Ever had a day when you just shouldn't ride?

[tkd]

Today I had one of those days when you just shouldn't be on the bike.

I pull out of my subdivision and just can't get comfortable. Then as I approach the exit what do I see a big sign that says "loose gravel". I'm thinkin to myself---turn around, just turn around and so I did. I back track to the other exit for my subdivision and what do I find? Yep another big sign "loose gravel". It seems the city has chosen to oil & chip both roads leading in and out of my subdivision (about 2 miles in total). It's fresh enough I can still smell the oil. Unfortunately, I'm commited, so nothing I can do but go slow and get through it. Not fun.....ping, ping, ping all along the underside of the fenders (and hopefully not on the bags). So, I survive that and limp to a side stree and what do I find....a road crew cutting grooves in the pavement and breeding, yes, you guessed it......TAR SNAKES. great, just great.

I have no idea why but at this point, apparently, I forgot how to ride. I actually stalled the bike at the next 2 stop signs and it seems that everything i know about steering, leaning, and countersteering no longer works in the world of physics.

All of this just for a crappy chinese buffet 3 miles away. So, anyway, I managed to limp home again, looking like a newb in a parking lot but at least I guess I made it.

Apparently, some days you just shouldn't ride.

PS, on the bright side, I did get a nice compliment on the bike while at the restaurant.

Y'all be good

I know your post was sort-of tongue in cheek, but on a serious note, after 50 years of riding, I HAVE had days when I'd start out, and something waaayyy in the back of my mind would say "Not today Bud! Just take her back home." The feeling would be so strong that most of the time, I'd listen to that little voice. Listening to your gut really can save you, sometimes. I can't explain it, but I believe it!

[ruruson1]

Well I hope the egg rolls were good. And yes I think we've all had those days but hang in there because tommorrows just a few hours away. Ride safe!!

[racinchef]

I kind of had that happen yesterday when I walked out of my house. I just had the feeling that I should take my SUV. Sure enough it had started sprinkling rain as I walked to my Ford and that decided it for me. Most days I just take the chance that I won't get caught in the rain. Today on my bike, I was behind a slow SUV going down my 3 mile hill to the river valley and I was tempted to pass him where the road reaches and runs along the river, just then a deer crossed the road in front of him and scampered up the impossibly steep slope. Glad I listened to those voices in my head.

[chainsaw]

Did you ever have one of those day's when you felt like a fire hydrant and all your friends were dog's?

[jussmatt]

I hear ya LOUD and CLEAR!!!

I too have had those days....and I too have turned around and put her up!! Granted they're not common at all..... but when my gut and little voice tells me something.... I listen!!!!

[dkdixie]

Did you ever have one of those day's when you felt like a fire hydrant and all your friends were dog's?

An old time rider told me there are two times you should NOT ride.......when you're feeling extra good....or when you're feeling down!

[buckeye]

+1 on the old time rider

[tkd]

Guys,

the post was kind of tongue-in-cheek, but I'm glad to know that I'm not the only who has those feelings and yes, I 100% agree if something doesn't feel right, don't force it.

Thanks for the clarification on my sanity.

I've had those days, too. I'm a private pilot and have learned to listen to my inner voice.

There's no ride (or flight, or dive) that is worth being your last.

Michael

[ice793]

oh man ive had those days and am glad i turned around cause one time a truck lost control and came in my lane headed straight for me now if i were on my bike i would prob not be here

one day last august....unfortunately I still hurt from it :'(

And I still hate twisty roads! :-/

[aj]

I call it the "Short straw" principal, and I'm always the one that gets it! My gut is my best friend, and I trust how it feels.

If I don't feel healthy I don't ride.

That being said, I've ridden many times when I should probably have not.

And once or twice when I DEFINATELY should have not.

[justbrian]

An off day comes around here too. Your not alone.

[zoom45]

I had one of those days yesterday. It was one of those "bad days"at work. It thunderstomed in the afternoon (heavy thunderstorms with a predicted 10% chance). After work,I was getting all my riding Safety gear (I work for the military) and I must have dropped my keys when I pulled my vest off the seat. I looked everywhere and could not find them. Finally , I said well, I'll go back to the office and work a little while longer and think about it. After about 30 minutes I came back out, traffic had cleared and i found my keys resting on the trailer hitch bracket behind the saddle bag. Who knows what could have happened if I left at the normal time.
Zoom45

[tkd]

Ya know what? I think I'm beginning ot like y'all

[kawgirl]

I've had those days myself and stay off the bike. When I feel tired or zoned out, I leave the bike in the garage.

[skeeter]

Yes and in perfect riding conditions with nary a thing wrong physically , mentally or mechanically.
Then there are times when every thing seems to be broken and I'm beat that I get on the bike and evrything melts away by the rime I hit the end of the block. Therapy.

There are days when I just don't get in synch. As I get more riding seasons behind me it is easier for me to admit to myself that every day is not meant for riding, no matter how nice the weather.

[dragon57]

My wife and I went for a ride in the mountains last yesr sometime.
Went down the driveway, and the pipes drug; that's odd! stopped, checked, air is low, put 20lbs. in, went on.
Got to the first stopsign, waited forever to get out, 10 minutes later someone cuts me off after passing me. about 30 minutes later, a car pulls out of side road about 100 ft in front of me while I'm running 60mph!!
2 more times, similar things happened, and we decided it was a bad day to be on the road, and went home and watched tv.
some days it's just not safe! Oh, I forgot; it was during a full moon, too!!!!
follow your gut !!