While writing your own obituary...

by R. Bruce Thomas

I've died at least a million times while riding my motorcycles.

Not literally (although one time I very well could have), but by being aware of the dynamic environment I am traveling in and processing observed threats:

That could kill me - if.....

That could kill me - if.....

That could kill me - if.....

.....

I've previously written about my riding attitude in the Target Fixation post (https://ab-amss.org/target-fixation/) back in December 2020. Recognizing all the ways that you can get in trouble as a rider is critical to staying safe. Understanding there are no guarantees in this life and that you may not get home safely from a ride is of utmost importance.

Vocabulary.com defines 'wordsmith' as "someone who expertly crafts beautiful sentences and uses language in ways that move and resonate with readers and listeners." One of my favorite wordsmiths, along with millions of people around the world, is the late Neil Peart. While Peart may be best-known as the drummer and main lyricist of the rock band Rush for over 40 years, he also wrote numerous books which display his command of the English language.

A favorite quote from his book Far And Away recognizes the potential hazards inherent in riding a motorcycle while reinforcing the fact that the rider needs to be in control. Eight words is all Peart used in a beautiful sentence that conveys these two powerful messages - "Whatever happens, it must never be my fault."

Too often Peart's latter six words are front and center when an incident occurs. Rider error. Excessive speed. Lost control of their machine. Single-vehicle collision. etc.

Another wordsmith was Moe Berg who wrote and recorded I'm An Adult Now with his band The Pursuit of Happiness (which sure sounds like what we do on our motorcycles). I have no idea if Berg was a rider but this late-80's earworm contains a line that should be at the front of your mind as you ride:

"I'd sure look like a fool dead in a ditch somewhere"

.....

"'cause I'm an adult now"

At the recent For The Love Of Motorcycles event I bumped into a friend I haven't seen for a couple years. It was great to catch up but the thing that impressed me most was how committed he is to Track Days. Being able to have fast fun in a controlled environment gave him such a thrill as well as peace of mind from the lack of hard objects. He is happier and safer and more in control on the street as a result of learning his limits and getting his thrills on the track. A huge win-win for everyone.

This is why I suggest you write your own obituary and keep it in mind as you ride. How do you want your story told when the end comes? Be in control. Be observant. Ride within your skill level. Do all you can to ensure it isn't one of the afore-mentioned reasons.

Do everything you can so it's not your fault and you avoid looking like a fool.

Ride responsibly, and often.