Thanks for sharing Eric. That's a tough one for sure. I often get asked why I am an instructor...my answer is always to get new riders or those returning to riding the tools and information to hopefully stay safe out on the road and be a safer rider and even driver. As you stated, there is always someone out there who isn't properly trained to instruct giving advice or guidance and that can be a bad combination. To all i say, ride safe, train hard, and enjoy this fragile life we are granted!
Eric you are a better man by being the humble individual you are. Sometimes life takes us down a path that we often wonder why? We can’t know everything but what we can know is that your humility your empathy is what makes you a good man.
@OutbackOutlaw I have to believe things happen for a reason. What shaked my foundation was having to look her mother in the eyes and see her pain. I have no regrets about walking away. It was the right thing for me to do at that time. Thank you for believing in me when I doubt myself some days.
I am so worried about how Mitchell’s motorcycle journey will go. I know he got into the sport because of me, so I feel responsible for how he does, despite my previous comment!!! Great video my friend!!!!
They revisit the advanced class with him. Occasionally, take a day to do panic stops with the front, then rear brake, in a turn healed over, etc. Be a student of your profession. You're a damn good mentor. Your job is to make sure it sticks with Mitchell.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures thanks Eric. I am constantly reminding Mitchell of being aware, and safe. I call it my “Being a Dad” time when we’re out there together. As you said, I am constantly trying to reinforce what we’ve learned, for him, and for myself. We have done some practicing recently, but we need to do more! Be well my friend!
Your feelings are valid and I'm sorry you have to carry that with you. . The never knowing and speculation is the worst part. I know personally being on a bike is truly my haply place. I'm grateful for my MSF training and all the people in my 30+ years that shared best practices .Best advice I was ever given was “ride like your invisible”. Be well. On a side note that trailer looks like its coming together nicely.
hell ya keep them coming brother . sadly tomorrow is sunday for me Kraken so ill be working till next thursday :-( hahaha. we did send a few tonight though got my oldest glock back together and we ran about 100 rds with out a hickup i hope you have a great weekend and do some chasing for us bother
Eric, so very sorry for the woman’s family, such a sad story. I’m also sorry to learn that you are still carrying this deep burden, although completely understandable because as you say, you have a heavy heart. Thank you for the inspirational life message. At our ages we tend to reflect on the decades which have taught us much, and sharing the most valuable aspects of those decades is worthwhile. Have a good day my friend. ✌️
Thank you for the kind thoughts, Roger. I appreciate your words more than you'll ever know. I hope this video offers a moment of pause when folks give out advice. Our impact on a person's life can echo an eternity.
Just sharing a dark day in my moto life and how it affected me. My wish ,is fir folks to look at the big picture when giving advice. Understanding the impact you may have on a person's life is immeasurable.
Mate I feel for you, that is a heavy burden to carry even if not required. This story shows your true character in my opinion. Your a true gentlemen in every aspect of the term 😎🙏🏻
Unfortunately this is something that cannot be explained or fixed!! It certainly wasn’t anything you did! However carrying it with you is because you are such a compassionate human and you wish you could have saved her! She was an individual in class but more than a student. Left hand turns are the deadliest… whenever I make a route I eliminate them unless it’s a long strip with good vis and NO lights or intersections….. Go easy on yourself there isn’t anything you could have done! God bless you Eric!!! I am blessed to have met you!!! I knew you were an Ace!
We all do the best we can. Sometimes our best isn't good enough. I can't teach situational awareness and experience. They have to be learned 1 mole/km at a time. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt reply. It means a lot to me, Gloria.
when people ask me about riding 3 wheels and if it's safer I say no. you still have to deal with the weather and other people on the road. All the same dangers are there. You do the best you can for people and hopefully things work out.
Eric, I'm sorry you had that experience and that it's left a mark on you. That's a heavy cross to carry, and you've been carrying it a long time. Second, I don't think you're "weak" as you said, not at all, For once though, I just think you're wrong brother. Here's why: If you attribute one student's life or death as your own responsibility and your own success or failure, then you must attribute every single student's life or death as your own responsibility and your own success or failure. So if you trained, say, 500 students, and you're feeling responsible for one life lost, then you should also feel that you saved 499 lives. But I know you, you're a humble guy. You probably don't feel that lives were saved because of you. So why cherry pick which students' outcomes you do or don't take responsibility for? In 2018, my friend Anne Marie D'Amico was 30 years old, and a great person. Brunette, huge smile, she who volunteered a lot, she loved playing sports, she was always welcoming and a lot of fun to hang out with, and the girl was stunning. We grew up in the same area but never went to school together, but still crossed paths a lot and talked because she could get along with anyone. April 2018, the weather was getting nicer, she was walking down the street outside her work. A homicidal incel ran her and a dozen other women over with a van. She's buried only about 100 ft from my father's resting place so, she and I still cross paths several times a year. It often reminds me that, no matter how good you are, no matter how much good you do, and no matter how much you've been blessed, sometimes you can just be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and there's nothing anyone could have done for you. I hope you know this came from a good place, and you take that guilt off your shoulders Eric. It was never yours to carry.
I know you're right on everything you stated. That said, I have no regrets walking away. The burden wad too much for me in the long run. Thanks for your well thought out reply. Cheers.
I respect your point of view Eric however, despite the sad circumstances, I am sure you properly guided, instructed and saved many others from having an accident or even a fatality. I have NO doubt you did everything you could to get her going however there’s another ingredient within our hobby ….. it is called experience. Regardless if we are taking about our professional life or a hobby, there is big difference between training and experience. Instructing can be done in a week while experience takes several years (or decades) and that’s what keeps safe. It is hard to forget but you shouldn’t carry any guilt or resentment. Knowing you I am sure you exceeded her expectations and I am sure she would agree. Cheers my friend
You make a valid point. Situational awareness and experience are things that aren't taught overnight. They come 1 mile/km at a time. I have no regrets walking g away as it was time for me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Cheers
Eric I wouldn't have called the weakness at all i would most certain say that is caring which I know from knowing you that you are a big heart and care a lot about people whom you invest in. My advice to someone asking about their first bike is always a smaller bike that yes they will outgrow quickly but still better than a bigger bike and not able to control it. Reason I say this is when i was in high school, a person I went to school hit a new rider(I think they said very first ride) who couldn't control the bike because it was too big of a bike for him to learn on and when he hit him it killed him and like you he has to live with that.
Life's lessons can certainly be hard at times. I make no apologies for walking away. It was the right thing for all parties involved at the time. Thank you, Carson.
The MSF course and instructors most certainly save lives, and the only proof I personally have is that I'm still riding. Knowing you, Eric, I can appreciate why you quit MSF. You have that kind of heart. And although you'll never know how many lives you've saved, there are riders still riding today, thanks to you and to all MSF instructors.
I would like to think so after all these years. I'm sharing a very dark page out of my moto past. Hopefully, a few will give it some thought when giving advice. Thank you, brother.
Thoughtful and moving video! I think MSF has saved many lives, and I always strongly recommend the training to someone interested in riding or a new rider... I know when I took the course in 1989, it helped me to unlearn all the bad advice and habits that I acquired as a young rider. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing Eric. I don't know how many people you trained, but I'm guessing you probably saved a few lives too. Personally the MSF class that I took was very valuable to me. I'm very grateful to all of the instructors that I have had in my short time riding. I'm sure there are people who have those positive feelings about you.
I'm sure there are many folks with good thoughts of the instruction I gave. Over a couple of years, I saw thousands of folks through those classes. The funny thing about life is that you never hear about the success stories of what a person has accomplished. I mentally wasn't prepared to teach any more after that incident. What can I say? I'm human.
Thank you for sharing that very sad story. Sometimes we do need to be reminded and steer the newcomers in the right direction. So sorry you went and are still going through the pain. Heavy hearted is a good thing but can feel like it’s not.
I'm just sharing a dark page out of my moto life. All are not roses. My intent was to ask folks to think about the big picture and how many lives you have affected. It's rather unnerving that someone would listen to me on YT and meet their demise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Eric, that's not weakness, that's a conscience. And a big heart. I totally understand why you had to stop, and that whole situation sucks - but I believe you did everything you could. You just can't control everything. I hope the nightmares go away. Thanks for sharing - that was powerful.
I did what I felt was right for all involved. Getting rocked that hard shook my confidence as an instructor. Enough for me to walk away. Sill? Yes, it wasn't my fault. It's all fun and games till I had to look her mother in the eye and see her pain.
Powerful stuff Eric. Life certainty does throw the unexpected at us. Yeah none of us are pasive objects, we can affect the room we are in and the people we "touch". You're a wise man Eric...keep sharing it.
Wow. Thank you for sharing this, it’s great advice. And sorry about the burden you carry, even though I’m sure it wasn’t your fault, and you’ve most likely helped countless people be safer riders.
Life happens and teaches us lessons as we go. Sometimes, these lessons are hard. We all do the best we can do with the hand that life deals us. I hope a few realize the impact you have on another person and think about the advice that you give out. Cheers.
You’re a good man, Eric! Many of us do our best to best, daily. Your advice has guided many people to make the best decision & collectively makes a difference in the world.
I appreciate that! I sure hope that I've jogged a few thoughts out of folks. I do the best I can with the hand that life deals me. I hope you and the Mrs. Are fairing well. We hope to see you soon in the future.
You are one of a few individuals I know that is most down to earth, and decent. This is why you find it haunts you. So, sad. My sincerest condolences to the young lady's family. I always feel saddened when I hear of any motorcyclist who are onjured, or worse, doing the thing they love. Anyhow, sound advice, as usual from you, Sensei. Take care and ride well. Cheers
I feel for you my friend. Having come close recently, the main thing that stood out for me was having Jaqs on the back and wouldn't have known what to do if something had really seriously happened. This is something you don't forget and 100% understand why it still stays with you. Very thoughtful vid mate.
Thank you, David. It is my wish that it gets a few to look at the big picture and impact when offering advice. We are all glad you and Jax are here to tell the tale. Cheers.
wow! wasn’t expecting that at all. you did all you could do - in a VERY responsible way- to help that young lady experience her dream. My wife is against my son riding for that very reason. She wants to keep him safe as possible for as long as possible. I want him to ride with me as does he, but we both understand why he can’t. Thank you for sharing your intimate life experiences with us.
It is my wish that a few will look at the big picture. And realize the impact you have with some people. It could be life changing. So don't take it for granted. Cheers, Dave.
I understand your pain, my friend, but there was no way to have known that, but you have to let go of that heavy burden and pain. It's called survivors guilt and trust me...that is a slow death to continue on. Get some help for this. You have carried this long enough and it's time to heal. Eric, I hope you do take some of the advice from people that have experienced this and have dealt with this. Godspeed, my friend.
awww man, sorry to hear about your student, carrying it means your care and that's not a bad thing. It sounds like you did you best with her, be proud of that.
That's a great story, I'm currently teaching my wife to ride....and I certainly think long and hard about what habits, knowledge and attitudes that I'm passing onto her. Thanks for sharing
I knew right away this was going to be a grim one. You’re right that life is fragile. But happiness is fragile, too. Going on requires an awareness of the balance between those two treasures. I completely understand your decision to discontinue instructing. I coached football much of my adult life. With all the awareness now about brain injury, I have dark times wondering how many young men I put in harm’s way. I have a personal familiarity with several tragic endings. We do our best, Eric. I know you did yours.
I'm sorry that this was a grim one. I didn't mean to come across in that manner. Life is hard sometimes, and through age, we learn the mistakes we make. As you pointed out, we all try to do our best. I'm somewhat reserved in sharing advice to keep folks out of harms way. At the end of the day, my channel is so small that I barely scratch the surface. As always, your thoughts are spot on and make me think about the path I walk. Thank you.
This story is not an uncommon one many type of things in teaching face similar risks, new riders is but just one on then. Your reaction by this event taking place is not to uncommon given the circumstances either. The key is here is you reacted to the situation rather then responded to it. Sad story indeed however in reality it's apart of life in the riding game.History has value if it is our teacher and no more for as we can't change the past.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures Indeed untrained we all react differently to certain situations, trained however we respond to any given situation in a manner of analytical control eg; A first responder versus the joe off the street in an accident. React or respond applies to all walks of life and this is the difference between having a abiding effect or not
Eric your all heart sir and are a very caring person. You shouldn’t put that burden on yourself, things happen that are out of control we do the best to set to teach, set good examples, and provide guidance to those that get into this hobby/lifestyle. You may not teach the MSF course anymore, but you’re still making a big impact on a lot of folks out there when it comes to riding. Take care my friend.
I thank you for sharing your thoughts. This grim video was my efforts to try and get folks to look at the big picture and realize their actions. Hopefully, I jarred a few braincells.
There’s nothing in your training you could’ve done to make the outcome any different . I started out when I was 13 years old. After seeing so many accidents and how they happened, a good percentage of the time, it is the fault of the one that caused the accident. I have been writing since 13 years old. I have a clean record of zero accidents and zero tickets on a motorcycle on the street. I say a little prayer every time I get on and go Riding. The laws of average state sooner or later it is going to happen and it will not be your fault. And it has happened quite a few times in the last 5 to 10 years. All I can do is my best to drive is to drive defensively. There is no need for you to keep waking up and asking yourself. What could I have done any differently?! Death is a part of life ! If and when it happens, it happens and there is nothing we can do about it!
I agree with everything you said. We all react to difficult situations differently. I have no regrets walking away. It was time. So, I quietly chip away at motorcycle issues on my YT with hopes of helping a few. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Eric
Totally understand this. Has nothing to do with weakness, it shows you took your job seriously and you care. Many people do things for Clout, others because they want to make a difference.
The MSF courses pointed me in a positive direction as I began riding in my 50s. I took the Basic Course and a year later the Advanced Rider course. The instructors and the course content and materials put me in the right frame of mind as a rider, provided me the road strategies I need to be safe, and set the groundwork for lifelong skill practice. Over the years as a result of my blog and later videos on my RU-vid channel I have gotten feedback that I influenced people to start riding, to buy a scooter or motorcycle, to pursue adventures like I do. Early on I added a disclaimer on my channel that reminds people that they alone are responsible for the choices they make. And what may be great for me may be a disaster for someone else. What instigated this was my winter riding. Riding in snow and ice. Riding well below 0F. And people were asking questions on how they could commute to work on two-wheels in winter weather. It scared me to think that people might do what I was doing. I developed those skills in a unique environment very slowly over time on a small Vespa scooter. I treated it like a research project and did careful experimentation. I was worried someone would just jump on a scooter and go and hurt themselves. I have no control over what people choose to do. And while I know I am not responsible for other people's choices I do not want to carry the kind of burden you describe. And if I were an MSF course instructor I may well do the same as you have and walk away. And then I think about the legal peril of having a student crash and some lawyer pointing a finger in my direction. So I distance myself from instruction. I share experiences. Emotions. But I don't teach. When people ask I suggest they take the MSF course, or purchase one of the online courses, or find an expert of some sort. Sorry for rambling on so. You struck a chord... You are building a fancy trailer!
A wise man told me once you can't let your emotions drive the car, but you can't lock them in the trunk either. Weak people shrug off emotion, or bury it. Strong people move THROUGH it. Talking about it, sharing it (reasonably, like you just exemplified) helps make a person stronger and more useful to his or her friends. You continue to be a power of example. Keep it up brother!
I have no regrets quitting. It was time for me to step back. I'm no angel by any means, but I try hard to help every soul that crosses my path. Kind of what my channel is all about. Though, I barely scratch the surface. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Eric. First of all, knowing you and how you care for others, I know this must weigh heavy on your heart. But, you have to let it go. Life is fragile for everyone, whether you ride or not. I do understand why you decided to quit being an instructor. Your are not weak. Please don't say that about yourself. You have helped so many over the years and that is the bottom line. Period. My advice for everyone is take the class, new riders, old riders AND ATGATT. That's the best we can do. I remember a lot from MSF in 1987 and that was a LONG time ago. You have helped so many over the years ...try to focus on the good. Love you, friend!
Over time, I'm letting it go. I have no regrets walking away from teaching. It was the right thing for me at the time. Thank you for your heartfelt reply. ❤️
I totally understand what you are feeling. I used to teach as well and was a motorcycle mentor back in Texas. It's a heavy burden to have on your shoulders for sure!
Just remember, we all make our own decisions, and in the end, we can't control the final outcome for anyone. All we can do is try our best. I am sorry this happened to you. My good friend Pete almost quit riding because he invited another one of our friends on a ride, Matt blew a curve and ended up passing away from injuries in Pete's arms. Pete felt responsible, and it took Steve and I a lot of coaxing and reassurance to get Pete back on his bike. He is different now, though. Our hobby that we love can be very unforgiving and evil at times. Just remember you also have a great support system in this hobby. I feel it outweighs the danger. Keep your chin up, you did nothing wrong.
That's a terrible situation you described. I can't imagine how he must feel. I have no regrets stepping back. It was the right thing for me. I share this to get folks to tho k about giving advice. Make sure you're giving solid info to a new rider. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Shane.
That is a Complicated Subject. I thought you were going to say that you got in Trouble for giving lessons outside of the Structured MSF Course and Range. MSF is an organization that has Liability Insurance and Lawyers on retainer.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures After watching the Ski Accident Trial with Gweneth Paltrow I kind of wished I would have continued as a Ski Instructor when I heard how much money the Ski Instructors were making at Deer Valley UT. They guy that was Trying to sew Paltrow for running into him.. I think he ran into her on Purpose. I was Trolling him by e-mail. He was caught in a few lies. He is still trying to appeal it so he stopped replying to me.
That’s tough to handle and sadly it happens and I’m sure you carry the burden as best you can. It will never go away. But rest assured I feel you taught the class as well as possible. I’ve seen people die in front of me. It’s why I got off two wheels in 1979. Battling cancer really gives me the insight that it doesn’t happen to others, it can happen to you. All we can do is be careful out there.
You make a very valid point. As life throws tou curves, you tend to deal with it as best you can. I dealt with this delima as best I could. I had to walk away... I continue my teachings through my channel gingerly. I hope they help a few along the way.
Man that’s a tough story … Sorry to hear that you had that experience. … Uggg I had a similar experience (no where near the same though) but it was Lucinda on the bike, she took a sanctioned riding course to learn and get motorcycle licence, but I was her mentor …. and a year later she went down in front of me on the secondary highway when I was behind her in the truck and trailer. Still have haunting dreams. Lucinda was fine I can’t imagine how this feels for you, Thanks for sharing
Life is hard sometimes. Today's message was to ask folks to think long and hard about the advice they give out. I'm so glad Lucinda faired well on that incident. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Craig.
I have buried more than I can count after all these years. I didn't mean to be a buzz kill. I just was asking folks to think about the big picture of your actions. Thanks for commenting, Flip.
What can I say? I seem to care about folks when others can turn the other cheek. Just some random thoughts I wanted to share. Thanks for watching, Paul.
I can’t imagine the feel this tragic accident would be causing you. I’ve never been in this situation, so take my comment with a grain of salt. From how you explained the accident happened, I can’t see it being your fault, apart from telling her not to ride. If someone pulls out on us suddenly, there is every little we can do in this situation, unless they are far up ahead and we have time to react well yeah.
I appreciate sharing your thoughts. This was an effort to get folks to look at the big picture when handing out advice. To make people think and the risks in giving advice.
Back around 1988 (yeah, long long ago in a galaxy far away), we had a young lady who could ride. She took the MSF course to become a better rider. About a week after the course, she had one of those left hand turn situations. She counter steered like a pro and missed the cager. Unfortunately, the 2nd cager veered left into her path as she recovered from her counter steer. Sad that it happened. It was just her time and she couldn't avoid it. It isn't intended to be funny, but made me think of the game 'Frogger'. Just because one has the skills doesn't mean they have the luck.
The left hand turn takes out many a good rider. She likely had no chance regardless of her experience level. I get it though and completely understand why you stopped teaching. I still credit the knowledge from the MSF class with saving me when I had a wreck. It could have been so much worse. After I broke my back (in that accident) I took ten years off and watched many hundreds of crash videos to stay focused should I ever return. Buying a can-am Spyder (for my return to riding ) was a good compromise for me. I am a much safer rider from my experiences and these days just take things easy. So grateful to have a second chance to enjoy riding. By the way, Georgia was the same for me. The MSF was the physical test and I took that certificate to the DMV and only needed to pass the written test.
I suspect this is not a unique story. For MSF instructors, diving instructors, even military instructors. The self-determination of other people's decisions in their life is something to come to terms with. It is not just a sad story, it is a story of hope. I liked the quiet tone of this vid Eric - and your working while chatting. You're a good man and it's a good chat. “Life is not lost by dying. Life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand, small, uncaring ways, the smooth appeasing compromises of time.” - Stephen Vincent Benét
Wonderful quote, Nic. The words you share are so true. Certain hobbies and professions have a mortality rate. I guess I wasn't prepared for that mentally. I have no regrets walking away. I was an instructor for years, and I suspect I helped a few. Cheers
5:15 I had to pause the video here. It is very sad, very tragic this young lady was involved in an accident that claimed her life. From what you’ve said here, it was not her fault, it was an accident involving a vehicle that was in the wrong. If that happened to you, or I, the results most likely would have been the same. In other words, it had nothing to do with you, and your teaching…. Just my thoughts…
Situational awareness is a drum I beat often. Did I instill those thoughts in this young lady enough? I really don't know. Life is hard some days. This wad a hard day and still is for me to this day.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures I can see that, and I can see why. If I were in a similar situation, I have no idea how I would handle it. It shows your a compassionate human being.
No doubt that was a very sad, and tragic event. However, it is not even remotely your fault, in anyway, Eric. She could have been riding some 125cc, or a Trail 90, and with the person pulling right in front of her, what she rode would not have made a difference.
I’m sorry man. Guilt sux. Logic can tell us it’s not our fault but our inner self has its own way. I’m sure no one blames you man. Rock on man. You are awesome.
We all do the best we can in life. It it becomes overwhelming than time to take a step back. This is the path I chose. Thanks for the kind words, chewie.
It's not a weakness to have a conscience and the empathy that it bothers you. That shows character, not weakness. I can certainly see how that would weigh on you, especially since you had helped more than just as an MSF instructor. I always tell new people, riding motorcycles is one of the most amazing things you can do, but you better really love it, because it isn't something you can do well without doing it all the time, and remind them they need to be aware and have weighted out the risk of it.
You are a wise man, Dewey. You clearly see the big picture and impact when offering advice. Very few get thus and the very point of this video. Thank you for the kind words.
I also STRONGLY suggest that our DMVs should have an MSF course mandated for ALL new riders. I also took it and boy I learnt so many thing but also was reminded many as well
That's why I couldn't be a teacher... I'm more of a let's do it together person... But there are people that teach and they teach well and unfortunately sad things happen..
The reason you feel bad Eric is because you're a decent, good human being. A bad person can do the vilest things & sleep like a baby. I had a 50cc moped, borrowed a CB200 & took my m/c test. Rode my moped to a local dealer & wanted to buy a used Norton Commando. The shop owner refused to sell it to me & suggested I buy a 250cc instead....
Mate, coming from someone who has had an accident, sometimes there is nothing and I mean nothing you can do to prevent an accident, I’ve done more courses and training than probably 90% of the population, I’m as careful and as preventative as I can possibly be, however sometimes it’s completely out of your control as happened to me. At the end of the day we make our own decisions and choose our own direction, what happens along the way is in the hands of the gods and to some extent the decisions WE make. You should not take what happened to heart, it wasn’t your fault and it probably wasn’t her fault it was a third party’s fault. If ifs and buts were candy and nuts then we’d all have a merry Christmas, just my take
You are 100% correct, Paul. We are all human and fight our own dragons in life. This one is/was mine. Like I said, my mind wasn't straight after that incident to provide an environment for teaching others. I stepped down because I felt semi responsible. Sill, I know. But it's hiw I felt at the time. Common sense vs. what your mind digests ate two different things sometimes. Cheers
It wasn’t your fault, and it wasn’t her fault if someone pulled out in front of her. After 30 years of riding motorcycles it happened to me in a split second. Not long ago I was riding down the road and a teenage girl texting blew a stop sign and I came with in inches of eating the rear quarter panel of her car. Don’t beat yourself up about something that was out of your control. As a parent we raise our children the best we can and once they leave the nest, it’s out of our control.
I agree with you 100%. For me, getting ricked that hard with reality changed my course in life. I'm human and own my faults, this being one of them. It's all fun and games till I had to look her mother in the eye and see her pain.
I personally have tried to talk someone out of riding because I knew that they did not have the skill after seeing them struggle. I told them if they do want to ride, I would recommend taking an MSF course. which I knew used Rebel 250's this person never made it past the first hour on the range, they dropped the bike during the 2nd exercise of duckwalking the turn around. This person just did not have coordination. If I have doubts, and I know them personally I will be honest with them. They may get hurt by my honesty, but I would rather their feeling get hurt than having bodily injury. I can definitely see where you are coming from.
All we can do is try to steer folks in the right direction. Which you did in this case. I made changes in my life to best suit my needs at the time. We all do the best we we can. Cheers.
On the flip side now almost everybody drives and there are accidents yes you're protected in that bubble of a vehicle it's more dangerous on a motorcycle. But still people want to get around..... And it's usually the question is not brought up that he should I start driving kids want to start driving almost right away at least they used to.
Many times when , there would be political unrest or some type of general unrest or something would happen in the neighborhood and people would ask me I need to buy a gun. I even work with some of these people I need to buy a gun and I got the same thing when gas prices went up I need to buy a motorcycle to save money. I said there are things you need to do right off the bat.. why and what's driving this and then if you're sure then you do need to get expert instruction I said don't look to me.. I will help you but I am not a person to look at look to......
