Safety while riding

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Permalink Reply by Dawn Chappell on October 3, 2011 at 6:24am

I have a gun in my tank bag which is easy access, should I need it.  I also leave space between me and any cars around to make sure I have an escape route, if needed.  If that all fails, I have been doing the UFC trainer program on Wii and have learned a lot of punch and kick combinations and have built up a good bit of upper body strength to throw those punches.  I can also use my tank bag as a weapon, if that situation ever arises. 

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Permalink Reply by Girlriders - Katie on October 3, 2011 at 8:22am

Great topic Ev, not something I've put a lot of thought into, but I really should.  I'm not a gun person, maybe I could at least get some mace or something strapped to the tank for quick access?

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Permalink Reply by MotoQT (Evelyn) on October 3, 2011 at 9:19am

I like the idea of the trainer program. Hmm, this is giving me an idea... And agree on on escape route, always ride with a plan!

Dawn Chappell said:

I have a gun in my tank bag which is easy access, should I need it.  I also leave space between me and any cars around to make sure I have an escape route, if needed.  If that all fails, I have been doing the UFC trainer program on Wii and have learned a lot of punch and kick combinations and have built up a good bit of upper body strength to throw those punches.  I can also use my tank bag as a weapon, if that situation ever arises. 

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Permalink Reply by MotoQT (Evelyn) on October 3, 2011 at 9:28am

Thx Katie. And i was thinking exactly the same thing, like velcroing mace or something 2the bike 4quick access. Idk that given, for example, a hijack situation or "over friendlys", if i'd have time to grab something in my backpack or tank bag. I'm a bit of a clutz w/the gloves on and zippers  

KtRides2/Katie - Admin Lead said:

Great topic Ev, not something I've put a lot of thought into, but I really should.  I'm not a gun person, maybe I could at least get some mace or something strapped to the tank for quick access?

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Permalink Reply by Girlriders - Katie on October 3, 2011 at 12:19pm

or maybe on the back of the windscreen

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Permalink Reply by Becky DeShazo-Westly, Admin Team on October 3, 2011 at 7:14pm

Ev Q, You are spot on in always being aware of your surroundings.  Whenever you are stopped keep your head on a swivel and constantly look around you.  Always look to the rear first, then the sides.  Don't get lax when you are stopped, that is when you are most vulnerable.  If you are getting geared up to ride, the best weapon we have is our helmets.  Get a good grip on it and swing away.  If you feel someone is getting too friendly and you are alone on your bike, ride to a very public spot, get off and go inside.  Don't turn on dark streets or anywhere you don't know.  You don't want to be trapped in unfamilar surroundings.  Remember to practice if you have mace, pepper spray etc that you are planning on using.  You don't want to fumble around if you are being threatened.  You have gloves on, and a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body so be ready to use whatever you use for your predetermined protective measure. 

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Permalink Reply by MotoQT (Evelyn) on October 3, 2011 at 9:27pm

Exactly!  

KtRides2/Katie - Admin Lead said:

or maybe on the back of the windscreen

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Permalink Reply by MotoQT (Evelyn) on October 3, 2011 at 9:38pm

Great points Becky! And alot of that is what i practice on a regular basis, even during "safer" times (day, familiar territory/route, etc). Getting use to habitually & continuously monitoring ur surrounding while on the bike (even during the day) helps prevent the lax mode from setting in. Still enjoy the ride, but have to have eyes behind my head at the same time. 

 

Good tip about practicing maneuvers w/defence objects... definitely a tip i can work on!

Becky DeShazo-Westly, Admin Team said:

Ev Q, You are spot on in always being aware of your surroundings.  Whenever you are stopped keep your head on a swivel and constantly look around you.  Always look to the rear first, then the sides.  Don't get lax when you are stopped, that is when you are most vulnerable.  If you are getting geared up to ride, the best weapon we have is our helmets.  Get a good grip on it and swing away.  If you feel someone is getting too friendly and you are alone on your bike, ride to a very public spot, get off and go inside.  Don't turn on dark streets or anywhere you don't know.  You don't want to be trapped in unfamilar surroundings.  Remember to practice if you have mace, pepper spray etc that you are planning on using.  You don't want to fumble around if you are being threatened.  You have gloves on, and a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body so be ready to use whatever you use for your predetermined protective measure. 

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Permalink Reply by Girlriders - Katie on October 4, 2011 at 7:41am

I think I'm pretty good at always being aware of what's going on when I'm at a stop, but I'm focused on cars.  Making sure the one approaching me from the rear is going to stop for example.  I need to widen my perspective to include people with bad intentions.

I like the helmet comment, Becky.  That is when we are most approached I believe, when we are gearing up.  Mostly just people who want to chat, but you never know.

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Permalink Reply by Amber L Ford Dimalanta on October 9, 2011 at 4:04pm

Helmet  headbutt....yes!

Becky DeShazo-Westly, Admin Team said:

Ev Q, You are spot on in always being aware of your surroundings.  Whenever you are stopped keep your head on a swivel and constantly look around you.  Always look to the rear first, then the sides.  Don't get lax when you are stopped, that is when you are most vulnerable.  If you are getting geared up to ride, the best weapon we have is our helmets.  Get a good grip on it and swing away.  If you feel someone is getting too friendly and you are alone on your bike, ride to a very public spot, get off and go inside.  Don't turn on dark streets or anywhere you don't know.  You don't want to be trapped in unfamilar surroundings.  Remember to practice if you have mace, pepper spray etc that you are planning on using.  You don't want to fumble around if you are being threatened.  You have gloves on, and a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body so be ready to use whatever you use for your predetermined protective measure. 

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Permalink Reply by Amanda (aka Chameleiana) on October 10, 2011 at 10:14pm

One thing I try to do is to send a quick text or call to someone when I'm heading out and again when I'm headed home.  It doesn't help any immediate situations, but it at least gives someone a rough idea of whether a search party should be sent out or not.

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Permalink Reply by MotoQT (Evelyn) on October 11, 2011 at 1:25pm

Amanda, i usually do that too at night! I call them "homecheck texts" :)  I completely forgot about that inrelation to this post... great add lady!!

Amanda (aka Chameleiana) said:

One thing I try to do is to send a quick text or call to someone when I'm heading out and again when I'm headed home.  It doesn't help any immediate situations, but it at least gives someone a rough idea of whether a search party should be sent out or not.

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