Couple tense moments

[ells]

Did the Cheyenne loop today, about 225 mi rt. Some light rain on the return via US 85 through a bunch of hamlets between Cheyenne and Greeley. US 85 is basically an empty road that slows from 65 mph to 50 or so in the hamlets, which usually have four lanes expanding from two in the open. As I entered one town, Eaton I believe, a little Nissan wagon blows by me as I was slowing for the 50 mph zone and noticing, unlike most others, there is a stop light ahead. I'm wondering if the Nissan sees the light, which is green. Light changes at the same time the Nissan pulls back into my lane and applies heavy braking. I was ready to stop should the light change but not with the Nissan in my lane. Applied both brakes, rear tire breaks lose and I get some sideways action. Keeping some pressure on the front break, I steer out of the skid and ease off the rear but will not be stopping in time to avoid the Nissan. So, moved over into the other lane enough to come to a stop next to them at the light. Not sure they were aware of my situation and I ignored any contact, just glad all was well.

Analysis - what did I do wrong, what did I do right?

I suppose I should have been going slower for the conditions - rain

I think I handled the stop well, except maybe the skid in the first place. Had there not been an empty lane next to the Nissan I might have been in more trouble but would have done a different "instant" analysis. At least I didn't "have to lay'r down"

Eleven years of riding and more than 70K mi in urban, rural, and metro traffic, and this is the closest call I've had. Feeling pretty good about the mental exercises I've done anticipating such a situation, not so good about what can happen.

[usranger74]

Glad it worked out for you.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Glad it all worked out for you. The thing I would have done as soon as he pulled back in front of me if the other lane was clear would have been to immediately pull into it. That way you would still have had the same stopping distance as you previously would have had.

I have always hated a jerk that passes and then pulls right back in front of me. It would have been best if they had of run the light but some people would rather slam on the brakes in front of people.

[cheriann]

YIKES! Gklad you were able to think it all through and avoid the Nissan.

[Cajunrider]

It's great that your riding skills got you through this one Ells. An inexperienced rider may have rammed the rear of the truck or slid beneath it. Either of the two would have been bad.

[oldbikers]

Glad you are OK

[waterman]

Glad to hear you made it ok there Ells. Those type of situations can make for difficult choices. So how much was the vinyl bunched up???

[bobhamlin]

Realistically, it sounds like you did everything right.

You probably "knew" that the other lane was open even though you didn't consciously know it (if another vehicle had been there, its visible presence and/or noise would probably have alerted you.)

As far as losing momentary control, that happens. There might have been an oil spot with a topping of rain--no way to tell.

You have now added another bit of "experience" to your driving habits.

Good job.

[peterdarby]

Good Job. You cut speed realized it wasn't going to be enough and took evasive action. Sounds like an experienced rider keeping his cool to me. The only thing I might have done is checked my six when the slower speed limit appeared to see what was happening behind me, especially in the rain. It might have given you a bit more warning of the car with the engine problem behind you. (loose nut on the wheel)

[madotu]

Happy that everything went your way.