Night Rider - Brief Article

Combat Edge, Sept, 2001 by MSgt. Terry V. Haskew

I know you did not mean to be gone so long, but the enjoyment of riding on such a beautiful, sunshiny day has led into a pre-dusk return. Good thing you had the foresight to pack your clear shield even though the tinted one sure did come in handy on those sharp turns in the mountains when the sun suddenly appeared directly in front of you.

As you realize it will be nightfall soon, you pull over and replace the shield using care not to scratch it. This break on the side of the road has several purposes. First, it is an opportunity to let your eyes adjust to the changing situation. It also gives you a chance to stretch your legs before they cramp up as the temperatures begin to decrease. Finally, it is a good idea to make another check of the bike before night falls and you have to stop again and go fumbling with a flashlight to repair something along the side of the road. As you make this check, watch out for those hot surfaces on your bike and do not forget to check your lights -- you'll need them! Face it. It will be dark soon, which increases the challenges of safety so there is no need in rushing at this point.

You have made the transition and it is time to go. The road is pretty deserted since it is a Sunday and most folks in this area are sitting down to dinner. As you start out, you know you only have a little farther to go. You commend yourself on good preparation, smooth handling skills throughout the day and -- oh yeah -- gotta go to work tomorrow. Your attention drifts away from the task at hand just as a car comes around the corner with its high beams on. "Geeeeez, where did the road go!" Your first mistake was looking directly into the headlights. Amazingly, your subconscious remembered where the road was and you maintained your course. "Whew!"

OK, now you are ready for the next one that comes along. Your mind is focused and back in the game. What was that "trick" someone told you for oncoming traffic at night? Isn't it the white line over on the right? You can briefly divert your attention to that while the car is passing, but do so only after you have made sure the car is on its side of the road. Remember what you learned in that "dumb" motorcycle safety class about visual directional control. Do not fixate on the line or you will be riding over it and off onto that nasty 3-inch shoulder drop off.

Well, you finally made it home. While relaxing, you relive the ride. Boy, that momentary lapse of mind control, combined with the change in riding conditions, sure was hairy. That will not happen again. "What was I thinking? Oh, that's right. Gotta go to work tomorrow! Think I'll take the bike."