Four way stops bring together the bold and timid in ways that defy a motorcyclist to live through the day.

I go through 3 four way stops on the way to work. At the first this morning I arrive clearly after a car to my left. I wait and wait and wait for the car to go. Finally, after I've stared at him for what seemed like minutes, he eased through the intersection. At the second four way I arrive just before a car to my right. I am fully into the intersection when that car bolts toward me.

I don't know whether I was in 1st or 2nd at this point, but I angled to the left and gunned the big twin. The rear tire spun a little and the old goat launched clear of the intersection and the imminent t-bone.

At the third four way I was by myself.

Though a little closer than usual, this was a fairly normal morning.