hubby to a local independent bike shop (about 2 miles). I cried when we got there and I got off. I am not a cry baby!Hubby got his Fat Boy out of the shop after 3+ months. He continued riding his bike. A couple of months later he asked if I was ever going to ride again. It was a Saturday and I had him take me to the local park on my bike. I rode it around the parking lot a couple of times and told him take me home, get your bike, I’m ready to ride.Since you are still nervous and upset about even riding on the back, I would suggest you take the rider safety course and see how you do. I have been told some people get over a motorcycle accident and get back on and ride and some don’t.Good luck!
In June 2011, I was T-boned by a deer on the highway at 11:30 in the morning. I immediately let go of the bike, didn’t want it to land on me as I landed in the grass. Few broken bones, no internal injuries or brain trauma and seven months off work. The following June, I decided it was time to get back on my bike and I did and it was without any trepidation or fear. Everyone has their own way of handling the mindset of getting back on their bike after an accident. It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to take the safety class and you’ll know when you will be comfortable and confident to get back on and ride with the wind.
Lana, It really can’t be said loud enough or often enough. Only you can make the decision to get back on or not. That said, July 11/11 I was riding by myself in Montana doing 70 mph just coming out of a bit of a speed curve when my front brake line guide came loose, flipped around and pinched off my front brake line. My front brakes instantly locked and I went over the fairing and landed on my head (wearing a 1/2 DOT helmet). I wound up with a significant concussion, broken ribs, partially collapsed lung, 3+ weeks short term memory loss and a host of other minor injuries. I should not have walked away from it. I had a couple months to seriously think about whether I wanted to get back on or not. I did and I immediately took an advanced riders course, and then booked a three-week cross country trip immediately after. Yes I was jumpy as hell and it took me a couple of weeks to get my confidence back and get back in the groove. It really is a personal choice, but for me, I did not want the accident to define who I am. Rather I choose to learn from it and share those learnings with others so they don’t make the same mistakes. I’d done a bunch of mods on my bike and although I’m anal about servicing my bike, etc., and had done a pre-trip the night before, I didn’t catch the brake line guide being loose. I highly doubt anyone would have in my case, but now I double check the torque on any bolt I remove and recheck them after awhile. I also went to a FF ECE rated helmet and armored pants. Thank God I was wearing at least a DOT helmet and armored mesh jacket. My point is, it’s your choice what you do with life lessons hun. Wish you all the best either way.
Lana, It has been said again and again by the voice of experience to take it at your own pace. You have to work through whatever it is that makes you nervous until you’re in control again. I highly recommend taking an advanced riders class, as a way to reassure you of your own skills and recognize that accidents are just that. I was thrown off a Gold Wing, which chased me down and landed across my legs. That was 10 years ago, and left hand curves still make me nervous. But I find the curvy roads and take a deep breath. Good luck to you.
I’m 53 now, but after I had been riding for two years I had a minor accident on my bike. My husband and I were heading to drop off a Christmas gift and didn’t realize our destination was on a gravel road. I decided to pull off and let my husband drop the gift off since he had been riding for 50 years. When I went to pull off, I caught the gravel and went down. The bike and I were banged up, but we were 15 miles from home and wasn’t about to let a fall stop me. I rode home. Since we’re grandparents and don’t heal like I used to, I decided to get a trike. I loved my trike and rode it for two years. I’ll be 54 in a few days and several months ago I sold my trike for a ST Limited Can-Am Spyder. I love it! I like to mess with my music, and I love the comfort and stability three wheels has to offer. Sometimes I miss my two wheels vs. three, but not enough to ever go back. It doesn’t matter what you ride. No seat belt, the wind in your face, and getting out on your bike, whatever it may be is a personal choice. You’ve got nothing to prove. Good luck!
In July several years ago I was t-boned by a rider in my own group. I was air-lifted to a trauma center, received three liters of blood, and nearly lost my life and my leg. In October of that year my riding buddy pulled up on his cruiser and bandaged leg and all, I got on and we rode for about two hours. I jumped at every car and held my breath on every turn. By June of the next year I knew I had to get on my own bike or I was never going to.I found the Street Glide I wanted 360 miles from my home and again, I got on the back and my buddy’s bike and he and some friends took me to get it. I rode it 360 miles home – my first solo ride since the accident. A few weeks ago I was the happy road captain for four girls, four bikes, four states in four days. We had an amazing trip, but there were still a few times when I’d panic and had to talk myself through it.We are all different in how we handle trauma. It’s important to know what you can demand of yourself. WRN had a great article on getting counseling after an accident about six months ago; get help if you need it. But more importantly, focus on what you want to accomplish, not on what happened to you. Make yourself a victor, not a victim.
That article on getting back in the saddle after an accident is located at this link on WRN. You can also find it in the Safe Riding Tips section on WRN.
My only advice is to take an advanced motorcycle safety course. The coaches are there to help get riders back into the saddle, and can help you with your anxiety. Best of luck!
I was in a serious accident six years ago. I’m lucky that I don’t remember anything about the accident. It did not bother me to ride “fender fluff” with my husband. The first year, I would not get on the bike without taking the MSF course again. After taking it, and passing, I knew I was not ready to be back on the streets. I did parking lots for about three months then slowly on the streets. I won’t say I don’t have bad days; but my husband is patient. Oldest bike rule: ride you’re own ride. After an accident, ride when you’re ready. If you have a bad feeling don’t ride. You have nothing to prove.
I just had a accident on August 27, 2014. Five deer run out in the middle of the day. Tried taking the ditch but the leader of the pack hit the front of my bike and came around and hit me and I was thrown form the bike and slide down the ditch. I was very lucky. I have a lot of bumps and bruises and a large cut on my leg. I was driving a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard trike. The bike took the hit very good Just bent the left handle bar and broke the windshield. Can’t wait to get the bike fixed so I can ride again.
Love how much support and encouragement our biker communication has. I too have been down once and understand the effect it has. Having these articles is great and you learn so much from other riders. Thank you and ride on.
Thank all of you so much for your words, wisdom and advice. I still haven’t ridden on my own yet, but I did sit on it and started her up. I think and hope I get there soon. I have been talking to lots of people, it seems, much to my surprise that almost everyone I talk to has been down at least once. Some very serious and some as simple as forgetting to put their feet down and everything in between. My riding partner has also been a huge amount of help, just by standing there telling me, you got this. I so admire those of you who were able to get right back on and take off. I questioned my ability to ride, to think ahead, to see everything around me, my reflexes and spent countless hours trying to remember what happened or what went wrong. It’s just not there. I am guessing I will never know and just accepting that has been a huge step. I am slowly moving forward. Thanks to all of you, my sisters, for listening and sending much needed encouragement.
I was badly injured in an accident with a car in June of 2012 and wondered if I’d ride again. I wasn’t released from doctor’s care until early spring of 2013, then focused on planning my daughter’s wedding so didn’t think too much about it (although it was always in the back of my mind). By the time the wedding rolled around in August, I knew I wanted to try to ride again.One of the Harley dealers had a demo truck event scheduled so I went to that to see if I could get enough courage up to ride. I signed up, then began to feel very nervous – so much so I thought I might puke or pass out. A couple of deep breaths, and some encouraging words from a friend, and I got on a bike. Once we started to roll, I felt much better and wondered what had taken me so long to try again. I think I rode three bikes that day, then went to a demo event at a Victory dealer the following weekend and tried out two more bikes.In the spring of this year, I rented a bike for a day, and rode with the two people I’ve taken a lot of motorcycle trips with to ensure I could ride without too much fear or discomfort.I bought a new bike in May of this year, and have put about 1600 miles on it in three months time. Not a lot of miles, I know, but I’m a fair weather rider and don’t get the opportunity to ride every weekend.I still get nervous when cars approach from side streets, but that’s not a bad thing as I am now much more alert to what they might do. My accident was caused by a woman who stopped at stop sign, then proceeded to come across the lane I was riding in.) I also took an experienced riders class through motorcycle riding concepts. If you think you want to ride again, approach it at your own pace. I found that doing the test rides, renting a bike for a day (a bit costly but a lot less expensive than buying a bike if I found I couldn’t handle it) and taking the class worked well for me. I wish you much luck and success with whatever you choose to do.
I wish I had some good advice for this rider. I have never suffered the same experience. I have had plenty of crashes but, I immediately got back on. I suppose that my best suggestion would be to start over again fresh, with a MSF Rider’s Safety Course. Maybe take the course twice or take their experienced rider’s and advanced level courses. Get as much formal education as you can.
Back on August 18th of 2013, I was in a bad bike wreck. I crested a knoll and there was a car stopped. I made an quick move to the right and tried to split the lanes, well, there wasn’t any room. My left leg was pinned between my Road Glide and the corner of the car. I won’t get into major details of my injury, but I spent the next 110 days in a hospital bed. Between two hospitals and two rehab facilities.After getting my bike fixed in July of this year, I sat on it. I thought I was going to throw up when I started it and had to take off from the dealership. But I had to do it. I said, from the day of my accident I would ride again. I made it my mantra. It helped. I rode about 20 miles that day. Then that weekend my friends took me out for a 75-mile jaunt to make sure my stamina was up to par. Then just this pass weekend, just a month after getting my bike, I just did a 700-mile trip with my friends.. The short of it is, make it your mantra. You own that bike. It doesn’t own you. Ride your own ride. Go slow, go your pace.Your friends will not begrudge you. You will get the confidence. You will feel that feeling that you only get behind bars. You’ve got this girl. Seize it and make it yours. If you ever want to talk. Hit me up. Good luck. Twist that throttle.
Lana, To me regardless if you have had an accident or not, anytime you get on a bike the next day or the following year, we all experience anxiety. It’s a normal feeling. I applaud you for even thinking about riding again after you have had your accident. I always had a rule of thumb when riding. Anytime a person thinks he is in control of his/her bike when they begin to ride, needs to pull over and get off the bike at once! They are only a piece of machinery, they only do what they are controlled ridden to do. I have been riding more than 40 years and God has blessed me with happy safe riding. You will do fine! Please stay in touch with me and let me know your results. I wish you the best and happy safe riding and trails! Peace.
I just recently in June had my first motorcycle crash on the freeway which resulted in five hospitalized days, two surgeries on my knee, a radial wrist fracture, and of course a banged-up left arm/leg/shoulder from low-siding after a tank slapper (speed wobble). I’ve been riding since 2009 and it is and has been my only mode of transportation. Motorcycling has become my lifestyle. Fortunately for me, the accident only put me out of work for a month, and I was back on my bike in seven weeks after the accident. Those were the seven longest weeks of my life! It was amazing to me to think (objectively) how something like not being able to ride my motorcycle would put me in such a dark, depressing place. It’s part of my identity, part of what I live to do. In my opinion, it’s the best way to see the world, get thrills, and go adventuring. There was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t get back on my motorcycle(s). On the seventh week, I went out into my garage just to sit on my bike, to see if my leg could support the bike, and if my arm could pull the clutch. I sat it up, pulled the clutch lever several times, kicked the kickstand up and turned the bike on (just to hear it… my exhaust is loud and gets me excited). In fact, I got so excited that I thought, “Hey – I can do this! I’m going to take it for a quick spin around the block.” So I geared up and took it for a spin. The rest is basically history. I haven’t driven the car that I got after the accident since (and I hadn’t had a car in more than 10 years, it was kind of luxurious!). The first week of commuting to and from work I found myself being a little paranoid. Ultra cautious. I had lost some strength which concerned me, but I knew it would come back. Nevertheless, it felt like I hadn’t missed a beat. The muscle memory came back quickly, and any anxiety that I had went away quickly. I’m on week two of being back on my bike, and all I’ve been doing is commuting. No long rides, yet but every time I get on it I can’t help but smile ear to ear with excitement of being back in the saddle. Move at your own pace, take your time. Definitely listen to your intuition. If you really want to get back on a bike, get back on it! I wish you much luck, and safe travels, lady. Thanks for sharing your story!
I had major hand surgery and I was off mine for almost a year. When I finally got the OK to ride I was stunned by how nervous I was. Heart racing, hands sweating — I finally got to the corner. My husband was riding beside me but he kept asking if I was ok and that made me more nervous! A few days later I just got on it and rode solo. It was better but it took a long time to settle in. I thought about taking the course over just to get my skills back. That’s what I would do after a crash. Let the calmness of skilled instructors take you back to calm riding.
I took a slip slide in May 2014, via snow skiff. I had miles to go before I got home. I did get trailered 23 miles down the hill and out of the falling snow, but had to get back on eventually. Granted I wasn’t hurt physically, but did go into shock a bit. Finally mounted my motorcycle and rode. I had to do the same thing years ago with a busted shoulder. Just had to ride it out of there because no one was going to do it for me. If you want to and you know you can, don’t try to control things around you. Just control how you respond to things when they happen.
Since 1980 I have had one major accident, one small accident and four very close calls. Fear is not an option; it’s a matter of respect. If fear was an option women wouldn’t have more than one child! You are not going anywhere until the Lord is ready for you. Pray before you ride and give the rest to Him!
I crashed my bike on October 19, 2013. I flew 20 feet over the handlebars and landed on my left side. I had seven broken ribs — that’s all. Lucky me it took me seven months before I could go back to work.After five months I wanted so badly to go for a ride, but not on the back of my partners bike. I wanted my bike. After I got back on my bike, I thought OMG what if I crash again? I drive a 950 Yamaha V Star Tourer, and I love my bike. I was very nervous first till I was out on the road and after the first traffic light, then suddenly my fear was gone.Now I search more around me when I ride, be more aware of everything that is on the road. Wearing reflecting vest at nightfall, also armored jacket, always gloves, long pants and boots.If you still feel not safe try to take a Motorcycle Safety Course. It helps too. They have smaller motorcycles and give you advice.
It is scary getting back on the bike after dropping it or an accident! I started back to the basics after my small accident. I found a deserted country road and practiced slow tight turns and emergency braking until some of my confidence came back. I sympathize with what you are going through! Just remember, you are in control of the bike, the bike is not in control of you. Best wishes!
I had a tough time getting back after a bad accident when a new rider. I rode as a passenger before I was physically able to ride my own. Then I got a small bike, took the MSF course again and began with small local rides increasing the time and distance as I felt comfortable. I also had a mentor who rode with me for support and encouragement.Wishing you a successful journey back to the front seat.
Hi Lana,Thank you for sharing your thoughts and big kudos for being optimistic about getting back to riding. Fortunately, I have only had one accident on my street bike and remember all of the details like it was yesterday and not five years ago. I was hit by a large truck on the highway who thought there was an open spot to change lanes. After the bike was towed back to my garage, all I could think about is how long will it take to fix and when will I ride again. It was the longest six months I had gone without being on the bike, but I guess it was best to have the little bone in my right hand to heal first.Everyone goes through their own way of overcoming any accident and some give it up altogether. Have you thought of maybe gaining your confidence again off road? That’s how I learned and find it refreshing to be out of the way of cars, trucks and even other motorcyclists on the asphalt. My last thought would be to take the ERC course on your own bike when you get it. Sometimes mentioning a past incident will help them customize some of the range for extra assistance.Take your time, be safe and keep us posted on your progress. I hope that helped.
I never thought about not riding after my accident. I just got on and rode and kept on riding until the satisfaction of being healed and living to ride another day left a huge smile on my face for days. Never look back.
Oh my motorcycling buddy! I have been there, done that! I had been riding a little over a year when I had my first (and only) accident. I was hospitalized for four days and in physical therapy three times a week for 12 weeks. I always told myself I would get back on but doing is harder than thinking. I had waited so long to get my own bike that I just wasn’t ready to give up yet. When I first started riding my own I was petrified so I was kinda like back at square one. It was painful to ride on the back of hubby’s bike as I had injured a hip and not being able to stretch my leg made riding double very uncomfortable. But I started there. Just getting the wind back in my face. But I needed to get on my own for the same reasons of why I started. I wanted control. Over speed, distance, etc. I started back little by little. Around the neighborhood, down the freeway a bit. We made a plan to conquer a windy road similar to the place where I went down. By the time I finished I was in complete tears and panicked beyond belief. But I did it! My heart still pounds when I have to make a tight left hand turn. I have to mentally talk myself through it. I just love riding my own so much that I refuse to give up just yet. That was six years ago. So, a bit of that fear and anxiety will probably always remain with you but your courage will win out. You will be more cautious and that’s always a good thing as long as it isn’t debilitating. Best of luck to you, Sister Rider. Take it day by day, one mile at a time.