Any info on Angeles Crest accident 10/1?

[Pizza Man]

I'm just trying to find out any info on a rider who unfortunately died Saturday, Oct.1, on the Angles Crest North of Newcomb's. This is not the Bay area rider that was discussed here already. It was a strange riding day as the Crest had more debris on it than I have seen in a long time. We came upon a rider down south of Big T's turnoff who was being heli'd out. I have since heard that he survived. The rider down North of Newcomb's I found out did not survive. The stories that I have heard regarding his family and daughter's birthday Sunday just made me want to try and learn more about it. Very sad. Any details would be appreciated. Ride safe, one and all.

[socalrob]

I had not heard of this. Very sad if it proves to be the case. That area north of Newcomb's always has more debris on it as it is less traveled. I've never seen a LEO on that stretch either and I assume the average speeds may be higher & for myself I seldem ride it. I almost went up that day but family obligations said otherwise. I ride the crest less this time of year because it is the peak time (IMO) for the squids & cruisers, both of which scare the daylights out of me.

South of Newcombs has had more debris all year, & for along time had a few water spots from springs from the rains.

If true I believe this would be the 3rd MC death this year on the crest.

[PizzaMan]

Well, that day in particular it was one of two deaths. Then there was the rider the got medi-vac'd out. And one rider in our group, fairly new, low sided his bike. In all the years I have ridden the Crest, bikes with motors or pedals, I have never seen as many rocks in the road. Big T. going up was spectacular as usual. The rider who died had a little girl that is a student where my wife teaches. It is sad evry way you look at it, but there have been so many stories floating around that I am trying to get the real skinny.
Crest is a great road...with lots of people who shouldn't ride it. Never on Sundays...
Well, again, ride safe.

[socalrob]

Pizzaman, I missed the thread on the bay area rider. My local newpaper, which normally lists serious MC accidents on the crest mentioned nothing. I get another paper (weekly) tomorrow. Can you point me to the thread on the bay area rider, I try to learn the danger spots if possible.

2 fatalities in one day. Thats terrible. I really thought 90 plus percent of riders up there have been riding within there abilities. I guess I'll wait until old weather to ride up.

[PizzaMan]

SoCal, the link for the thread on Pashnit is here:
http://www.pashnitforum.com/forum/showt ... ge=3&pp=15
The thread started with a guy who posted photos, no less, which was then argued about in excess. Personally, I think the photo posting part is tasteless and of no use in the context of informing people about the loss of a fellow rider, friend or not. They were removed, thankfully.
Just this morning I read about the fund that is being set up for John Henschel from La Crescenta who was the rider I was first inquiring about. The small article in the L.A. Daily News states that he was swerving to miss a car and collided with an oncoming truck. He leaves behind his wife, four year old son and eleven year old daughter. He was a major fund raiser for breast cancer research, a soccer coach and apparently a well liked local citizen. He was an analyst for the city, but it was indicated that he did not have much insurance??? hence the fund.
So...sorry to clog up the forum obsessing on this one individual, but it just hit me as the details started coming in from his daughter's school about her birthday on Sunday, the day after...etc. Sad.
SoCal...I am thinking about what you said regarding 90% of the riders within their ability up on the Crest...and I just cannot agree. On a Saturday, or especially Sunday, the amount of guys hauling ass on sportbikes is stupid. It varies from the guys who wear stone washed denim and act like they can drag a knee on their brand new Ducatis and Gixxers with NO riding ability, to the guys that are dressed in full lethers that DO have ability and treat the real world like a track. You lose in either instance. I just see a high concentration of it up there. I like to wring out the Beemer and have fun...but there is a time and place. Weekdays are great as there are WAY less people.
As always...ride safe.

[socalrob]

Pizzaman,

Thanks for the link. I read it all, its very sad & has caused me some considerable introspection. The bay area rider Eli sounded like an accomplished rider. I have made my share of mistakes, and have ended up in places I shouldn't be, but lucky for me a car/truck wasn't there at the same time. I havn't made a mistake like that in a long time, & for me a "good" ride is one in which I am always in control, & resist temtation to make bad passes. I have to admit that I am guilty of glossing over the dangers of riding the crest. This really is a wake up call for me. It so happens that during the late summer & early fall months I don't get up there as much, and I do think this is the time it is most dangerous. The riders during the winter & spring seem to be more regulars, older, & more in control. I've always said my biggest fear is a bike over the line, not a car. I havn't seen a bike or a car over the DY in a long time.

This may sound stupid, but on & around my kids birthdays & major holidays I don't ride places like the crest because I don't want them to have life long memories of bad things on those days.

I expect law enforcement on the crest will be overwhelming for some time to come. I look at that as a good thing as it should get things in control again. I don't know when I'll go back, but it most likely won't be for awhile.

Ride safe.

Rob