A short while ago, my sweetheart Mary had a minor accident while driving her truck. A sixteen-year-old girl had misjudged speed and distance, and pulled out of a stop sign right into Mary’s path. Fortunately, everyone was OK—this kind of accident all too often claims a motorcyclist as its victim, with dire consequences for the rider. Later that week, when the whole family gathered for our usual Sunday dinner, the collision was of course a topic of discussion. As often happens, in short order we were comparing accident tales of other family members, and as the conversation advanced a common thread surfaced: Almost all of these collisions occurred within a few miles of home.

This got me to thinking about a bike accident I had in 1990, sixteen years ago this summer. That was a difficult year for me by any measure. My mom had been ill and passed away that spring. After the trauma of her passing and the painful process of burying her, closing her affairs and home, and dealing with both the grief and the entire end-of-life issues, I was exhausted. By late that summer, I knew I needed to take some time off to do some personal healing, and I decided that the best way was to spend some time on the road. I took three weeks off and circumnavigated the 48 states and the lower provinces of Canada. Over 8,000 miles and 21 days later, I returned home; my mind was clearer and I was on the path to healing my psyche. I had passed through that long journey far from home without harm or incident.

Back in those days I had a riding vest covered with pins and patches, one of which showed the outlines of the states and provinces of the North American continent. These patches are to be colored in to indicate the places you have ridden. A few days after my return I decided to paint in my trip and, realizing I did not have enough colors of acrylic paint, I found an excuse to take my other bike for a ride to town. Can you guess what happened on the way?

I had always heard that accidents were more likely to happen within a few miles of home, either three or five miles. Therefore, I have been more cautious when riding through that zone, which is both the beginning and the end of most rides. Well, all the caution in the world could not have deterred the mindless car driver that got me. However, my MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) rider education courses did serve me well that day, by giving me the instincts and skills to respond to danger correctly. I was able to minimize the collision via a combination of effective braking and swerving, and I survived what would have otherwise either killed or maimed me terribly. Still, my bike was heavily damaged and my right leg had such major muscle trauma that I was laid up for six weeks and then had to learn to walk again. However, if that car driver had also had the benefit of the extensive training that the MSF gives motorcyclists, the accident would not have happened. When she realized she was about to hit me, she just panicked and plowed forward; a trained operator would have been able to avoid collision. I got hit a little over two miles from home. Just goes to show you.

Well, thinking about that long-ago accident, along with the daily view of Mary’s damaged truck, has also served as a reminder of a promise I made to myself. That fall, as my body healed and my bike was being rebuilt, I promised myself to keep my rider training fresh. I took another MSF course the following spring. Oddly enough, earlier this winter I already decided that I wanted to take another MSF course come spring. Mary’s recent experience has served as a wake-up call.

Riding skills need to be maintained, just like your bike and safety gear do. Study, and most of all practice, are needed on an ongoing basis to keep you sharp. The Rider Education Courses are the best place to develop and maintain your riding skills. They also offer something you just can’t get on your own—objective observation of your riding habits. You will be surprised at the bad riding habits that you have picked up. Even if you have been riding for years and taking safety courses along the way, you still have developed bad riding habits.

Since there is no way to avoid that dangerous zone of travel around your home, you had better be prepared. I am going to do my part and polish my skills and renew my training by taking an MSF course this spring. Care to join me?

Quick Salsa

This classic Biker Billy recipe is simple yet supremely delicious. While I make more complex salsas, this one is so fresh and tasty that a batch never lasts long. It is great to have it and some chips as a snack, while you are working on your bike during the winter. The fiery fresh favors will warm you and remind you of the fresh tastes of summer.

2 hot peppers (or to taste), stemmed and minced
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Salt and ground black pepper
Dried Cilantro (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Stir well. Add salt black pepper and cilantro to taste. Refrigerate before serving.

Makes 4 cups

Column copyright Bill Hufnagle 2006. Recipe reprinted with permission from “Biker Billy Cooks with Fire” published by Whitehorse Press, Center Conway, New Hampshire copyright Bill Hufnagle 1995, 2004. Biker Billy hosts a syndicated television cooking show, “Biker Billy Cooks with Fire” and has authored three cookbooks. Check out www.bikerbilly.com where you can acquire autographed books and also find information on Biker Billy’s touring schedule.