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Are there cities you wouldn’t learn to ride in?
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August 12, 2009 at 9:48 pm #3288JammerParticipant
Hey all,
I’m Ben, and I’ve been stalking this board for the past couple of days (as I’m hopefully a soon-to-be rider). First of all, thanks for all the great information – I’ve learned a ton by observing this helpful and friendly community, and it’s been invaluable. Thanks!
I live in Nashville, TN, and the urge to take the MSF course has finally caught up with me, so I’m doing that this weekend. I’ve told myself that unless I feel SUPREMELY comfortable with the material presented in the class, I’ll hold off on getting a bike until I’ve moved somewhere else. I’m originally from Delaware, and I honestly felt like I noticed a difference in the recklessness and unfriendliness of drivers when I moved down here. Nashville drivers seem to be extremely dangerous companions on the road compared to Delawareans. I know that’s a generalization, but it’s just been my perception so far.
All of that said, I thought it’d be interesting to get any opinions that might be available – are there cities out there that you wouldn’t ride in, even as an experienced rider? You may not know Nashville, but would you agree or disagree with my inclination to postpone riding based on the city I live in?
Basically, I THINK I’d really love to learn to ride (and I’ll know more about that after my course this weekend), but I can already see that I could be the safest rider in the world and still end up as a funny-colored smear on I-24. Is the fact that I’m even asking this question indicative of the fact that I’m not cut out for riding?
Anyway, any advice or opinions welcome, and sorry if the above was a little bit ramble-y. I’m a rambler. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hopefully becoming a helpful part of this community, even if it’s from the sidelines at first
August 12, 2009 at 10:19 pm #21552MunchParticipantPersonally for me…any city. However I am an ol country boy. Nashville is plagued by the same problems as Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, LA… etc. There is too much of a mixture in culture and road manners. I-95 is a perfect example. Most drivers will hover around 10+ the speed limit..then you get blazed by from a car and I can guarantee you it has one of a few license plates on it, Jersey, Florida, or NY. Here in NC I hear all the time how us country bumkins can’t drive in the snow , yet it’s the northern car thats in the ditch. Most transplants assume the winters here are the same as up there. We get some snow..a lot of ice on top of the snow, apparently not the same up there. Also another thing against a beginner in the city is, there’s more to look at then YOU. Billboards, the hottie beside them, the self proclaimed hottie they see in the shop window that’s their reflection, signs, lights, you name it. Theres a site thats been linked on BBM that even though I absolutely hate the fact it found its way here show some pretty graphic accidents involving motorcycles, if you notice very few of those are outside city limits.
If you can get your bike and find the most relaxed route to the country side and get your practice there.August 12, 2009 at 10:23 pm #21553eonParticipantEverybody seems to believe the drivers where they currently live are the worst in the country, but I have to back you up on the Nashville thing. I’ve driven through there three times and it was never fun (and once was down right terrifying). I don’t think it should stop you riding though. Part of the experience of riding a bike is learning to SEE the dangers on the road before they happen and to avoid them. I have to say I get great satisfaction when I do this correctly (and I cuss myself when something catches me by surprise).
The usual advice still applies, find quiet roads to learn on till you are comfortable with the bike. When you are surrounded by dangers you want to be giving them your full attention and not wandering what gear you are in, where is the brake etc. This could mean not hitting I-24 for a long while till you are ready, or at least avoiding it at busy times. No shame there.
In short, I don’t think it would stop me from riding. Might make be a bit more cautious in getting up to speed is all.
August 12, 2009 at 10:51 pm #21557JammerParticipantWise words, both of you – and thanks for the advice. I agree with you – everyone does tend toward the belief that drivers in their town suck worst I’m sure Nashville’s not the only city of its kind in this regard.
Just like you said, eon – if I do get a bike, I’m already planning on not hitting the freeways until I feel really confident in my ability to ride, but I was glad to hear you say that it wouldn’t stop you from riding. I feel like if I take it VERY slow and don’t hit the rush hour traffic until I’m beyond ready, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t go for it
Thanks, fellas!
August 13, 2009 at 3:02 am #21561Joseph HannaParticipantI dunno. Cincinnati is FAR tougher than L.A.. Of that i am positive:)
August 13, 2009 at 3:34 am #21562MunchParticipantApparently you haven’t heard of whats going on in LA. Seems that according to the grapevine, LA gangs have an open season orders on bikers, more specifically if you look like you belong to a MC. So if you do ride through there… just note …no poser gear.
August 13, 2009 at 11:33 am #21566Joseph HannaParticipantMaybe somewhat off topic but interesting none the less. When I first moved to L.A. I found myself living in a community just north of MS13’s biggest strong hold. Arguably the most violent gang in North America. I strangely didn’t feel terribly unsafe as their war didn’t include me (or my type) as the enemy and in fact their enemy (just like the Bloods and Crypts) is extremely well defined. Colors are the ignition points. Even if you’ve been spotted wearing colors previously but go to the mall without your colors you’re still a major target.
If MS13 has issued orders on bikers it would be WITHOUT DOUBT bikers wearing “colors” behind enemy lines.
That said and back to the topic. L.A. county is big and traffic can be very difficult but by and large the regional traffic simply must step up their driving skills in essence and in order to survive. There is an undeniable sense that “we’re all in this mess together” Merging into another lane seldom if ever irritates someone simply because they know they’re gonna have to merge six lanes over soon as well. In Cincinnati you could have your turn signal on for 3 miles and by god ain’t no one gonna bother to let you over. It’s an aggressive, underskilled driving region and I’ll take my ride out the 101 over the hill in Topanga and up PCH anyday over the battle field that is I-75
August 15, 2009 at 9:37 pm #21631Clenzer72ParticipantI think every major city is a danger zone. For me, it’s San Francisco.
When I ride in the city I am invisible and move through traffic instead of with it or having it pass me.
Doesn’t matter if your In a city, town, or village…that person turning left across your direction probably won’t see you.
survival on a bike will depend on your skills and abilities, notthe lack of the cagers!
Ride within your comfort zone, learn, progress, and never ever assume “they” see you.
Once you finish the MSF you’ll know of riding is the right thing for you. At the end o they day if you had fun and want more then go buy that bike, if your tired and can’t wait for the class to end then maybe stick to driving the car. Riding isn’t for everyone, but everyone should find out if it is for them and the perfect place to helpake that decision is at the msf.
My belief is it’s not the motorcycle that is most dangerious, butthe rider and drivers around them.August 17, 2009 at 4:31 pm #21699WeaponZeroParticipantI was born in Miami and spent most of my life living in those three areas of South Florida, eventually settling in Boca Raton (southernmost city in Palm Beach County and retiree capital of the world) for about 5 years before I finally moved up here to Pittsburgh. I can honestly say I probably would never have gotten a bike if I still lived down there because the drivers are so much worse.
August 17, 2009 at 5:48 pm #21707CandiceParticipantI’m glad I don’t live in NYC. I live in the Chicago area and I won’t ride on I-94 going into the city, too many crazies on that highway.
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