Social Riding?

Most petrol stations have plastic gloves by the pumps

 

That's a great series. I was greatly saddened last night however. I watched series 6 episode 6 of Vikings, Lagertha died.

 

Oh yes of course we do !

 

Knowing I had a full tank and I would not have to stop, and seeing as it's a nice dry day here, Hugh made it out of hibernation today. It may be the only run I get for a while so I decided to have this one trundle and be happy with it. If I get kept inside for a month or two at least I've had that one ride.

As always it feels great to be back out there after the layoff, even though it looks like the riding season for us fair weather types is going to be an odd one this year.

 

I think Smilinjack has hit the nail on the head. Yes if all goes well (no accidents and no coffees and no breakdowns and no cross-contamination at the pumps) it may do no direct harm.

But it is playing a part, with many others, in saying “rules - whether explicit or implicit - don’t apply to me because I’ll be alright Jack”. And right now that is the last thing we need. This virus is killing and will kill thousands and each time because someone, somewhere, didn’t see the harm in what they personally were doing.

We all need to set an example here.

 

The government is apparently fine with solitary motorcycle riding at the moment...

https://www.visordown.com/news/general/can-i-ride-my-motorcycle-during-coronavirus-lockdown

I believe you are a far greater risk of contracting and spreading the virus, by carrying out essential tasks like going to work, shopping, receiving deliveries, etc.

 

yep, went out yesterday, alone. Wouldn’t drive with my mates right now... besides, can’t stop for coffee, only at a gas station since all others are closed.

 

At the risk of being preachy....

Right now we each have an individual responsibility to minimise ALL social contacts. Non-essential travel is just that. Let’s not kid ourselves otherwise.

 

Obviously with a new bike in the garage I was tempted to go for a ride
But I’ve decided against it

 

I was out on the bike yesterday, went walking with the wife this morning along the welsh coast path (almost no one out first thing), then out on the bike when we got back home.

I read the visordown article before going out yesterday and as far as I am aware that still applies

we didn't socialise with anyone, paid for fuel contactless, didn't buy food anywhere, took it with us.

It was quite quiet out yesterday, absolutely bonkers out today, lots of bikes, and zillions of cars this afternoon, grave like in the morning

I live in the middle of nowhere so contact with others is minimal at the best of times, I don't even know if I still have a job.

I am continuing to ride the bike when I can, until told not to

 

How is going out for a solitary ride not minimising social contact?
I went out on Friday for a ride and didn’t speak to anyone, didn’t go within 20 feet of anyone and only stopped for a break at places where no one was around. I didn’t even stop for fuel anywhere.
150 mile door to door trip with no human contact at all, and it boosted my personal wellbeing no end.
I get that there’s the small risk of ending up in an accident resulting in using limited NHS resources but that could happen taking the dog out for a walk.
Personally, I don’t think going for a ride is a bad thing as long as you’re sensible, responsible and mindful of protecting the social distancing measures for yourself and everyone else. It could certainly help your mental wellbeing.

 

In the ordinary course of events I would agree. In 2-3 wks time when the people infected today are gasping their last in hospital corridors you might revise your view.

 

Because everyone has their own excuses and you legitimise widespread abuse by creeping degrees. He’ll need fuel next time.

 

And I’ll maintain social distancing, pay contactlessly (or even pay at the pump) and sanitise my hands afterwards. I’m carrying a bottle of hand sanitiser with me everywhere.
I’m not legitimising the idiocy of people who choose to ignore the guidelines set out by the government and medical experts, but I’m adhering to those rules as best as I can whilst trying to maintain some form of normal life.
Unfortunately I can’t force others to do the same, and as such I can see that we’ll all end up in a forced lockdown sooner rather than later.

 

Normal life IS on hold and the slower that sinks in the more deaths and the longer it will take to regain control of the epidemic.

I fear the very voluntary nature of current restrictions communicates entirely the wrong message. You would not be doing it in Spain, France, Italy, China etc.

 

But obviously you’re not being preachy