I do occasionally practice emergency stops.
I do occasionally stop in an emergency.
More often I don't have to stop completely. I avoid or maneuver around, but emergency braking skills are important. Vital!
I heard that one can only stop or maneuver, you usually can't or shouldn't brake and maneuver at the same time. "Brake & Escape" the DVD called it (FYI - Ride Like A Pro series).
Somehow that rule has always stayed with me.
I won't bore you with the whole story, but one time I was blocked when a left-turner just stopped in mid-turn, blocking my lane.
I assessed the situation: Could I stop before hitting the car? No. Where can I go? I immediately turned, aiming for the only way I saw open: A small space behind the car in my way but in front of the car that was next in the line.
Essentially aiming at head-on traffic. I still remember the look on that woman's face!
Once I was aiming there I braked - front and rear, downshifted, swore... whatever helps!
The rear tire broke loose in protest but then reclaimed traction. The whole bike shook for a second but I never completely released the throttle (another thing I was told never to do: Chop the throttle. A Twist of the Wrist 2 - Book and DVD, BTW)
The bike did not flip over. The bike did not crash.
However I had slowed down enough to lace it through the space. I released the brakes and made it.
I was very happy I had taken the time to practice some and read and watched DVDs on riding techniques, etc.
Apologies in advance, but I was heading to a friend's memorial and did not have my camera with me.
