Wilsons Sandbox

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 7:57 pm**

I almost had my right leg taken off (woman) today on my way to work. Then, 20 minutes later, I had a (woman)force me out of my lane. The first incident would have killed me had it not been for my alertness and defensive driving skills. Still, too close for comfort. Traveling on St. Rt. 22 in OH., as I approached Rt. 664 I saw the white car had stopped at her stop sign to my right. Then, as I was within 20 yards of her, she pulls out to make a left, right in front of me. My 2 thoughts were "are you F'ing blind" & "I am F'ed". How can you not see a 6'1" rider on a bike with a seat height of 35", with strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on the swingarm, trunk, and sides of helmet and a riding jacket with reflective details? How do people just see right through bikes? Anyway, my instinct was to swerve left as opposed to breaking hard, didn't have enough space to go the breaking route. I guess I should have swerved harder because she actually brushed up against my pantleg. At the 55-60 mph that I was traveling, any impact at all would have destroyed my right leg, thrown me to my left (probably leaving my leg between car and bike) and who knows what would have happened to me upon landing on my left side. I won't go into detail on the second incident. Basically, had a woman take my lane from me and yes, when we reached the traffic light, I told her how much I liked the color of her car and asked her if she was enjoying her coffee... Anyway, I am finished with the road, going to get me and my 13 year old son a couple of woods bikes. If anyone is interested in an 01, 10,000 miles, fresh valve job, new tires and a removable trunk, let me know via e-mail. I am the second owner, purchased with 3,000 miles. The 7,000 I have accumulated are all road miles. Garage kept, never even been ridden in the rain. Looks like new, happy to send pics. Located in Lancaster, OH (close to Columbus). Chris

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 8:55 pm**

Chris, I am terribly sorry for the incidents that occurred to you today, but am also glad that your defensive driving skills were able to allow you to escape unscathed. I am also sorry to hear that you are giving up the road, and I am not going to try to convince you to do otherwise. YOU, are the only one who can make those decisions. And I respect that. However, with 36 years of on/off (mostly on) road riding, I can tell you that you will have days (even weeks) like the one you just experienced. Sometimes it seems like everyone else out there is trying to kill you. These events do make you stop and think about just how vulnerable you are - and, you are. But, the good times on the road also make me stop and think how many pleasurable times I've had as well. These moments far out number the bad ones. At 60, I'm, personally, willing to take a chance on the odds. If I were to die tomorrow due to some inattentiveness of some jerk in a cage, I am satisfied to know that I went out enjoying what I love to do best. Fortunately, my family also knows, and accepts, this. I was racing/riding when I met my wife 26 years ago, and she knows, full well, that to deny me the ride would be the same as putting a gun to my head. Selfish? Perhaps, but my family, and I, know that if I/we can't enjoy life to the fullest doing what we like best, then we really aren't enjoying life. There are risks, no matter what you do. Enjoy your son. The time you spend with him now will come back to you 100-fold in rewards you can't begin to imagine... especially in this day and age. Guy At 12:57 AM 9/23/04 -0000, wefixit4u wrote:

> >I almost had my right leg taken off (woman) today on my way to >work. Then, 20 minutes later, I had a (woman)force me out of my >lane. The first incident would have killed me had it not been for >my alertness and defensive driving skills. Still, too close for >comfort. Traveling on St. Rt. 22 in OH., as I approached Rt. 664 I >saw the white car had stopped at her stop sign to my right. Then, >as I was within 20 yards of her, she pulls out to make a left, right >in front of me. My 2 thoughts were "are you F'ing blind" & "I am >F'ed". How can you not see a 6'1" rider on a bike with a seat >height of 35", with strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on the >swingarm, trunk, and sides of helmet and a riding jacket with >reflective details? How do people just see right through bikes? > >Anyway, my instinct was to swerve left as opposed to breaking hard, >didn't have enough space to go the breaking route. I guess I should >have swerved harder because she actually brushed up against my >pantleg. At the 55-60 mph that I was traveling, any impact at all >would have destroyed my right leg, thrown me to my left (probably >leaving my leg between car and bike) and who knows what would have >happened to me upon landing on my left side. I won't go into detail >on the second incident. Basically, had a woman take my lane from me >and yes, when we reached the traffic light, I told her how much I >liked the color of her car and asked her if she was enjoying her >coffee... > > >Anyway, I am finished with the road, going to get me and my 13 year >old son a couple of woods bikes. If anyone is interested in an 01, >10,000 miles, fresh valve job, new tires and a removable trunk, let >me know via e-mail. I am the second owner, purchased with 3,000 >miles. The 7,000 I have accumulated are all road miles. Garage >kept, never even been ridden in the rain. Looks like new, happy to >send pics. Located in Lancaster, OH (close to Columbus). > >Chris >

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 10:28 pm**

In a message dated 2004-09-22 5:58:28 PM Pacific Daylight Time, wefixit4u@... writes:

> > I almost had my right leg taken off (woman) today on my way to > work. Then, 20 minutes later, I had a (woman)force me out of my > lane. The first incident would have killed me had it not been for > my alertness and defensive driving skills. Still, too close for > comfort. Traveling on St. Rt. 22 in OH., as I approached Rt. 664 I > saw the white car had stopped at her stop sign to my right. Then, > as I was within 20 yards of her, she pulls out to make a left, right > in front of me. My 2 thoughts were "are you F'ing blind" &"I am > F'ed". How can you not see a 6'1" rider on a bike with a seat > height of 35", with strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on the > swingarm, trunk, and sides of helmet and a riding jacket with > reflective details? How do people just see right through bikes? > > Anyway, my instinct was to swerve left as opposed to breaking hard, > didn't have enough space to go the breaking route. I guess I should > have swerved harder because she actually brushed up against my > pantleg. At the 55-60 mph that I was traveling, any impact at all > would have destroyed my right leg, thrown me to my left (probably > leaving my leg between car and bike) and who knows what would have > happened to me upon landing on my left side. I won't go into detail > on the second incident. Basically, had a woman take my lane from me > and yes, when we reached the traffic light, I told her how much I > liked the color of her car and asked her if she was enjoying her > coffee... > > > Anyway, I am finished with the road, going to get me and my 13 year > old son a couple of woods bikes. If anyone is interested in an 01, > 10,000 miles, fresh valve job, new tires and a removable trunk, let > me know via e-mail. I am the second owner, purchased with 3,000 > miles. The 7,000 I have accumulated are all road miles. Garage > kept, never even been ridden in the rain. Looks like new, happy to > send pics. Located in Lancaster, OH (close to Columbus). > > Chris > > >

As someone who has been t-boned by a Ford Exploder (driven by a male yakking on a cell phone while driving his daughters to school - women ain't the only ones with blond moments) and had his bike totaled, right ACL and left rotator cuff fubar'd, sleep on this one a couple of days and then put her up for sale. Somedays you eat the bear and somedays the bear eats you, that's life. Most of us have had a bad day or three like yours, but once we have worked of our mad the bike is still there and you take a ride and shortly all is forgotten. It was less than a month after I got back on a bike when I was faced with watching a Porsche come to a spinning stop but six short feet from me in the middle of the intersection of highways 88 and 395. parked the bike at a nearby bar, got drunk and took a cab home. A month later I had the most wonderful ride, a saddle sore 1000 on the KLR through thunder storms of every flavor, washouts and all sorts of fun stuff. At the time I'd already made plans to sell the KLR after finishing that ride, the accident and several recent close calls had convinced me I just couldn't deal with the street any more. But I had such a great day that the next day I called up Happy Trails and ordered my panniers. Pat G'ville, Nv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 1:25 am**

> I almost had my right leg taken off (woman) today on my way to > work. Then, 20 minutes later, I had a (woman)force me out of my > lane........

..........That's it? Commuting in NYC on The Mule, these are daily occurences. The day you place trust in another driver anytime, anywhere, is the day you are asking for trouble. If you assume everyone is an asshole until proven otherwise, you'll be right most of the time.......and expecting the worst, you'll be prepared to handle it. Goes for life in general......... Steve The Mule A17

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 1:41 am**

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "wefixit4u" wrote:

> > I almost had my right leg taken off (woman) today on my way to > work. Then, 20 minutes later, I had a (woman)force me out of my > lane. The first incident would have killed me had it not been for > my alertness and defensive driving skills. Still, too close for > comfort. Traveling on St. Rt. 22 in OH., as I approached Rt. 664 I > saw the white car had stopped at her stop sign to my right. Then, > as I was within 20 yards of her, she pulls out to make a left,

right

> in front of me. My 2 thoughts were "are you F'ing blind" & "I am > F'ed". How can you not see a 6'1" rider on a bike with a seat > height of 35", with strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on the > swingarm, trunk, and sides of helmet and a riding jacket with > reflective details? How do people just see right through bikes? > > Anyway, my instinct was to swerve left as opposed to breaking hard, > didn't have enough space to go the breaking route. I guess I

should

> have swerved harder because she actually brushed up against my > pantleg. At the 55-60 mph that I was traveling, any impact at all > would have destroyed my right leg, thrown me to my left (probably > leaving my leg between car and bike) and who knows what would have > happened to me upon landing on my left side. I won't go into detail > on the second incident. Basically, had a woman take my lane from

me

> and yes, when we reached the traffic light, I told her how much I > liked the color of her car and asked her if she was enjoying her > coffee... > > > Anyway, I am finished with the road, going to get me and my 13 year > old son a couple of woods bikes. If anyone is interested in an 01, > 10,000 miles, fresh valve job, new tires and a removable trunk, let > me know via e-mail. I am the second owner, purchased with 3,000 > miles. The 7,000 I have accumulated are all road miles. Garage > kept, never even been ridden in the rain. Looks like new, happy to > send pics. Located in Lancaster, OH (close to Columbus). > > Chris

Uh, dude? Sounds like you did just fine to me. Do you know how many of those close calls I have had riding around like my ass is on fire? I can't remember them all there is so many. But I reflected on it, saw what I did right and filed THAT in my memory bank, then thought how I could have done it even better. Then I just twisted the throttle and smiled. I would give your decision some more thought. From what your saying that you did, and the fact that you SAW the other person and predicted the possible outcomes, AND manuvered around them, you sound like a better rider than most riders on the road. MrMoose A8 (Barbie and Ken special)

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 3:20 am**

Tough when shit like that happens. I would encourage you to take your time deciding whether to keep the bike or sell it. And despite the enthusiasm from all the listers, and even myself, we also know that you gotta ride your own ride. Sometimes that means walking away from it for a while. Not at easy choice I'm sure. I was out of biking for a period of about 5 years, 'cause it seemed too suicidal. I sometimes ride too agressively and have close calls, and people in LA traffic can be a--holes (and some are very courteous). But I've worked out a certain comfort level with the risks, and when I need to decompress, I try to find the isolated piece of fire-road and just focus on the ride. Other days I can't make the time for the commute to the forest or that lonely two-lane, and so I just stay off the bike, not in the mood (actually in a very foul mood and need to stay off the bike rather than act out the impulses, like the other a-- holes). Whatever you decide, Chris, it's your choice, just dont rush it. But if your heart aint in it, better hang up the helmet for awhile. MarkB

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "wefixit4u" wrote: > > I almost had my right leg taken off (woman) today on my way to > work. Then, 20 minutes later, I had a (woman)force me out of my > lane. The first incident would have killed me had it not been for > my alertness and defensive driving skills. Still, too close for > comfort. Traveling on St. Rt. 22 in OH., as I approached Rt. 664 I > saw the white car had stopped at her stop sign to my right. Then, > as I was within 20 yards of her, she pulls out to make a left, right > in front of me. My 2 thoughts were "are you F'ing blind" & "I am > F'ed". How can you not see a 6'1" rider on a bike with a seat > height of 35", with strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on the > swingarm, trunk, and sides of helmet and a riding jacket with > reflective details? How do people just see right through bikes? > > Anyway, my instinct was to swerve left as opposed to breaking hard, > didn't have enough space to go the breaking route. I guess I should > have swerved harder because she actually brushed up against my > pantleg. At the 55-60 mph that I was traveling, any impact at all > would have destroyed my right leg, thrown me to my left (probably > leaving my leg between car and bike) and who knows what would have > happened to me upon landing on my left side. I won't go into detail > on the second incident. Basically, had a woman take my lane from me > and yes, when we reached the traffic light, I told her how much I > liked the color of her car and asked her if she was enjoying her > coffee... > > > Anyway, I am finished with the road, going to get me and my 13 year > old son a couple of woods bikes. If anyone is interested in an 01, > 10,000 miles, fresh valve job, new tires and a removable trunk, let > me know via e-mail. I am the second owner, purchased with 3,000 > miles. The 7,000 I have accumulated are all road miles. Garage > kept, never even been ridden in the rain. Looks like new, happy to > send pics. Located in Lancaster, OH (close to Columbus). > > Chris

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:43 am**

On Thu, Sep 23, 2004 at 12:57:33AM -0000, wefixit4u wrote:

> > Anyway, my instinct was to swerve left as opposed to breaking hard, > didn't have enough space to go the breaking route. I guess I should > have swerved harder because she actually brushed up against my > pantleg. At the 55-60 mph that I was traveling, any impact at all > would have destroyed my right leg, thrown me to my left (probably > leaving my leg between car and bike) and who knows what would have > happened to me upon landing on my left side.

That's scary. For what it's worth, my friend Roland was sideswiped like this by someone who crossed over a striped divider between a traffic lane and an exit lane (into the exit lane, which he was in) and hit him square on the leg with the quarter-panel of her car. The end result was a broken footpeg and broken ankle; about a month and half later, he's progressed from hobbling to walking normally and is talking about riding again. The damage to the bike was a lot worse than the damage to him; I guess the human body is a lot tougher than we think sometimes! Most of the damage to the bike was on the side it got knocked over onto, of course; on the side that got hit, it was mostly just the parts that either got torn off/bent up by the car itself (e.g. footpeg) or torn off/bent up by Roland's root. Once the car deflected his foot/leg enough it was just in contact with the footpeg and we assume that's what saved him from worse leg injury.

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:44 am**

On Thu, Sep 23, 2004 at 09:42:59AM -0400, Thor Lancelot Simon wrote:

> > by the car itself (e.g. footpeg) or torn off/bent up by Roland's root. Once

His _foot_. _foot_. Don't go drawing any weird inferences there...

Thor

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:26 am**

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "wefixit4u" wrote:

>

Traveling on St. Rt. 22 in OH., as I approached Rt. 664 I

> saw the white car had stopped at her stop sign to my right. Then, > as I was within 20 yards of her, she pulls out to make a left,

right

> in front of me. My 2 thoughts were "are you F'ing blind" & "I am > F'ed". How can you not see a 6'1" rider on a bike with a seat > height of 35", with strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on the > swingarm, trunk, and sides of helmet and a riding jacket with > reflective details? How do people just see right through bikes?

I had a very similar incident this week in Sacramento. Only difference is I was driving a 1 ton utility truck! My first instinct was to run him down, honk and flip him off at least. But being in a numbered power company truck, I had to let it go (again). Some drivers are clueless a**holes, blind, or just having a bad day. Unless I make eye contact (and even that's not a guarantee) I consider myself invisible no matter what I'm driving. As a lane splitting, gridlock beating, get honked at and flipped off type of rider, I've had a lot of close calls and I've learned from every one of them and have more fun all the time. Sleep on it before you sell your bike. Paul A16

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 12:32 pm**

Since we are on the subject ... here's an e-mail I just received from a friend (Joel) who rides a CBR929. Apparently while he was visiting his friend in the hospital they put 2&2 together and talked about this guy (me) who rides the KLR along the same route. And yes, I did see the aftermath on my commute home but didn't recognize bike. Anyway, the moral of the story is practice, practice, practice and wear your saftey gear all the time! Matt Here's the E-mail: Matt, I just found out that you see my good friend Steve just about every day. He rides a gray Kawasaki ZX-12R, or at least he used to. On Monday the 13th around 4:00 pm, he was heading West on South Shingle just past the horse arena, before Shultz Winery when a car turned left into his path. The accident occurred at Center Oak Rd. Steve saw the car, knew it was turning left, so he covered his brakes and determined that the car was going to wait for him. Well right at the last moment the car turned. Steve braked hard enough to lift the rear tire in the air, and impacted the right front corner of the car. Steve and the bike flew over the car and landed some distance beyond the car after caving in the windshield. Steve suffered a broken scapula (shoulder blade) and 7 broken ribs along with a sprained ankle and a chipped bone in his hand. The bike's totalled, and the car had to be towed off. Steve got a helicopter ride to Sutter Memorial hospital where he spent a few days before being transfered to Kaiser Roseville. He was discharged last Sunday, and is currently recovering at home. He always rides with his high beam on and wears full leathers. He's a trained rider, and continually works on his skills as a motorcyclist. I'm sure these factors reduced his injuries and even prevented additional injuries. Anyway you won't be seeing him on the road for a while, and when you do he'll be riding something different. Thanks, Joel

Wilsons Sandbox

fresh smoked mammalian carcases nklr

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio

i'm done, almost hit by cars twice today, '01 for sale in ohio