A Great Ride While it Lasted

[AncientMariner]

Last Sunday, while riding behind a slow moving line of cars heading into Ludlow, VT, I happened upon a road construction site just before Okemo Ski Area. I moved to the left to avoid riding through the construction stuff but had to stay as far right as possible to avoid oncoming traffic. Too close apparently to the edge which I managed to catch. Later inspection revealed that the edge had been cut perfectly smoothly with a saw, and was about 2" high. It was nearly invisible in the afternoon sun.

I went down so fast I couldn't believe it. When I heard the bike hit once, I thought for sure it was going to leave a mark. I then heard it hit several more times. When I got to my feet, my bike was no where to be seen. It had slid off the edge of the road and down the embankment into the small river that runs beside the Ludow Fire Department.

Fortunately, my Darien jacket and pants performed as advertised and only had small small abrasions to show for themselves. There was a scuff on my left glove, but no new marks on my helmet, other than some scratches on the shield. I apparently sustained no personal injury. The two paramedics that responded were astonished at how well I had endured my accident.

Sadly, my Beautiful Blue Roadster, not so much.



Bruce

[r12gecko]

Well, that sucks. Sorry to hear about it.

[tobes]

That is a sad sight. Glad you are okay though.

[ShinySideUp]

So glad to hear that YOU are undamaged, but as a friend just responded to an email about my recent get-off: "More importantly, how is your bike?"

That picture of the cylinder head makes me think engine guards are a really good idea, though, as I've already posted, the Hepco & Becker are no guarantee.

Do your repair people think your blue wonder is totaled?

Ice and ibuprofen are my friends, these days. Hope your soft tissue didn't get too scrambled. So happy you didn't hit anything. Edge traps are a beeatch!

- Bill

[RT-Mike]

Glad you have come out on top,looks like things could have been much worse for you...Just remember that most things,including that Beautiful Blue Roadster,can be replaced.

[websterize]

Wow, that second shot from the top just hurts to view — a good thing your underbelly doesn't look like that. ATGATT.

[goo]

[boxermoose]

Wow - hope you are OK...the bike can always be replaced

[AllanCook]

So sorry to read this, Bruce. Glad you're more-or-less OK.

[Paul]

Glad you're ok, as others said, the motorcycle can be fixed/replaced.

[Mark_1]

Bruce,

Good to hear your are unhurt, sad to see another crashed R12R.

I just went through a similar crash. My bike cosmetically didn't look as beat up as yours, but structural damage was extensive and the high repair estimates ($12k to $14) resulted in insurance totaling the bike. My guess is that yours will also be written off as a loss.

Good luck with the insurance company. Good news is that you walked away.

Mark_1

[sky_sailor]

Great ad for ATGATT! Happy to see the damage was limited to the bike. Time to go shopping.
Lyle

[Don C]

I'm having sympathy pains from looking at the damage, my condolences. So glad you're OK.

[bmwk100]

That is a sad sight. Glad you are OK.

[deilenberger]

Bruce,

As someone said - that sucks. Edge traps are really a risk.. in NJ when they start repaving roads, they often do one lane at a time, leaving a lovely edge trap between the lanes. At times, I've seen edge traps running parallel to an entrance ramp that you have to cross to get on the road. Those are a real challenge... I usually end up stopping on the shoulder a bit past the ramp entrance, and waiting until I can cross it at almost a right angle and then turn with the flow of traffic. Last year - there was one edge trap in a construction zone that killed 3 motorcyclists over the course of a 2 day weekend. Now when I contact the state about one of their contractor's pulling this kind of stuff it appears they listen. I guess the lawsuits against the state may be having some positive effect.

FWIW - contractors are liable when they do stuff like this. They have insurance for it - and if you're feeling at all sore, visiting your friendly local MD might be a good idea. Soft-tissue damage can be a long term problem (I have a shoulder due to an unintended dismount about a month ago that is still bothering me) and you may want to have some documentation in case you have to go after the contractor's insurance. Bob Higdon got a new bike and medical payments out of a contractor in WDC for the same sort of thing (of course it helps he's an attorney I guess..)

Heal fast, shop well - we know what you're getting to replace it..

[deilenberger]

Bruce,

It's not too late for a coast2coast if you take the southern route..

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21337

[gezerbike]

So sorry to hear and see this. I'm glad that you are able to tell this sad tale.

[Kieran R1200R]

Hay Bruce good to hear you are ok.
With the cylinder head expoised like that it is a write off!
Who knows what crap has got inside, hope your insurance is good.
Hope you brush it off as bad luck and get a new bike!

Cheers

Kieran

[dav]

Bloody hell mate those pics are shocking, christ you were lucky you did't follow the bike down there.

Glad you are walked away mate.

[me&mybmw]

As Dav says, "those pictures are shocking" they are. Seeing the cylinder head, I thought " so glad he didn't follow the bike." So glad to hear that you were not seriously hurt. I have not paid for a membership yet, from what I have just learned it will be worth every penny. Due to the recent recession here in Ontario they are fixing roads all over (to keep people working) and I now have another hazard to be aware of. Blue is such a nice colour.. hot baths and some cold packs will be your friends for awhile, take care.