I'm soon to be 38, and there are definetely a few (ok more than a few) things I don't like to think about that I did when I was younger. Pulling a wheelie into the side of a moving car at age 12 is one of them. Wheelying on the street/wheelies with passengers, what coulda' happened, what almost happened, putting other people in danger, I could still go into a sweat if I think about it too long. That's one reason why I gave up streetbikes. It wasn't the 'other guy' like a lot of other bikers say; it was I that didn't have the self control to be reasonanly safe. I missed the streetbike for a little while, but I slept better from the first night I sold it.
Not everyone is as ignorant or careless as I was, (and I'm not inferring that I don't do stupid things anymore, they are just a lot more tempered and less frequent.) but there are a a lot of them out there. Especially the younger guys. Having kids and getting older has a huge impact on the way most people think. I'm glad I'm one of them.
When I see someone acting like an idiot or a hero, yea, it pisses me off, but I know where they are coming from, I been there. I just sincerely hope that they are as lucky as I was to graduate before they kill, cripple, or otherwise wreak havoc. I know I got away with more than I deserved. I still do. Let's face it, without any risk what's left? I could quote you a close call for most of my rides, Now I have the other guy, myself, and my family to think about.
Something that seems to help me is I have a ritual. I have a little talk w/ myself before every ride. I give thanks for the opportunity to ride, and realize that could be taken away with one wrong move. I guess it helps some.
I know it's corny as all h---, but that's my take on it.
Joe Chief