| Author | Message | ||
     V8tec |
Hello everyone, With a heavy heart, I have to inform all of you that my younger brother and best friend, Mike, who you know as Pegasusrider, has passed on to the next life as the result of an accident on his '08 1125R. I don't know exactly what caused Mike to crash; my best GUESS is that he swerved to avoid something in the road and lost control, or he hit a tar snake. I don't know what actually caused his injuries; the impact with the asphalt, or if the bike landed on him as it tumbled. As for fact, I can only describe what I saw. Mike and I were out for a short ride after dinner on the evening of Friday July 22nd, 2011. Mike was leading, I was following at a fair distance behind. The road was long and straight. We were not racing, stunting or anything other than cruising along at a comfortable pace. I saw Mike's bike start wobbling, then veer off towards the side of the road. He went through a patch of sand and was highsided off the bike. I would say he was about 6'-8' in the air, landed in the oncoming lane and slid for some distance. The bike tumbled across the road and into some trees about 30' from where he was laying. He didn't hit any trees, guardrails or other vehicles. I stopped my bike and ran over to him, hoping that he wasn't severely injured. It had been obvious up to this point that the crash was serious, but when I saw the actual extent of his injuries, it became apparent that the situation was grave...my brother and best friend was in deep trouble. I can't/won't go into the minute graphic details of what happened next (even though I can remember them vividly, and they still haunt me); I don't know if I could even do it, it wouldn't serve any purpose, and most importantly it would be downright disrespectful to Mike. All I can say is that he had a pulse but was not breathing. Even though it is generally advised not to due to possible neck injuries, I had no choice but to remove his helmet so I could give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until the paramedics arrived. They did shortly thereafter, and took over administering aid. I held his hand while they worked on him and did my best to comfort him, hoping he could hear me. While they worked on him, his heart stopped, so they administered CPR, and then attempted to defibrillate him. I waited outside the ambulance and prayed for help from my previously deceased Mother and Sister, to take care of him and help him, and not take him from me and my Dad. I could see them working on him through the ambulance window. The LifeStar helicopter was en route. After what seemed like an hour but was probably only several minutes, the ambulance door opened and I knew right away from the look on the paramedics' face. Mike was gone. He told me they did all they could do, but his injuries were too severe. At that point, I thanked the paramedics for their efforts, then crouched to the ground and cried. I had never felt so alone in my entire life...Mike was my last remaining sibling, and he was gone. Out of all the internet boards that Mike or I are members of, I felt that the Buell community should know first. Mike was a dedicated individual who worked his ass off to ensure the smooth operation of the glass shop he managed; his co-workers respected him for his can-do attitude, incredible knowledge of the business (especially the manufacturing side), warm and friendly personality, and glass-half-full outlook on everything; he ignored negativity and focused on the positive things, and had an amazing ability to solve any problem that he faced, regardless of its complexity or severity. He was an avid Buell and BadWeb fan...he loved his 1125R, which he affectionately nicknamed Penelope; she took him 8700 miles cross-country a few weeks ago with absolute reliability and enjoyment. She was a beautiful bike, even with the awesome-loud Keda exhaust that completely drowned out the sound of my Aprilia's Leo Vince pipes.  He made a compilation video of the trip, which I will try to get off his computer and post it somewhere where you can all watch it. He followed Eric Buell Racing's developments consistently and was excited about the resurrection of Buell, and the new 1190 model. He never missed a MotoGP, SBK or AMA race on TV. We both watched Keith Code and Dave Moss videos several times on weekends, absorbing all the information that we could. He kept a copy of "Twist of the Wrist" in the bathroom for good reading (sorry if that's TMI Mike!). Although I am an Aprilia RSVR rider, I have always liked Buells and have tremendous respect for Eric Buell, and I hope for complete success for the brand - not only for Eric and his employees, but for Buell riders and the entire motorcycling community; I feel that it would be a truly remarkable thing for American ingenuity to bring an American sportbike onto the scene. Unfortunately, after what I have witnessed, and knowing that if something like this were to happen to myself, my Dad's only remaining living family member, he would not be able to handle it. I can't do that to him. I think I have hung up my riding gear for the last time and will soon be selling my bike. Mike always believed that life is short and you have to do what you love to do; if you don't, you might as well be dead. Mike died doing what he loved to do the most, and I admire him immensely for having that courage, even knowing the risks involved with motorcycling. He was an experienced rider with several years under his belt, and thousands of miles. I am proud to be his brother, and am a better person for having him in my life. Even after witnessing the entire horrific event first-hand, I am glad that I could be there with him in his last moments, and that he was not alone or surrounded only by strangers. In his obituary which will be in The Hartford Courant on Wednesday, that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; I think Mike would have wanted that. Folks, please be careful out there. I don't want this to sound like a lecture. Mike was wearing a helmet, but no protective device will guarantee your survival in a crash. Accident avoidance is the only way to ensure your survival. RIP Mike, you will be dearly missed. You were loved and admired by many. You will always be with us in our hearts and minds. I'll meet you on the other side brother.   | ||
| Iamike |
I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. That is one of my fears of riding with either friends or my son is to see them crash. Losing a loved one takes a long time and you will never get over it. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
So sorry for your loss. I hate to hear such things. | ||
| Tbowdre |
broke my heart to red that, your emotion came right through. man I am so sorry for your loss. may your brother rest in peace todd | ||
| Mark_1 |
Sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. | ||
| Ratbuell |
My thoughts go out to you, and to your entire family. I'm sure he's glad you were there too. Godspeed. | ||
| Court |
I am very sorry to hear this. This type of news is gut wrenching and I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I sure, reading your words, that you and your brother shared a wonderful relationship and that love you shared that both of you find comfort. I pray for peace for both you and your brother. Court | ||
| Andymnelson |
Well said. Very sorry to hear, I can't imagine. | ||
| Ltbuell |
....Belated condolences to you and the family...i,too, know what it is like to lose a brother so i can understand from where you're coming from(it happened about 1 yr ago)...you've got many a memories of him..enjoy them all and celebrate his life and times... | ||
| Hacksaw |
Sorry for your loss. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
So incredibly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard that was. Please accept our prayers for you and your family. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Sounds like he was one hell of a guy. I know you'll hear it a million times, but I am truly sorry for your loss. | ||
| Spikey |
May he rest in peace. | ||
| Ljm |
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a personal crisis to lose a member of your family. Having lost my brother, it is never any easier, but you remember the best times as time goes by. Hang on to them. From the Buell family to yours, our deepest sympathies and prayers.Larry | ||
| Fuzzz |
My deepest sympathies. Knees bent, prayers sent. | ||
| Americanmadexb |
So sorry for your loss. I had to take a break reading this half way through because i felt your emotion. Gut wrenching. If there is anything we as people can do, it's help in the time of need. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Godspeed. Pegs down. | ||
| Denisea |
Steve, So very sorry to hear of your loss and trauma. Our prayers are with you. Rest in peace, Mike. Denise and Jerry | ||
| Budgolf |
That f**king sucks. Sorry dude. | ||
| Birdy |
So sad to read this I am so sorry for you. You never think it will happen to some one you know. Ride free Mike | ||
| Brumbear |
I am truly sorry | ||
| Pwnzor |
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I only hope that I'll be survived by someone who will honor me in the way you did your brother with this very stirring narrative. He was truly fortunate to have a great brother like you. Celebrate the life as you mourn the death, and move onward as he would have wanted you to. | ||
| Crusty |
Nothing is worse than losing a loved one. Godspeed, Mike. Steve, you're in my thoughts and prayers. | ||
| Boliver |
May God comfort you all in this rough time of sorrow. What a joyous reunion he is having with your family members who have already gone onto Heaven. Praise God for the wonderful life he had and the tremendous joy he brought to all those around him. I understand you not wanting to ride again but I really doubt your brother would have wanted that. I respect your decision regardless. Be strong. Prayers from Tulsa going up right now.... | ||
| Dynasport |
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine how hard it is to go what you are going through right now. I still miss loved ones who passed away years ago, although time does help with the pain and sorrow. Matthew 5:4 | ||
| Two_seasons |
We never know when our last breath will be. I'm sorry for your loss too. I pray our Lord Jesus comforts you and your family through this very difficult time. In the last few words of paragraph six, you say you'll put your gear up and not ride again. But paragraph seven begins with what Mike felt in his heart. Don't loose that passion Mike had for freedom. It's there in your heart too. Discuss this with your Father when the time is right and ride again. Peace brother. | ||
| Smoke |
sad to hear this. our deepest condolences and ride on Mike. tim and debbie | ||
| Kenm123t |
Sorry about your loss. nothing can take the place of your family. You and your dad need to take care of each other. Your family is in our prayers Ken | ||
| Kilroy |
In our prayers also - Kilroy | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
Steve, I am extremely sorry and saddened to hear about your loss. If we can do anything for your family please let us know. You and your family are in our prayers. Chris | ||
| Xdigitalx |
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your brother had a wonderful relationship. Seems like he would have wanted you to keep riding somehow. Way too soon to think about but think about getting a truck so you can transport your bike to trackdays. (keep your riding on the track from now on) |
