Had an appointment this afternoon. Needed to get to it in about 15minutes in late afternoon traffic. Had to finish that business, get to another appointment and get back for a late meeting. All withing an hour.

Hadn't ridden all week so... Decided to ride my bike.

Nothing terrible happened. An idiot on a cell phone wondered into my lane, but I was not in danger. I honked my horn, was tempted to give him the middle-finger #1 sign but didn't.

But, when I got back from all the rush, I did not feel good about my ride. I was not sharp. My mind was more concerned about the appointments.

Note to self... Next ride, IF...

- In a hurry to make an appointment?
- Excited? Upset?
- Have mind on a lot of things other than the ride at hand?

Seriously consider taking the car.

Sounds like advice that will keep you safe. Good observation there, twig.

Amen that. I want to ride today, but I've got a load of lunchtime errands. The cage will just be more practical, given the rushed schedule plus the number of things to keep in mind during the process.

At one point during my ride home yesterday I realized I'd not been paying attention as well as I should have... sort of a scary realization. :shock:

A great companion to my Don't Ride Angry (http://www.honda599.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=66) post.

:thumbsup

I used to have a policy that was basically, never ride anywhere I HAVE to go to (IE: work, appointments, etc.) That way, the ride was the only reason I was on the bike, and I was more focused. Also, If I was in the groove of things and really enjoying myself, I didn't have to stop until I felt like it. Now with the new ride, I plan on commuting to work a bit. I have an hour commute, though, so I'll have plenty of time to enjoy myself.

This is a good point...my advice is not necessarily don't ride...but slow down to the speed of your brain. This morning up at 6.30...out of the house quickly into freezing fog...bit tired...visor steamed up...back pack feeling heavy...line of traffic stopped at a red where I am turning...decision time...can I get to the front before the green?...lets go for it...light changes when I am at second car to front...decision number 2...stop and pull in...or gas it and pull in front of the Queue? My brain says pull in...my wrist says gas it...I make it by inches and feel like an idiot...(and re-affirms cagers idea of all bikers). Tomorrow...I will wait. The trick is learn from your mistakes (and don't beat yourself up too much)...thats how we improve :)