My first major mistake as a new rider.

[respite]

I have only been riding since october 07. Ive just clocked 1200 miles under my belt. I ride every day, but lack experience. It would be safe to say im a brand spanking new motorcyclist.

The first mistake was i rode tired and sick. I woke up three times last night to cough and vomit. I got a total of 5 hours of sleep. I should have taken the bus.

I was on my way to work this morning. I glanced down at my speed, then to the right at the speed limit sign.

I should have put off looking at both and keeping my eyes on the upcoming traffic light. When i put my sight forward, i saw the light was yellow and i couldnt judge if i had time to stop or not. I didnt know how long it had been yellow for. Though in a panic i thought i was applying both breaks as usual. I didnt stomp the rear, but i gradually applied pressure trying to slow, until i realized i had locked it up already.

I continued to skid right through the intersection, and stopped right at the white line of the cross walk on the other side. My rear drifted a few degrees to the right, which was a scary feeling not being aligned while going straight. I dont know if it was the MSF course, or me tensing up in fear, but i luckly did not let go of the rear break.

I did notice that the light turned red just before i went underneath it. If i had not freaked out and tried to stop in such a short distance i think i would have made it through the light.

I feel so lucky that i didnt hurt myself or anyone else. Nobody is perfect, but i hope these are lessons learned the hard way and not repeated.

[frankieG]

We all make mistakes. You have learned from yours

[Ronin]

I did the almost exact thing this summer at a light.They had been paving up street,oil was on the road and when the light changed to yellow I tried to stop.The rear started to slide to the right so I let off the brakes and nail the gas in third.I had enough momentem to get to the other side of the light.Scared the crap outa me.However I'm now more aware of road conditions and gear selection! 

[Dan02GS]

Wow you are right about when you not feeling 100% it is better to find another way to get around. Hope that you are feeling better. 

[ohgood]

Cool man, you're safe 

You learned a very good lesson and passed it on to others, that's a cool thing to do. Kudos.   

I locked the rear just a few days ago when a light changed to yellow and I was going a little faster than I should have been. The back didn't step out, but it did lock for a good 20-25 feet. That front brake on such a light bike is awesome ! More than anything the cheapskate in me hated seeing all that rubber go by me in smoke after I stopped

The only time I look at the speedo anymore is when I see a cop. The tachometer is just a pretty thing to toy with too.

Ride safe man, and watch those side streets !

[respite]

I hope its a long time before i make my second major mistake as a new rider..

[CndnMax]

Since you said you stopped across the intersection i assume you where pretty close to the intersection or on a relatively fast road. Now normal yellow lights are about 3 sec long and they increase the time based on approach speed. Theres a reason they have yellow lights, don't kill yourself trying to stop for a yellow. 

[97gs500e]

How far into your commute were you when this happened?  Was the street wet?  If you hadn't been out long, your tires were probably cold and that may have contributed to your wheels locking up. 

I did a very similiar thing when I started riding a few years ago..

[ashman]

To be honest, it doesn't matter how much experience you have it is easy to make a stupid mistake anytime. I've been riding over 20k and still make the occasional mistake.

-Ash

[respite]

How far into your commute were you when this happened?  Was the street wet?  If you hadn't been out long, your tires were probably cold and that may have contributed to your wheels locking up. 

I did a very similiar thing when I started riding a few years ago..

It was actually very close to the end.

This is my route. Not the quickest way, but by far the most fun. The second dot close to point b is the intersection i slid through. Street was dry. Tires are worn in and warm. I would say it was all user error. =\

[yamahonkawazuki]

but you did well, not to dump it