Not going to Alaska

[suecanada]

With the help of a few close friends, one being nhmaf from this very forum, I have come to the conclusion that I am not ready to take on riding to Alaska. Too soon and too far. Not saying it won't happen ever but not now. I am suffering from a giant case of losing my nerve and I am struggling with the next thought...going west to Redmond OR. to the national rally. Even though it is half the distance to Alaska it is still pretty far...2800 miles.  I was really looking forward to the western epic trip all winter and had things planned right down to the tinder box for campfires. Hurt my back just a touch moving the bikes (LRB went onto the sidestand too easily!!) and since then I feel nailed to the floor. Gotta get out riding but just not getting it done. Scared in the morning...tired in the pm. Brain is still a bit spaced out feeling. Not very good excuses really except that those inner voices everyone has, have been screaming about not going to Alaska and they are pretty negative about Redmond too. But I am discussing travelling to Redmond with Holly Ralph, our MOA Rally Environmental Co-ord who is part of our vintage group here in Canada as well. She is riding west on her new to her Yamaha V-Star so maybe I should join her. We need more time before a final decision is made. We do seem fairly compatible on paper at least so far. It is odd that there is absolutely nothing that has happened to me while riding over the last year that would support being chicken.....I had thought that the 2nd year after the accident would be a piece of cake. Not so. Hmmmm.

John's accident sure doesn't help!!!!!

[rocky]

Hello: It seems to me that you are not the only one to cancel plans. For what ever reason always go with your first instinct.
Ride Safe
Rocky

[msbuck]

If you've got bad vibes, it's smart to change your plans.  Get back out on the bike when you feel good about it.  It really does make a difference.  You need to have all your concentration on the road and shouldn't be distracted with negative thoughts.  Try short rides, even just around the block to get your legs back under you.  

The accident will never go away, but it will fade.  It will hit you at strange times and out of the blue - at least that's what happens with me.  You'll get the groove back, but don't feel like you have to push yourself.  Let it come on it's own.  

I know what you mean about John's accident not helping... :-(  

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Trust your instincts Sue, that's why we got 'em.  One time you mentioned rebuilding your confidence by riding some trials.  Sounds like a good plan to me.  Just putt around in a pasture or even a parking lot, getting the balance back and building the good feelings.  Hope to see you again one of these days.  Good luck!

[Melena]

I completely understand Sue!  Alaska is one long haul and the unpredictable weather makes it even harder I would think.

Take it easy.  It's just barely spring and the start of riding season.  Like Aïda said above, let it come on its own.  When you do get out, ride on Sunday morning or whenever else there is the least traffic.  Go to a parking lot and just do circles and figure 8's and practice your stops.   Make it fun.  You don't have to be out there for hours and hours.  After all, it has been months since you've had a chance to ride.  

Rides should be fun.  For longer rides make the riding day shorter - leave later in the morning and stop earlier in the day. And make frequent stops.  Don't forget to stop and smell the roses and see the sights.  And do it because you want to do it.  

I think you might be having trouble with the idea of riding all day long and getting too tired as that may have been a contributing factor to your accident.   The summer and prospective trip is coming up fast and even though you've been excited about going you might be feeling the pressure about actually going for that long and that far.  At this point just don't think about that.  If you want to get out to take a short ride it doesn't have anything to do with  going on the long ride.

And I too know what you mean about John's accident not helping..................

Take it easy on yourself.  And don't forget to laugh!  

[nhmaf]

One day at a time, one mile at a time, one ride at a time, Sue !

Hang in there - we'll meet up at a rally or roadside again when it feels right!

[Mike V]

Sue,
Do you love this forum or what? Amazing opinions and direction I think. I can relate Sue, I do a ±7k journey every year, much of that solo in the remote SW desert and heart land. I still, to this day find the closing days towards departure filled with stress and anxiety.  Interesting thing is...after the first hundred miles it falls away in my rear view mirrors. Getting over that hump is both fulfilling and self satisfying. It's a comfort level thing, even though you're going to have to push yourself - it needs to come with some sort of confidence and adventurous desire. It will come, you'll know the right time. I would suggest shorter rides, and exploring those areas that bother you the most in search of your personal victories. The time will come when you're out there and ask yourself why I didn't do it sooner.  Human nature. The ride is personal, surround yourself with positive but persuasive experienced riders and people. Make it your decision.

John's accident is unfortunate and is a very real reminder of how dangerous and tenuous our future can be on the road. Let it act more as a tool in your conditioning and developing skills rather than a deterrent. Some things in this life, we have no control over. Master those that you can control with conviction...and never look back.

I deeply respect your openness and honesty, at your own pace baby, ride your own ride.

[suecanada]

Not surprising at all that I get the "bestest" of advice from you all! You guys make feel sane, you make me laugh out loud so many times, you help me fix what I cannot even ponder, you provide me with a warm, safe harbour when those winds come suddenly and go across the bow. Thanks guys and as the man said.." I'll be back!"

[GrimReaper]

Hi Sue,Logic should never prevail when some decsions must be made and part of me says go for it .But doing such a long trip without being confident on the bike can be painfull and even makes your fears worst.
 I am 100% with Nhmaf
,

One day at a time, one mile at a time, one ride at a time, Sue !

Hang in there - we'll meet up at a rally or roadside again when it feels right!

[Ed Miller]

I was hoping to meet you at Redmond, but if you don't feel up to the trip I understand.  At least I have the excuse that I don't have that much vacation for a trip that far, especially since I doubt I would ever ride more than 4-5 hundred miles per day.  I don't know what I'll do when I can retire.  

Be safe,

[Melena]

I was hoping to meet you at Redmond, but if you don't feel up to the trip I understand.  At least I have the excuse that I don't have that much vacation for a trip that far, especially since I doubt I would ever ride more than 4-5 hundred miles per day.  I don't know what I'll do when I can retire.  

Be safe,

I know what you mean Ed!  That's why it will take me 3 days to get to Redmond from here in Sonoma County.       I'd rather go slower and enjoy the ride and the places I ride through.

Just think that when you retire you don't have to ride more than 400 or 500 miles in a day.  Take the slow road and enjoy!

We may get Sue to Redmond anyway.  She doesn't have to ride her bike.  There is that Amtrak train coming.   8-)

[msbuck]

We may get Sue to Redmond anyway.She doesn't have to ride her bike.There is that Amtrak train coming.  

That's right!!  They'll even take your bike for you!  Our club organized a ride out on the train last time the national was in Oregon.  I didn't make the trip, but it's something that I think would be SO MUCH fun to do!  

[Semper Gumby]

Sue -- I think the idea of riding with somebody is a great idea.  Buddy system works wonders.

Perhaps you should have titled this "Not going to Alaska -- Yet!"   [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

TTFN,

[suecanada]

I understand so far that the Amtrak train won't be taking the bikes. So everyone going on the train has to arrange a private firm to transport their bike. Closest place for the train I guess is Chicago and heaven knows how complicated it would be to organize a freight company from here or plan a pick up in scary Chicago. No, not for me. To me it would be better to rent a bike out there if one could find one small enough!! How about a DR200 Suzuki like I had in NH? Or a Triumph Bonneville like I have? I should check it out!!!
Next year's national I hear is in Bloomsburg? Pa so that is very close. I think 2011 will be a banner year for all of us to meet up!! Be it Willville, The Gathering or wherever or even a Motomark course!!!
I am so unhappy about missing Ed and Melena though. Still not a complete "no" go yet. I'm talking with Melena today on the phone!!!!