My First M/C Accident

Post by **towerworker** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 6:35 pm

Ok guys----I have always been told that motorcyclists fall into two groups: Those that have crashed and those that are going to.

Yesterday about 1 PM I made it into the second group.

Coming back home from a two day business trip I was about 50 miles from home running on US RT 11 just north of Buchanon Va. Enjoying a beautiful day, weather was great and bike running flawlessly. Rt 11 does a couple of dog-legs back and forth across I-81. Crossed one bridge over the interstate and came to the stop sign. Did the same thing I have done so many times........slowed down to a "rolling stop"............quickly looked both ways and pulled out to my left to go north, crossing the south bound lane in the process. I didn't see the black mustang convertible heading south till it was too late. She locked it up, tried to swerve and miss me but hit me square in the left system case. Flipped the bike around, and I went flying. Landed on my back and head in the middle of the highway.
Too stunned to move for a few moments, rolled over, looked up and there was a small pickup truck sliding toward me. I was too rattled to be able to get up and run, tried to crawl off the highway. Thank God he stopped sliding about 14' from me. I also thank God for full protective gear and I was wearing it all. No broken bones but alot of sore ones. I walked away (although limping) with one injury and that was where apparently my left leg jammed up against the left jug prior to being tossed off. I have a big bruise and goose-egg. But it's not broken.

I'm told by my very good friends (whom I will mention in a moment) and my service manager that due to the way it was hit it's a strong possibility that my r may be totaled. But that's ok---they make them every day!

I had such big plans for this weekend too-----Was heading out today to meet up with some wonderful guys to ride and fellowship. Beemeridian, MikeCam, DSKYZD, MCooperstein just to name a few. I had been looking forward to this "CamFest" all week! Long story short----these are such great guys----they all rode to Staunton this afternoon to check on me and bring me some chicken soup. Seriously! Anyway they were surprised to see me up and around as well as I was--I was feeling pretty darn good considering I couldn't put any weight on my left leg last nite after leaving the ER. Was walking pretty well today but sadly I think I overdid it and I'm now feeling the aftereffects of bouncing on the pavement But I will heal fine.

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. I can assure you there will be no more "rolling stops". I was anxious to get home yesterday---- came very close to not coming home at all. I will take the extra moment (and that's all it takes) to stop and look again.

Here are some photos I took just after the accident (after I got my head to stop rattling around). The mustang had to be towed away as well.

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215 ... G_0151.jpg

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215 ... G_0152.jpg

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215 ... G_0153.jpg

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215 ... G_0154.jpg

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215 ... G_0155.jpg

Please be careful guys-----don't make the same mistake I did.

And my heartfelt thanks again to some of the best friends a guy could have!

Wayne
crashed 03r

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 6:53 pm

What a bugger!!...Glad you're ok...Glad you had your gear on...and glad you're a fast crawler...

..just kidding about the last one..

I hope you get back on the road soon....Thanks for letting us know...and I hope you're feeling better soon.

DJ

domekrome · Post by **domekrome** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 8:39 pm

Ditto, glad to hear that you're still with us.

geothepencil · Post by **geothepencil** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:11 pm

Sorry to hear of the crash and am happy you are OK. Take it easy for awhile !

geo

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:14 pm

too close a call

glad you're ok

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 11:06 pm

Bummer! Sorry to hear about your wreck.
Hope you are back to 100% real soon.
If they can't fix your bike, it's a good reason to get a 1200!

Post by **CycleRob** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:27 am

My words and thinking echo Sunbeemer's exactly. The severity of it can only be appreciated when you see the pic of the Mustang that hit you.
http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n215 ... G_0155.jpg

Wow. A couple tenths of a second either way could have had very different outcomes. Your friends here at R1150R.ORG that read this post are also not feeling well. Ouch.

Post by **towerworker** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:48 am

I appreciate the comments guys. I'm sitting here at the computer at nearly 3 in the morning because my leg is aching too much to let me sleep.
Always thought that if I had an accident it would be because someone didn't see me----not the other way around.

Yeah--it could have been alot worse.

Wayne

Post by **taosports** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:56 am

Glad you're OK Wayne. Thanks for posting. It reminds us all of how quickly life can change.

Post by **Buckster** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 2:11 am

I am glad to hear that you will be doing OK.
I will say that I have been following your after accident advise and stopping all the way at stop signs and lights.
I had a close call once and now I don't even look at any traffic that would be crossing the intersection while I am braking.
I get both feet planted and THEN look both ways.
I am sorry to hear about your accident and hope you will be OK.
Your bike looked better than I thought it would.

Post by **Marty2** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 6:19 am

Sorry to hear about your accident.
Glad to hear your OK.

Post by **ProductUser** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 7:31 am

Wayne

Holy crap! I'm glad you're okay for the most part. I'm also glad your gear did its job.

I also have a silver R, so it's sad to see it smashed.

ProductUser

chris · Post by **chris** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 8:16 am

Sorry to hear it, glad you escaped so lightly and thanks for the reminder that none of us are infallible or invincible! Hope you heal quickly.

allanj255 · Post by **allanj255** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 8:43 am

Bikes can be replaced, you can't. Thank god you came away with just the odd lump and bump. Looking at the state of the car the bike did you proud and took most of the impact.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Post by **MartinW** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 9:50 am

The important bit is that you survived to tell the tale. Well done.

A pretty scary experience and although I sometimes feel invincible on my bike, this makes me realise just how vulnerable I really am.

On the bright side, it looks like the system case absorbed a fair bit of the impact and the can took a hit as well. Maybe you can be back on the road sooner than you think.

Take care and recover from those bruises soon.

Post by **towerworker** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 11:24 am

Thanks guys--

The system case was full of stuff---extra jacket and clothing so I'm hoping that it acted sort of like a shock absorber and took the impact that otherwise would have gone into the running gear. The can was rubbing the wheel and had to pull it back slightly to move the bike. I was able to ride it up the back of the rollback and it sounded ok for just that little bit but of course I realize that's no real indication. My concern is did the running gear get knocked sideways and is out of line. If so then it may be totaled. Don't know whether the frame is bent too. Won't have any answers till monday or tuesday.

I really don't want a new bike----I love this one and hope the damage is minimal. We'll see.

Wayne

Post by **TicTac50** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 11:59 am

Towerworker.
First of all, thank God you are OK.
Second: Congratulations and welcome to the Ã¢â‚¬Å“other groupÃ¢â‚¬Â of Motorcyclist. I am one of them too. From the pictures that you presented, I would say that the side case, just maybe, saved your life. IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve never met you, but did read lots of your posts and replies. I am guessing that the biggest damage in this accident was done to your pride. You said; Ã¢â‚¬Å“I have always been told that motorcyclists fall into two groups: Those that have crashed and those that are going toÃ¢â‚¬Â. But I am saying; Ã¢â‚¬Å“It always happens to the BESTÃ¢â‚¬Â!!!8)

I bet you a beer, and I am sure, you will buy it for me at the next International Rally, you are already calculating in your mind the price of a Brand New Bike. GT looks pretty good.

I wish you speedy recovery and a Brand New Bike.
Oh, and donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t worry about the pride, we still respect you.

Good Luck.

Post by **Hawk** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:41 pm

Sorry to hear of your accident but glad you are mostly o.k. Could have been lots worse! Get well soon!

gunga din · Post by **gunga din** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 5:15 pm

In India there are thousands of gods, i'll have to do some research and send a thanks to the MC one on your behalf.

Take it easy, and though its little consolation...it could have been worse.

gunga

Post by **towerworker** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 5:17 pm

TicTac50-

If I do make to a rally and am fortunate enough to meet you ---- I promise you-----the beer's on me!!

Thanks for the comments-----you're another reason I hang around this board----lots of great guys here.

Wayne