Sensei Says Grasshopper Sucks

Sensei Phil was talking about our ride up the Snake to a friend, not knowing he was on speakerphone (dontcha hate when that happens?). The gist of it is I need to get on the throttle and go. Apparently I also need to get on the brakes and stop, so I have some work to do.

On that short ride up Mulholland, I was slow but I was in complete control, ready to stop at any moment. I stayed to the inside of my lane. I looked through every turn and kept the RPMs high (easy enough on a 250 Ninja). Was I overly cautious? In his opinion, yes. And he is a fantastic rider, very experienced, puts safety first, and his Buell is signed by Shawn Higbee, OK? He's Sensei.

Still, the road is dangerous. No, let me restate that -- the road is fun, but people on it ride dangerously, as though it's their private race course. Sports cars, bicyclists, motorcycle riders, so many people push the limits on this twisty stretch. And last Sunday was a black day: 3 notable crashs, 1 death, on Mulholland and vicinity.

Sensei says I'm too cautious, like I'm preparing for an earthquake that may never happen.