Remember that every day, could be *that* day

[Mntnmike]

I was heading to meet my daughter for lunch on Saturday and ended up going down in the road right in front of the sandwich shop.

We live in the mountains and the center of the road has that fine gravely sand from winter. When I approached the left turn to the sandwich shop (downhill on an outside turn, no less) I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd and gently got the rear brake.

But the turn lane is just loose sand on asphalt and the rear tire lost traction (because of my stupidity to downshift and brake on sand at the same time). I counter-steered successfully, but only if the rear tire actually had caught traction.

If flipped me down like you flip a pancake on the griddle. As soon as I realized I was going down, I started pulling my wrists and arms in tight. The helmet and right shoulder took the impact.

Fortunately, it’s just a separated collarbone from the shoulder. It could’ve been worse. My daughter was sitting in her truck in the parking lot and watched it happen and was the first one to reach me.

It could’ve been a lot worse. This one was on me. But a gentle reminder that every day could be that day.

Drive safe everyone.

 

[valntyn82]

Thanks for sharing... Hope you have a fast recovery!

 

[BergyPatty37]

Sorry to hear @Mntnmike . Hope you feel better soon.
I was just thinking too I haven't heard any updates from you regarding the bike.

 

[Mntnmike]

Sorry to hear @Mntnmike . Hope you feel better soon.
I was just thinking too I haven't heard any updates from you regarding the bike.

I was driving back from last day of work with this whole week off with plans to put the bike up on the stand and do everything I needed to do. It’s going to be awhile now.

 

[Chinjab]

Sorry to hear about your crash, man. That's rough. Now the challenge is to stay positive, stay optimistic, hopeful and trust it will all work out... that (for me) is often more difficult than the busted joints and bones. Yet, it always does seem to work out... just takes time.

 

[Texan]

Yikes! Glad you didn’t have any worse injuries. Hope you have a quick & complete recovery.

 

[Mntnmike]

Sorry to hear about your crash, man. That's rough. Now the challenge is to stay positive, stay optimistic, hopeful and trust it will all work out... that (for me) is often more difficult than the busted joints and bones. Yet, it always does seem to work out... just takes time.

Very good points and thank you. I’m in the “I’m bored and can’t do anything” phase of recovery, so very annoyed and mad at myself still.

 

[Solrac77]

Don't be too mad, that's why they call them accidents. Did you learn anything? We are all succeptable . Get well and ride brother !

 

[Kuro Neko]

Sorry to hear... and I dread similar events myself... hope you heal OK!

 

[DeadguyAle]

@Mntnmike Sorry to hear about your unfortunate event.
Wondering if you might share with us what protective gear you were wearing when you went down?
Just last week coming off the local ferry onto the main road I had a deer try to fit between me and the car in front of me, maybe a 20 yard gap at about 20 mph. Caught it in the hind quarter but managed to stay upright. Was on my 450 KTM which was good, as I doubt that it would have worked out the same on the much smaller trail.
Anyway got me thinking about protective gear.

 

[OldGeezerStillOnTwoWheels]

I was heading to meet my daughter for lunch on Saturday and ended up going down in the road right in front of the sandwich shop.

We live in the mountains and the center of the road has that fine gravely sand from winter. When I approached the left turn to the sandwich shop (downhill on an outside turn, no less) I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd and gently got the rear brake.

But the turn lane is just loose sand on asphalt and the rear tire lost traction (because of my stupidity to downshift and brake on sand at the same time). I counter-steered successfully, but only if the rear tire actually had caught traction.

If flipped me down like you flip a pancake on the griddle. As soon as I realized I was going down, I started pulling my wrists and arms in tight. The helmet and right shoulder took the impact.

Fortunately, it’s just a separated collarbone from the shoulder. It could’ve been worse. My daughter was sitting in her truck in the parking lot and watched it happen and was the first one to reach me.

It could’ve been a lot worse. This one was on me. But a gentle reminder that every day could be that day.

Drive safe everyone.

I am sorry for this episode. Very glad you are ok. Reminders are good I guess. Many folks are clueless and hopefully this post will get somehow through them. Myself, I hate these kind of posts. I was self-employed for over 30 years with a one-man woodworking shop. Most folks would always feel the need to share a story of someone losing fingers. "My uncle lost 3 fingers in High School in the woodworking class" etc...After a lifetime of working with tools, I still have both eyes and my 10 fingers. There are activities that bring me fear. "Skydiving, deep diving, and many more". I ride a motorbike since I was 14. My dad was a pilot. It is what it is. I need to ride to bring some calmness into my life. I understand riding a motorbike might be more dangerous than watching TV. I don't need to be reminded of the risks. I ride always aware of the issues. I have learned to adapt my riding versus the terrain. I don't want to be afraid to ride. I don't like folks who try to make you fearful. I know this post was not about fear but a warning. Still, be mindful of scaring folks.

 

[BaldRider]

Ouch. Been there. Sucks.