I'm Not Gonna Lay It Down

[No Worries]

Have you ever stalled your bike at a green light? I do it at least twice a year. Once I was in front of three other riders. Just pull in the clutch and thumb the starter, and peal away smartly before the person behind you rolls over you.

Well I did it today on my second ride of the year. Nobody was behind me, and no traffic on the crossstreet. I signaled a right turn and made a complete stop at the red light. I checked for traffic, turned the handlebar to the right, let out the clutch, and the bike stalled.

I never stalled the bike before while making a turn from stop. If you've never done this, here's what happens: the bike falls over. The bike was a few inches from hitting the ground when I thought "I'm not gonna lay it down." With all my might, I stopped the bike. Pure adrenaline was running through my veins. I tried to lift the bike upright, but couldn't. I held the bike inches from the ground for at least thirty seconds. My right arm was starting to tremble, but I could not lift the bike.

Now this is a light where I can never trip it with the bike upright but now it changes green for me. A car on the cross traffic stops at the light and looks at me and probably wonders what the hell I'm doing. With my left hand, I lift up my visor and ask if he can help. The light turns green for him and he pulls over. He gets out and helps me lift the bike. Here's the clincher: I say "Thanks a lot." He says "No Worries" and runs back to his car.