Marine motorcycle deaths top their Iraq combat fatalities

As a motorcyclist, enthusiast, and accident survivor I was deeply disturbed to read about the Marine deaths. The fact that more Marines have died on Motorcycles than in combat during the past year is quite powerful.

After my own accident, a hit and run on a Friday night, the uninsured driver was going the wrong way on a One Way street, I could not wait to ride again. I was wearing a helmet and had trained with the State Police on riding safety. Once I healed I put my bike into the shop and to the dismay of my partner and family I was back on the street riding.

While I have always admired racing bikes I have only ridden cruisers, my personal bike is a mid range Honda Shadow. "Crotch rockets" and "Rice burners" remind me of a particular young, sexy, olive complexioned, bar back. I love to look but, I don't touch, it's just asking for trouble. Even though the thought of driving either gets my adrenaline flowing. Damn, just the thought!

I understand the love of speed, the testosterone filled moments of exceeding the speed limits of both the law and common sense. The story of the young Marines dying senselessly has sobered me, I hope the same can be done for our young brothers on bikes.