Losing People 

I lost my 21 year old son just 6 months ago. We were on a father-son bike trip in Virginia. His 19 year old brother was with us. He lost control when his front tire hit a low rise concrete median at the start of a divided highway going about 60 mph. He low-sided and hit a sign post and died instantly from broken spine. Total freak accident. I saw it happen in my mirror. Nothing prepares you for holding the face of your lifeless son in your hands. My other son and I plan to ride again. Now more than ever, because he loved riding so much. But we’re taking some time off to give our family time. When we do ride again, we will be wearing airbag vests. It would’ve saved my son’s life if he were wearing one. And it’s the least we can do for the loved ones in our lives. The thought of giving up riding scares me. I feel, for my own mental health, I must ride again. And I will.

I'm almost 75, and bought my 10th bike in December, 2023. I bought my first bike in 1969, and rode occasionally until 1982, when I almost crashed because I had been drinking. I quit riding until 2007, and I've ridden steadily since then. The only time I ever crashed was on my very first ride in 1968, due to not knowing how to negotiate a curve. Right after that, my friend told me about counter-steering. Never ride beyond your skill level, and never cross over into the oncoming lane unless you're sure no one is coming. Riders who cut the curves on winding roads are taking a helluva chance. You'd be surprised at how many people make these mistakes. Ride like you're invisible, cuz most drivers aren't likely to see you. Ride safe. Ride smart. Live well.

Started riding in the 70's. I was one of ten guys that just on a bike and rode. Crazy stuff that we thought was fun. Over the years 5 have died in motorcycle accidents and two managed to get their own wheels. It has never put me off riding, however for a few decades I would only ride alone. It is only the last 6 years I have started to ride with one particular rider. I ride my own ride.....

Feel you, I lost my bud on 2011 due to a cage driver, and I spent 8 years without riding, I just couldn’t get on a bike. Finally on 2019 I got a bike and back again. The only times I don’t ride are when the bike breaks down or really heavy rain here in Miami. Ya’ll be safe out there.

I've had a couple of accidents, and luckily I rode away from both of them. On the 2nd one, I was back riding a couple of days later, when I didn't need pain meds any more. I got lucky. I know it. It hasn't stopped me from riding - but now I wear more gear on every ride.

I am so very sorry for your loss!! I know that must have been devastating. I am 72 and have been riding since I was 12. Have always loved riding. My Dad was killed in a motorcycle crash in 2011 at the age of 83. He was on a trip that we usually rode together but he was determined to go one day earlier that year (found out later that he was riding to go visit a girl he had known back when he was about 15 years old). We don't know exactly what happened but he ran off into the median of a very fine four lane rural highway. That was really hard on me, but I can't imagine how hard it would have been to watch it happen. People have asked me many times why I continue to ride and wonder if I am scared about riding. I am not scared and I have continued to ride because it is something that gives me great enjoyment. I think of my Dad and the fun we had riding together. I try to be ever vigilant so that someone or something doesn't take me out. But I never hesitated to continue riding. I know my Dad would not have wanted me to quit riding. Thanks for the video and the tribute to your son! Chin up and face into the wind!!

I lost a good friend up by Steamboat, Colorado when he hit a Mule deer. I now wear a helite airbag vest whenever I go out. BTW I never drink and ride. I usually take one or two training classes per year.

Man I'm sorry for your loss! being that close to someone and losing them on the bike. Makes it defiantly hard to keep riding without thinking of that.

Man hard subject. I had a friend in High School that was going way too fast and a elderly lady turned in front of him and normally I would bash the cager however my friend was in triple digits on a sportbike on a busy road so the lady really had no chance to get out of his way. The odd part of the story is that my wife before we met witnessed it happen. Now this happened before I was even riding my bike on the road. Probably 1990ish so it really did not have an effect on my decision as it was too long ago. Now I will say one thing that has had a huge influence is the loss of family (none on motorcycles). Being one of the youngest in my family (large family) I have had to watch 27 close family members pass away and in 2019 my wife went through some serious health issues over a 2 year span (against the odds she recovered). All we can do is live like tomorrow will never come so never cut your ride short.

Man this is a hard subject after reading a lot of comments blessings to all us riders and keep your heads on a swivel riders 👊🏾

being in the wrestling business, we've lost a few people along the way. As far as riding I've had two accidents and got back on. took me some years, but I did it. sorry for your loss.

When I worked for the Railroad a coworker always rode his Harley Chopper for years to and from work. Co-worker was known to regularly have a few drinks at the local tavern after leaving work to relax and unwind before going home. I didn't know him well but my other coworkers that I was close with did have a relationship with the Harley rider. When we received news our co-worker died resulting from a motorcycle-car accident we were all saddened because this was a good guy. We were told the fatal collision happened almost immediately after he left the tavern. Some of my friends who had a relationship with this rider had warned him of not drinking and riding to express their concern for him. The deceased rider kept to himself and a man of few words and he reminded me of the termed phrase...Lone Wolf. As a Harley rider myself please be cautious with alcohol, even one beer can slow your reaction time. I have also heard of others lost in the motorcycling community wherein alcohol was a factor. For those who do drink and ride despite all the warnings please always be aware of the risks before that first drink and stay alive. Inasmuch as possible avoid Russian Roulette with drinking and riding. I wish all riders be safe and a long life.

Fortunately, I have not lost anybody, so I can’t say how I feel or what I will do. Either way, I don’t blame people for whatever decision they make. Hope you and the family are well.

Sorry for your loss man! I’ve never lost anyone close to me but, I had an accident years ago that made me quit riding for several years. My sons were still young and I was still active duty. I decided to remove one from my life. When my boys got older I started riding again.

I was in intensive care for a week after a deer ran into my front wheel, I bought another bike while recovering! I have been riding 54 years and have never lost a friend in a motorcycle accident! I did lose a friend who was hit by lightning on a golf course three months after his wife made him quit flying because she thought it was to dangerous!

Sorry for your loss, but I appreciate you sharing.

I’ve lost a few friends from motorcycle accidents and it’s never good. Sorry for your loss

Mike, I'm so sorry for your loss of your brother in law...😢

Lost a great friend and his wife in December to a motorcycle accident that was caused by a diver with no licenses or insurance. The accident has me thinking really hard about riding. Riding is all I have that I truly love because I don't fish, golf or run the bars.i feel guilty because I have road all over the country without any problems and my friend gets killed 2 miles from his home. I just dint know what to do.

In Australia as a learner you cannot ride a bike above 500cc, which I think is a great idea. Having said that, unfortunately for your friend there’s no accounting for idiots on the road. Very sorry for your loss.

My first friend to die on a M/C was back in 1984. He plowed headlong into a tree. Along the decades I lost a few more. I've had 1 major wreck on a Harley and broke my back but it was "repaired". Sort of kinda.... I'm getting back into it after I sold my company and retired. Been licensed since 1976 and bought 3 good used Harley's for my retirement riding.2017 Ultra,2001 full custom and tricked out Softail, and my favorite: 2003 Dyna Lowrider.

Sorry for your and your family’s losses. I lost a coworker and riding buddy a while back. Honestly I never thought about not getting back on the bike. A few of us actually rode to his viewing. Maybe part of my thinking was that it was rider error that caused the crash. He was well into the 100+ speed range when it happened. Good topic Mike

So sorry for your losses. Very sad 😔

Wow, man. Sorry for your losses. I haven't known anyone who died while riding, but I know I'm not invincible, so I ride and act accordingly. I figure if it's my time, it's my time, but I'm not aiming to make it sooner than I have to.

Was going to work one morning and saw a motorcyclist that was just run over by a truck and squashed flat. I ride a moto guzzi 1100 california. I have been riding since 1970. I am a careful motorcyclist and don't get angry when people don't see me or make mistakes. I have made a few myself over the years. Just want to keep on riding I am 70 years old. When I am on a motorcycle I feel the most free. I don't do stupid things because I don't want to win any stupid prizes.

I think riding saved my life last year.. I was within 3 miles of a level 1 trauma Center when I had my brain bleed.... I live an hour and a half from a trauma Center here at home....🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

See you ride through your neighborhood. Looks like same type of place my son lives in Summerville South Carolina? Does suck when we loose someone we know. Stay safe.

On a different thing. I started back on riding because I lost the love of my life. The only time I am at peace is when I am riding.

Well I didn't see Skippy out there today...

I have seen several actual collisions (the impact) throughout life and lost a few friends that rode. Another friend of mine that I grew up with went off a curve and wrapped his back, yes, his back around a tree. He went through extensive surgery and rehab before he could walk again. 5 years later gets another bike and hits a car, spends eight weeks in a coma. NOTE* He was drinking both times. but after the hitting the car and almost actually dying he gave up riding. He said, "it was either the riding or the drinking" and now he was " in too much pain to give up the drinking". He is now 63 and has not ridden a bike in almost 20 years.

New couple that did when ride both was just get to know them . Buthad friend pass away from a heart attack when we was on motorcycles trip . We rode that morning we was all back at hotel was fine one minute and having to call 911

A suggestion: I see you were all over the place on lane position,did rolling stops,etc. Alone and with very little traffic is ideal time to practice perfection on lane position (during turns especially) stop techniques,etc,etc,etc. Not trying to be a Safety Sally but practice does make perfect:expecially as we get older and stiffer.

Drinking and riding is a dumb combination...

It appears that your friends were not very smart!