| Author | Message | ||
     Rubdoggy |
Today in Santa Barbara me and three other bikes had just started a ride up ol' HWY 154. There was a Honda Valkyrie one car ahead of us. The Valkyrie forgot to put up his kick stand and he went down causing the truck behind him to slam on his brakes, swerve out then back in. My friend AND his wife were right behind(too close if you ask me). They clipped the trucks front end and went down. The girl was thrown into the cliff on the right and was out for the count. They took her helmet off(not sure if that was smart)and her eyes were rolled up and cockeyed. She came back enough to give a couple one word answers but was really out there. Last word she is in ICU being watched over but in the clear. Me and one other rider almost went down too but we had the cushion of a few cars. People, not to sound like a broken record but, LEAVE YOURSELF AN OUT. I am far from the best rider, closer to worst. I know that and respect it. To top it all off, my friends wife refused to ride on the back of his bike for a very long time and this was her first time taking a chance with him. He is selling his bike. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Oh God that sucks. Horrifying actually. I hope she's ok. I second everything you said. The more distance between you and the vehicle ahead, the more time you have to react and the more space you have to react in. Take good care of your friend. He'll probably be beating himself up over this for a long time.  | ||
| Cataract2 |
Always a good thing to have reminders on safety posted. Thanks for the reminder. I try to follow the MSF teachings on group riding. Staggarded formation with about 1 second between you and the rider infront of you. (Message edited by cataract2 on July 17, 2005) | ||
| Rubdoggy |
thanks guys, it was a freaky day for sure. it's great knowing i can come home to post a story like this and expect real riders with pro attitudes to chime in. | ||
| Haulerdriver |
That's why I love the kickstand killswitch on my Lightning!!  I know I'll be complaining about it if it ever gives me fits, but it is a cool safety feature. Ditto from me on the cushion! Distance is your best friend, trust me. A few years ago in rush hour traffic I got complacent and was worrying about the traffic coming up behind me, trying not to get runover moving into a turn lane , and rearended a pickup that slowed down in front of me. I walked away no worse for the wear but my bike was totalled. Thank the Lord for all the gear I was wearing. Hope your friends are all OK. | ||
| Ingemar |
Man, I'm sorry to hear about your friends. I hope they heal up quick. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
To compound the safety thing that caused the wreck, I have a Valky, but it has the safety switch in case you leave the kickstand down. I hate the bugger, but as you related, things like that can save your tail. I wonder if someone removed the switch on your friend's Valky. As one who has bitten the asphalt myself, I always feel for our bros or sisters when one goes down, but I love my bikes and all the good vibes I get from them. I hope everyone heals, no matter whether they ride again or not. God speed to your friends... | ||
| Rubdoggy |
thanks again guys, i'm waiting on the latest status of injuries... |
