A hard lesson to be learned - crash prevention After a hard "go-down" in Oregon about four years ago, I added some new rules to my riding style. * Take the experience riders course every two years...it is free if you belong to Honda Riders Club of America. * If you are sleepy...pull over at the first rest area and "nap" until you wake up. I find a picnic table and lay down wearing my riding suit, helmet, gloves and ear plugs. When I wake up, usually 15-60 minutes, I am refreshed and can finish my ride. * Remember you can easily have an accident. Ride your motorcycle with easy movements. Brake easy, corner easy, accelerate easy. You will develop a style that is very predictable to the cars and riders around you and you will remain in control if some surprise happens. * Do not ride beyond your vision and capability...if you cannot see around a corner or bend in the road, then slow down. You are riding way too fast. * Go back to the basics and follow the good riding habits you learned at the Motorcycle Safety Course. If you never went through the course...then take one as soon as possible. You will never regret the time invested. I know that I am "preaching to the choir", but these things I had to learn the hard way. After totaling my 1993 ST1100, I now have a 1997 ABS ST1100 and try to practice all of the above and then some. Spending some time in a hospital and rehabbing some broken ribs and fingers was no fun. Man...I miss my '93 ST. I hope this thread stays alive for a few days. My regards to the list and my prayers for Kelly and Johna. Bill Pratt, Mill Creek, WA STOC #117, '97 ST1100-ABS, '97 KLR-650 http://www.billpratt.com "No matter where you go...there you are!"