OK, normally I would never share my secrets, but here goes. (Cause I'm a turd like that.)

You know how everyone has their little axe to grind about which way to ride/stop/lean/wheelie/takeoff/carry coffee/turn ignition on/use blinkers/honk horn/wave to bikers/pass cars and all that Jazz?

Here's what I've figured out.

#1: Don't panic.
#2: Rubber side down.
#3: Try new ways of doing stuff, but do what works best for YOU.

If you violate rule one, pull off to the side, relax, get calm. Don't rush yourself, ride when you are ready. (I've trailered it because of this, don't let foolish pride get you killed.)

If you violate rule two, pat ground, check that you are stopped. Seek medical assistance if necessary. Get yourself and your bike out of the road. (Do it in whatever order circumstances dictate.)

If you violate rule three, you can't learn anything. Try to relax and see other possibilities.

If you just go by these three rules it will be alright. Scary sometimes, but alright.  Peace out, and watch out for old people.

bloody old farts cutting me off barstards yer they will get it if the do it again

Ride with your head and not balls...or something like that

http://www.bumpernuts.com/Caboose%20006.jpg

Good judgement trumps good skills every time.

If you use good judgment, you may not need to use those skills.  So why practice skills?  Because you can't predict everything.

Don't be a Bush, have an exit strategy.