We've all see the crash video by now. If you haven't read this excellent analysis on Revzilla Common Tread about whether or not a crash could have been avoided, I highly recommend it.
A common topic of conversation among participants in the Basic Rider Courses I help coach is the inevitable motorcycle crash. "It's not if, but when you have a crash", their buddy/uncle/the Internet told them.
I love it when I ask the class if it's inevitable that you're going to have a crash, and I get a resounding "no". I think that attitude displays a proactive approach to your own safety, which, along with good training, constant practice, and always, always being aware of your surroundings, will keep a rider in a position to avoid a crash, and most of the time never even have to employ the emergency maneuvers they've practiced diligently.
Do I think all crashes are always avoidable? I'm inclined to say yes, although I fear I'm risking bad karma. But then, I wouldn't be out there if I did think it was inevitable. I can promise you that I do my very best at all times to keep my skills and mental faculties sharp and alert, and I ride with the attitude that I don't have to "just lay it down".
Wearing all the gear all the time is just a given, so if there is a moment when I do lose my wits, at least I'll have my head and body covered. Literally.
One quick thought about this incident and group riding. I laugh at what I heard a friend say once: "I love group rides. Tell me where you're having lunch, and I'll meet you there." So many things are different when riding in a group, and not just the opportunity to capture your friends' idiotic moves on GoPro.
It's easy to let your attitude change, and to let your mental guard down. Just recently I was riding home with Mr. J, me following (of course), cruising down the 51 thinking to myself "What a beautiful evening. This is just awesome. I feel so relaxed. Look at the sunlight on the mountains. How beautiful".
What was I doing? Just cruising along, letting him do all the work, not a care in the world because I was following along like a sheep. This is not a proactive approach to your own safety, but an easy mental state to get lulled into when riding with others. And as part of the analysis in the Revzilla article says, the riders who were paying attention in the crash video are the ones who ended the day with the shiny side up.
