Rider down...

[Dellinger]

I went on a much anticipated organized ride yesterday. One of the most seasoned riders went down attempting a poorly thought out dbl lined pass on a verry tight, blind corner. On CA highway 108.

My buddy and I were linked up on the headsets talking about the piece-a-**** car I front of us going 20MPH right when the twisties started up. I made my move when it was safe and my pal ensued chase...

The other 3 riders behind us got stuck behind the slow poke. One of them got impatient and went for a bold (idiotic) dbl lined pass on a blind corner. This is where it gets nuts. When he crossed back over the yellow lines his rear tire broke free. He stood up to regain control but ran out of road. There was a 12 foot lone impression in the sand on the side of the road before the launch.

He and the bike went over 100 linear feet field goaling between trees before the bike started tumbling. He landed in a shrub just past a huge bolder. Bike totaled, he only got a 6" scratch h on his neck and a stiff Bach after a few hours.

I actually saw him in my rear view mirror disappear as he went off. Didn't realize exactly what happened. When they didn't catch up we knew something was wrong so we turned around and started looking . 2 parked bikes and a helmet on the side of a corner with no guardrail is a bit freaky.

 

[Dellinger]

This is the guy in red walking around after we pushed the bike out of the ravine enough to pull out compleatly with a truck.

 

[Dellinger]

The group rides I go on don't have any requirements or rules. The guy who organizes them is about 60 and can out ride the majority of seasoned track gurus wile 2up on a GS. It started with some guys from the same church and branched out a bit to some of their co workers and such. Wide range of skill set and experience. The routs are on some of the best roads in the country, sweapers for days on the way then real technical stuff.

Group rides are safer, this guy would be lost if he went down on his own and had been hurt any worse. Following riders with way more skill than yourself allows you to learn. I could never push myself like I do on some of these rides. My lines get better and setting up corners is smoother. These guys are mostly older. The roads are mapped out and are way in the sticks with no pull outs, cross streets. Mountain roads that go from 1000 feet above sea level where I live in the foothills to 6500+through the passes. So beautiful.

These roads should only be taken on a bike if in pairs or greater if you're to fully enjoy them safely

 

[BambamXB12r]

Glad everyone is okay in the end. The bike can always be repaired or replaced but a life is invaluable. Another great example of ATGATT. I also have to agree with Dellinger, group rides are great. There is nothing like having a buddy to help you out in your time of need but on the same note you definitely need to be aware of who your riding with.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Glad to hear this accident ended on a some what good note. No major injuries, no other motorists involved, just a jacked up bike. That was one lucky guy!
Chicago, on a group ride you have to humble yourself. Don't try to be Ricky racer and always know your limits. Sometimes its hard keeping your ego in check but that's the best and only way to avoid a Darwin Award.
Participate in your group ride and you'll learn a lot about yourself and those riders that you're riding with.
If you're the new guy in the group, be prepared to be at the back of the pack. The guys that ride together all the time usually know the roads/route like the back of their hand. They'll always seem faster and smoother.
Just remember why you're on that bike in the first place.
Be smart. Be safe. And enjoy yourself.

 

[Dellinger]

Ego check. When a 55 year old man with his wife on the back of his GS pulls away from the rockets like they are standing still in the twistiest of twisties... Normally the guy who crashed is verry responsible. He was like a dog when someone throws a ball and it bolts. He saw me and my bud pass the car then he went from last place by the other 2guys and went for a bad pass. Crazy. He was lucky to only have paid with pride and a bike.

 

[vicenzajay]

Chicago - quite a bit of that is good; however, here are a few notes:

- Stagger is great, but it *never prohibits you from choosing a safer line on your own. This is a common mistake with newer group riders - trying to maintain the stagger at all costs. Again, *nothing trumps you choosing your best line - especially on any type of turn/curve.

- 2 second gap can often be closed to 1 sec gap depending on where/when the group is riding. A 2 second gap transiting a busy city will result in the group ride being completely broken up.

- The "don't lag" thing is nice, but again - like chicken said - check your ego at home before you join the ride. If you need to go slower through the twisties, go slower....nuff said.

- "Faster rider in the rear" usually doesn't only reference "fastest bike". It really references the most or second-most seasoned/experienced rider in the group.

Just some thoughts....

 

[vicenzajay]

......ten letters

 

[Dellinger]

It's all close to the reality on the road. When in the twisties the hole stager crap goes out the window. The only passing is done on straights and safely. We ain't racing were riding. Someone 2 up got I front of me and my buddy because his RC 51s exhaust smelled bad then me because the smell of American exhaust was worse... Ha... Fast riders up front, like I said before, old guy 2-up on a GS, his friend 2-up on a Multistrada Pikes Peak edition and then some race bikes. no scooters. I've always been at home in the middle not to far behind. They wait at pre determined spots till everyone shows up or search ensues... Great bunch of guys.

On another funny note, I always CCW, even on these rides. I've been asked why by my buddy in the past. This is cougar and bear country I'll tell him. Both like free meals. If you ever go down in the woods in NorCal and have to spend the night waiting for help I suggest a can of Mace at minimum...