We need to be hypercritical in looking at our accidents to learn from our mistakes and we need to take advantage of the accidents of others and learn from them, as this is the cheapest way to learn. For example, the forced error example of drunk driver over the yellow in a blind turn is a real example of something which happened to a rider many of us know. The lesson the rider learned and shared with the rest of us: don't ride in Wisconsin when the Packers have just finished playing a game as the likelihood of drunks being on the road is increased.
Hopefully this forum and discussion will help us all develop the experience and judgement to distinguish between forced and unforced errors and how what most might consider a forced error, might be considered an unforced error. The more we find successful ways to consider forced errors are unforced errors, the less our riding safety depends on luck.
Ray, you make a good point. On another forum I am on (ADVrider) which, granted, is a VERY large board, there is a section dedicated to "Face Plant". Not that crashes are considered to be a badge of honor, but rather, they can become learning experience for ourselves and others. Talking through things and learning from others' experiences can also rediret ones' thoughts to think about things differntly. There's no shame in discussing what has happened, as long as we learn from it.
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