There is a GREAT thread on South Bay Riders forum about avoiding crashes. LOTS of great advice to be found.

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42693

I crashed because:
A. I was a noob riding a little faster then comfortable with (yes I admit it)
B. Target fixating
C. Car variable thrown in the mix
D. Too much front brake in the gravel
E. Assumed something that should have not been assumed.

My favorite is "E" and bet it is a factor in many situations.

Thanks Alex for the link to a good discussion.

My favorite is "E" and bet it is a factor in many situations.

Thanks Alex for the link to a good discussion.

heres the ulimate new rider crash... i was pulling into park at walmart at a perpendicular space. i shut it off and i could swore it was in neutral. i was almost in the space then i let off the clutch. that damn thing locked up and launched me forward. didnt feel too good when the nuts hit the gas tank. then i barely laid it over and it hit the frame slider lightly. luckily no one, that i know of, saw it. EMBARRASSING!!