Hello,

Just a quick post to introduce myself. I'm planning to return to riding after an accident almost 20 years ago (jeeze where does the time go). As a fearless 19 year old is prone to do, I wrecked my car and needed to find some cheap transport to commute to my job 20 miles away. So I bought an old Honda CB100 for 50 pounds and began riding.

I had a little experience riding mini dirt bikes and I was an avid cyclist so I picked it up fairly easily. However, I was nervous to ride on the dual carriageway (quite rightly so) and I didn't have a license or insurance so I decided to take the bus to work until I became more confident. I did however keep riding locally.

Well long story short, I was crossing an intersection where I had right of way when a car blew through the stop sign and hit me side on. The bike was totaled, the car was totaled and another car was badly damaged when I hit it with my flying body. Of course I was only wearing a tee shirt and boy did I pay for my youthful foolishness.

I was too nervous to ride anything but a scooter after that. But despite my riding career being violently cut short, I had been well and truly bitten by the bug.

So fast forward to today. I'm going to get another bike but I'm going to go about it very differently. My goal is to be ready to ride next season. I'm going to purchase another old Honda CB (350cc - 500cc) as a starter bike, take the safety course, get some good protective gear and of course a license and insurance. I'll ride the CB for a couple of seasons and then hopefully I'll be ready for my grail bike, a Triumph Bonneville T100.

Anyhow I have almost a year to put my plan into effect and learn everything I can about bikes, maintenance and riding.

Thanks for reading!

First off, "Welcome to TMW". Secondly,glad to hear you survived such a nasty accident. Being broadsided like that usually doesn't have such a good outcome. It's great to hear you're going to tackle two wheels again, despite the length of time since the accident.

Only one suggestion to what seems like a good plan of attack, don't set a time limit on learning"everything" about bikes. The day anyone thinks they know everything about riding, that's the day they should hang up their gear for good because EVERY day is a learning day when you're on two wheels.

Best wishes on your journey back into this great sport...

Doug

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"Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul!"

Thanks for the feedback Dr. And point taken.

Welcome Back.

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Might I suggest some Proficient Motorcycling books by David L. Hough? Not sure if they are available in your area but it's a great set to read and will help you become a better and safer rider (combined with seat time of course).

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One thing you can count on: You push a man too far, and sooner or later he'll start pushing back.

That's quite a story... Boys will be boys, eh?

Nice to know you're coming back. Welcome to TMW

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"The best thing about the British is our ability to laugh at ourselves. By ourselves I mean other people. And by laugh I mean invade." - Jimmy Carr

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cag 50cc (pit bike)
91 Ninja 250 (sold)
2k6 GSXR 600 (taken out by cager)
2k6 XT 225
2k8 CBR 1000rr
2k9 DRZ 400sm

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Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Cheesy Country Spam Puff
Serves/Makes: 6 | Difficulty Level: 3 | Ready In: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:
6 slices White bread; torn in small pieces
1 1/4 cup Milk
3 Eggs
1 tablespoon Spicy mustard
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
1 can (12 oz size) Spam luncheon meat, cubed
2 cups Shredded Cheddar cheese; divided
1/2 cup Chopped onion
1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, milk, eggs, mustard, garlic powder and paprika. With electric mixer, beat at medium speed 1 minute or until smooth. Stir in Spam, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and onion. Pour into a greased 12- by 8-inch baking dish. Bake 25 minutes. Top with remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

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