Author Topic: Calling all amature (or professional) shrinks! (Read 3576 times)

Tundrahog · « **on:** October 11, 2005, 11:41:45 PM »

A friend of mine wrecked her 750 Vulcan about a month ago. Some chick pulled out in front of her, and flipped her over the hood. she got lucky and escaped with some road rash (wasn't wearing her jacket) a couple broken toes (crushed between the bike and the car) and plenty of bruises.

At first, she said "No more bikes" but has been gradually warming back up to the idea. To my surprise she borrowed a friend's 883 sportster and asked me to go for a ride last weekend. It was slow and she was obviously uncomfortable, but she made it through it.

Just wonderin' if anyone else has bee thru this with a friend and am looking for some thoughts on if there is anythnig else I can do to help her. Mostly I'm concerned that she will spend a lot of time brooding over the winter, and will lose touch with something she really enjoys.

b4cruz · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2005, 01:18:55 AM »

maybe take a MSF advanced course together?
or just go bike shopping
lots of inspiration on the showroom floors
good time to go shopping for a nice new stylish cumfy MC jacket

don't force her into anything though

PeteSC · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2005, 01:47:54 AM »

Yeah, it's her call. She's interested, and edging closer. Let her call the shots.
To be honest with you, I haven't know anyone recently who gave up riding after a crash. Maybe I'm hanging out with a better class of rider....or more stubborn.
Even after a minor crash where you just get banged up a little, it takes a while to get your confidence back.
If the bike's been totaled....it may just be more convenient to quit riding.

Cruisecontrol · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2005, 01:48:06 AM »

I get really bothered when I hear about people that come off their bikes and say they are never riding again because of it.
Everyone is aware of the possibilities of accidents when riding a motorcycle but it only seems to matter after they get hurt. I have had some big crashes and never once thought about not riding again, come to think about it I have scared myself more almost crashing than I ever have actually doing it.

If she wants to quit it is up to her but she may not be cut out for riding a motorcycle anyway.

billster · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2005, 04:55:52 AM »

Methinks that if she's that quick to give it up, she was never 'really' into it in the first place. Let her go her own route...otherwise her discomfort/uneasiness over riding will tense her up and affect her judgement adversely.

oh.....and they like full body rubs with warm oil. That helps.

The older I get the more I limp around from old get-off injuries....getting harder to get the leg over the saddle...but I'll ALWAYS get it over. hahaha

Cheers
Billster

Maniac · « **Reply #5 on:** October 12, 2005, 10:02:55 AM »

I remember when I had my accident on my old dirtbike, I was definatly spooked by the bike for several months afterwards. I wouldn't even touch it for almost two months... but...

If you are into riding, you can't stay away, and once the initial shock wears off the itch comes back. I'd say just support her, don't push her one way or the other. If she truely loves the sport, she'll come back. It may take a little time, but as the bruises and scrapes fade, I bet she'll be looking for a new ride.

fritobandito · « **Reply #6 on:** October 12, 2005, 10:08:36 AM »

A friend of mine was riding his '82GS1100GL to work in downtown Chicago. He was riding in lower Wacker Dr. when he tried to pass traffic in the right side parking area. Unbeknownst to him, the parking area came to an abrupt end when the curb suddenly curved back over to the road right in front of him. He hit it going about 50 and the bike flipped in the air, throwing him up over the handlebars and crashing down on the sidewalk. He limped to work on Michigan Ave. but later had a friend drive him home. He quit riding for a little over a year. After about a year, he came down to Dayton for a visit at a time when I had bought my '81GS1000G, but still hadn't sold the '80GS550L. So, we went out on a ride all over southwest OH which took about four hours. That was all it took to get him searching for another bike. He just needed time to get over the jitters and then, a good long ride to reaffirm his love of riding.

mike · « **Reply #7 on:** October 12, 2005, 10:17:17 AM »

Time heals the mind. Sounds like she's already moving ahead, everyone has to set their own pace to build confidence. Just let them know your door is always open, and they won't get any negative feedback by consulting your advice. Example: Analytical criticism is OK, it's reality. Negative personal opinions are not, they'll just destroy what confidence has been gained so far.
She'll be ready to ride more and more as time progresses and her confidence returns, be supportive. Seeing if she can keep up a hgh speed pace in twisties is not a good way to build confidence, make it fun when you go riding but not too competitive.
Good Luck,

Tundrahog · « **Reply #8 on:** October 12, 2005, 08:31:43 PM »

I think she'll come back in the fold, we talked over lunch today (we work together), and she's still stressing some, but is talking about riding again.

Quote from: "billster"

oh.....and they like full body rubs with warm oil. That helps.

sounds like a good time

But I don't think my wife or her huband would go for it!

Maybe if I say it's a time honored motorcycling tradition endorsed by the AMA??

I also found an '02 B6 at a local dealer she's always liked the B12
http://www.bobscycleshop.com/used/84u.htm
Maybe in a bit she might be in for a test ride

billster · « **Reply #9 on:** October 12, 2005, 08:34:20 PM »

You'd better forget the warm oil rub! Ignore the man behind the curtain.

12sdrag · « **Reply #10 on:** October 13, 2005, 09:54:56 PM »

Hey Tundrahog, Did she start riding on her own? I think if she started riding with out the influence of someone else like her husband, she will ride agin.

Tundrahog · « **Reply #11 on:** October 13, 2005, 11:22:41 PM »

Actually her husband is against her riding again, her parents are both riders and are encouraging her.