motorcyclemeditation.com

Black clouds and rain squalls served up for the weekend, London life as viewed from the motorcycle taking on a subdued hue. Picnic plans put on hold, deserted streets, resolute cheerfulness at weddings.

Traffic also configuring itself to a different beat, in thrall to strange laws. Fewer cars on the road, faster movement for those that have ventured out, but the constrictions when occurring slower and more stubborn. On the motorcycle, these patterns calling for greater circumspection.

Near Muswell Hill, working to the front of a traffic queue, gentle slow pace where in the dry the overtaking would have been peremptory. Arriving at the front as the lights turn green. Now for an immediate left turn, followed by an immediate right. The surface smooth and wet, the slope downwards, the camber unhelpful. The motorcycle therefore proceeding gingerly.

This tactic unwelcome to the impatient car behind, recently overtaken, now hemmed in and held up. An understandable reaction. The car’s four tyres sitting flat on the road surface, owning far more stability round the corners than the motorcycle’s two tilted treads. Progress now carrying the additional threat that the car will petulantly overtake, leaving no room for the motorcycle to lean.

Therefore practicing a particular motorcycle skill, namely, occupying the space. Holding firm against the impulse to show some courtesy, step aside, allow the car to go first. An impulse appropriate to normal life but dangerous on a motorcycle, you land up hovering helplessly, half on the road, half off it, the car behind, more or less invited to swoop past. One tiny misjudgment, for the car an inconvenient dent, for you a broken leg.

Therefore, ignoring the car behind, taking ownership of the road, occupying the space, proceeding slowly. The car can wait, sorry if I’m being rude buddy. At least everybody’s clear about what’s happening and nobody’s going to do anything stupid.

The road soon straight and the motorcycle at a good speed, all the messing about forgotten.