Deep Survival...

[gayathri]

crayonbeam  gave me this book ages ago, and I'm slowly working through it - it examines how humans think and react in dangerous or split second decision time and how some of our reactions will kill us because in the split-second, it wasnt the RIGHT ONE.

Last night was an almost example of that for me. :(

There's an intersection, I'm going to have to go check on, because this is about the fourth time someone has turned left right in front of me - I forget because I dont go that way often enough to remind myself that THAT intersection is dangerous, tho something inmy brain already knows because even with a green light, I had slowed down to enter the intersection.

A truck turns left in front of me. No problem, plenty of room, I'm going thru the intersection at about 25 mph. The second truck right behind doesnt stop but also turns left, now right in front of me. He apparently was looking at the vehicle ahead and not the intersection or oncoming traffic, and motorcycles just dont read as 'dangerous'...

Here's where I was stupid. I rolled off the throttle to grab for the brakes, even tho my momentum had put me RIGHT IN the path of the front of the grill of this large Ford F250. Realizing my error _almost_ too late, I roll ON the throttle hard to get the fuck out of the way of the truck. (who finally had seen me and slammed on HIS brakes.)

His reaction - slamming on his brakes - made up for my wrong split second decision (roll off, grab for brakes) and I had enough time to get out. No damage to me, or motorcycle except for my heart hammering in my throat. I pulled over to calm down my breathing and realize I couldnt remember what COLOR the truck had been, but had a clear vision of the grill.

Its been a few too many years since I've been on the track, and a few too many since I've read some relevant books on mental motorcycling. I have a feeling I know what I'm doing when I'm back east, motorcycle-less.

"when in doubt, gas it. It may not solve the problem, but it certainly ends the suspense."

I did tweet while pulled over, "God loves fools and small children. I havent been a child in a long time. Good news: no damage to me or motorcycle."

Comments

[catness.livejournal.com]

Skip the track days. It's time for an Experienced Rider Course. They're great refreshers for city streets, vs. becoming more confident in your cornering for twisties, which is most of what a track day does for you.

[gayathri.livejournal.com]

i was thinking more that my constant commuting is making me think like I drive a car, and grabbing for brakes when rolling on the throttle is more often the right / correct response.

[voyeurprincess.livejournal.com]

Getting runned over sucks. I am glad you're all right!

[byronium.livejournal.com]

I'm awfully glad that you're okay.

[gayathri.livejournal.com]

I'm awfully glad I'm ok too. Is it awfully d0rky that one of the thoughts flashing in my head after the fact was that I was glad I said I loved you the last time we'd talked? In case I never talked to you again?

[byronium.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's dorky. Who among us knows when the last opportunity we'll have to say that to someone will be? I think it's generally good to let people know how you feel about them. :)

[boyastridgirl.livejournal.com]

Dood.

[rmd.livejournal.com]

i really enjoyed 'deep survival'. also, i am strongly in favor of your continued survival.

[gayathri.livejournal.com]

*hugs* thanks! I appreciate it - I'd like to come visit you!

[rmd.livejournal.com]

yeahyeah! and/or i need to get my ass out to the bay area again. (it's been far too long)

also, if "deep survival" rocks your reading world, you might like "inviting disaster". it's on a similar topic, but all engineeringy, too.

[byronium.livejournal.com]

Also, Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink" is a good book on similar subjects.

[curiouslinda.livejournal.com]

Gee-zus. Glad you're ok. Trucks are idiots, not you.

[smooch]

[mrsgravegoods.livejournal.com]

GOOD LORD! I am so glad you are unhurt.