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Rose And I Do some landscaping (or, How we wrecked at BC Rally)

  • Thread starter Thread starter TheCafeKid
  • Start date Start date
Reading the story, it sounds like it took a lot longer than it really did. I was just coming up to the the left turn when I saw what looked like my own worst nightmare: gravel-induced instant low-side. I couldn't quite see his wheels on the ground, so I didn't know they were already on the grass.

It's a pretty nasty feeling seeing two friends tumbling over each other after a wreck. Watching that, it's impossible not to consider the possibility of broken wrists, ankles, dislocated etc., all that.

By the time I stopped and remembered how to turn my bike off, they were already stirring. After I walked the 10 yards or so to where they and the bike were, I could see a pretty steady stream of gas leaking past the cap, and Josh getting ready to lift it. I got there just in time to pitch in with the lift and help hold it steady. By this time, I think Rose was already collecting the loose gear into a pile.

It was about 10 minutes before Josh's cussing returned to normal levels and intensity. Rose pretty much stayed Rose through the whole thing.

All in all, if you had to pick a spot to drop a bike, this one was ideal. The sod was soft enough to give way when limbs and bikes hit it.

The frustrating thing was that the curve really was absolutely clean. If not for whatever temporary trick of lighting, we would have sailed through with no problems at all. Given that a rider has to trust his eyes, I don't know what Josh could have done differently, other than stop and duck-walk through every corner. Transition to grass has to be perfect even in ideal conditions. The same thing that made this lawn ideal sod to crash on also made it near impossible to stay upright on.

I don't see any room for blame except an uncontrollable, temporary illusion. They can't put a loose gravel sign on every corner. This was one of the cleanest on the whole road. The folks living there can't do more than what they did, which was to kindly offer help. They can't re-shape the landscape to make every turn a no-brainer. This is a case of bad luck that no rider or driver can be prepared for.

I'm just glad that everyone and everything came out relatively intact. It could have been much worse.

I tried to get a picture of the landscaping they did, but the camera phone couldn't deal with sunlight and shadows. Just imagine a stator-cover shaped trench in the sod, and you'll pretty much have it.
 
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Yeah I was going o link a google earth shot of where we went down. I forgot but I suppose i could put it in. The thing tht ticked me
off most after the fact is that aside from the gravel in the side street the corner was clean. But when I saw tht google earth pic I see what I saw. The pavement is pock marked. The way the sunlight hits it through the trees makes it look just like gravel right throgh the heart of the apex
 
I was surprised that Josh was as calm as he was when they arrived in Bedford. I guess the remaining ride offered some time to reflect and realize that things weren't quite as bad as they seemed.

And...you're welcome for the help Josh. You would've done the same for me....or anyone else, for that matter.:)
 
Here's a link to the map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...8.845599,-85.715327&spn=0.001011,0.001725&t=h

And here's a screen shot as well:

cornerOfDoom.jpg
 
First off, please know that I'm glad you all are in one piece and like everyone else said, the bike will fix itself over time. At least you are here to tell about it.

So with that in mind for a newbie here, what advice would you give me then for the time I encounter something like that? I live in an area where it is nothing but dirt roads until I get to the main highway (about a mile and a half) and then alot of dirt roads that lead up to the main highway until I get fully into town. How do I anticipate what to do and how should I handle it?
 
Man that sucks! The important thing is that both of you seem to be pretty much OK.
 
go slow and cautious is good advise. And remember that just because you "LEARN WHERE ALL THE POTHOLES ARE" the county will apply new gravel and dirt as needed so NEVER take anything for granted. My dad was a county worker and there are as mant gravel/dirt roads as pavement around me. I avoid the gravel as much as is humanly possible. A few extra miles is worth the detour for me.
 
I honestly cannot thank everyone enough for all the help, concern, and everything else offered throughout the weekend.

I feel like a bit of a heel for staying in the room for as long as I did on Friday and some of Saturday evening. After the adrenaline finally wore off, I felt like crap and I think I was in shock or something for a while.

However, after pizza on Saturday night, you guys had me laughing so hard I was in tears and I finally felt normal again.

Again, thanks for everything. :)
 
I feel like a bit of a heel for staying in the room for as long as I did on Friday and some of Saturday evening. After the adrenaline finally wore off, I felt like crap and I think I was in shock or something for a while.

Well don't....You had reason enough to take a little "time off"....
 
Glad you two are ok. Bikes can be fixed/replaced. People can't.
 
wow

wow

dayum homeboy, glad you two are okay first and foremost!!

Let the hunt for repairing essie Begin!! You, Rose and Essie will prevail!!
 
Sorry to hear about your mishap. Glad you're both relatively OK.
Remember the post with the pic I sent you a short while after buying your "Essie" off me a few years back? The one comparing it to Christine(remember that old Stephen King movie?)! Kidding aside, don't let her (it? the bike...) become that, you hear me?:(
 
you guys had me laughing so hard I was in tears
strange how much something like that helps, isn't it? :)

glad to hear you guys are OK.

there are ten billion what ifs.. only one what is. sweating the what ifs doesn't help the past much. :p
 
Yikes guys. Glad you're okay-ish, and hope the soreness isn't too bad tonight!
 
Sorry to hear about your mishap. Glad you're both relatively OK.
Remember the post with the pic I sent you a short while after buying your "Essie" off me a few years back? The one comparing it to Christine(remember that old Stephen King movie?)! Kidding aside, don't let her (it? the bike...) become that, you hear me?:(
I wont Steve.. I love that bike, but its just a bike. It can be repaired.. My main concern at the time, after and still is that Rose was and IS ok. Both physically and mentally. That she would climb back on the bike with me had me a bit amazed, and humbled. She must really trust and love this guy :o
 
I wont Steve.. I love that bike, but its just a bike. It can be repaired.. My main concern at the time, after and still is that Rose was and IS ok. Both physically and mentally. That she would climb back on the bike with me had me a bit amazed, and humbled. She must really trust and love this guy :o

Maybe I'm just a crazy person. :p
 
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