FTO AUSTRALIA

I'm not sure where to post this and I dont really know if it is really relevent but nevertheless here goes.

As some members of the club know my husband is a member of a Suzuki motorcycle club. Over the weekend a member of the club was tragically killed following a head on collision with a 4WD. She was a 33 year old mother of 4 young boys. She was a very vibrant woman with a passion for motorcycles, who would push the envelope in her pursuit of fun. Unfortunately, we used to think she rode beyond her abilities on a bike that was too powerful for her. But she loved it. Her number plates on her bike were OHP00 - cos she said she sh*t herself everytime she rode. Funny lady!

The police have said speed was involved and she drifted over to the wrong side of the road causing the collision.

I asked my husband if it made him think twice about taking the bike out but he said that he always rode to his ability less 10%, so he had something in reserve in an emergency. I think this is a statement we could all learn from.

I've seen some things on the road that have put my heart into my mouth. It was obvious that some people were driving beyond their abilities. If it feels uncomfortable - DONT DO IT! Keep the "less 10%" in your minds. A life is too big a price to pay for some fun

That is extremely sad to hear such a loss and those poor children

Some people have commented on the new way we now run our cruises..... well this sort of thing is pretty much why (we don't ever want this to happen to one of our members)

From a club point of view - We have a duty of care to try and make sure our members leave club sanctioned cruises in good health.... this is why at the beginning of each cruise we now ask you to read our club terms and conditions, things such as speeding, dangerous driving, driving outside your limits.. etc are outside of our club constitution.

We advise weather conditions and known hazards on the proposed routes.

A committee member is always on hand if someone notices concerning behaviour - and we deal with these as quickly as possible.

Cruises are about having fun - not about danger and injury

For people who like to push the limit - we are trying to hold more regular track days on courses such as Oran Park and Wakefield - these allow you to drive at whatever speed you choose in a relatively controlled environment -and if you do come off - *winks at Steve* there isn't really anything to hit - you will probably stir up a ot of dust - but better that than a tree or another vehicle...

Tanya

This is so sad, but aside from one's own abilities, you must also be very aware of the limitations of the vehicle as well as the environmental conditions.

Even if you are familiar with your own vehicle, the limitations of another, even if it is the same model, can be quite different, due to the setup or wear 'n tear.

Likewise, environmental conditions, such as the road, dust, rain, oil, wind, light conditions etc. can dramatically effect stopping distance and turning ability.

Keep safe on the road and keep the fun stuff for controlled situations.

I have to agree with the "within 10% of your limitations" however i find the problem is other drivers on the road. If you are driving to within 10%of your limitations but the person in front of you isn't, then you have to react much quicker. If you are going to push your limitations, even to within 10% the do so at least when there is no other cars around

Kezbah your husband is wise and more people should heed his words, that is very sad, and it doesnt end with her being killed it goes straight to the children who now have no mother. that is truly tragic.

if you cant respect your own life because the crazy fairy bites (im guilty of this too) then think of your family, and friends, the pain doesnt end with you, it hurts a lot of people. Sadly today such driveing or riding is used as an example, so not only do those left behind feel the pain, but are forced to feel the shame too. its very sad, and perhaps sadder that such tragedies still fail to convince a lot of people.

My deepest respects. Vlad

When I was quite young - around 19 or so I was given a drive of an SLR5000 Torana. Now the fact that my own car was a four cylinder and all of a sudden I had a V8 under me and it felt great. But I admit I knew even while I was driving it that I really had not idea how to control it, even with the people in the car with me saying "push it a bit". So I know that uncomfortable feeling I spoke about in my first post. I respected that feeling and pulled over and let the owner drive. Thanks God I had the sense to stop. Anyway the funeral is tomorrow and we will be attending it prior to our trip down to Jindabyne, which she was supposed to be on. There is supposed to be over 100 bikes attending - showing how something like this can effect so many people as Vlad said.

Take care everyone and drive safely, if not for yourselves, for your loved ones.

Slither wrote:I have to agree with the "within 10% of your limitations" however i find the problem is other drivers on the road. If you are driving to within 10%of your limitations but the person in front of you isn't, then you have to react much quicker. If you are going to push your limitations, even to within 10% the do so at least when there is no other cars around

Yes ethan but you drive at you limitation PLUS 10%, I've seen your driving... Just kidding buddy

Cheers,