Rider down

[snrusnak]

Thought I'd post just to get a little stress off my chest. My father in law died last sunday in a motorcycle crash. He was a very good rider and mostly safe, not a hooligan. He rode aggressive at times like most of us but still very sad. We don't know exactly what happened as there was no other vehicle involved and he was riding alone but it was a very bad wreck and they say they think he went over the bars and died on impact. His bike was in two pieces. He kept his sv1000 in tip top condition, and always wore full gear. He died 8 miles from his house, he was a great guy and will be missed dearly, and it's especially a very hard time for my wife, her sister, and their mother. Sort of makes me want to quit riding as I am now living through all the tragedy that can be involved with it.

We spent sunday through wednesday in Arkansas and are now back home in Mississippi with my mother in law and their two dogs and cat. Can't help seeing my FIL when I spend time with the stray dog he found last month.

Sorry for the sad post, just is tough dealing with all this and I figure other riders would want to know. I am glad I was able to do a ride with him just a couple weeks ago.

 

[Cooter]

Man, I am so sorry. A sudden loss like that hits hard. I hope you can be strong for the family around you and make every day a good one. You never know when.

 

[mrlogix]

My condolences, we will keep you and your family in our prayers.

 

[djs2k2]

Sorry to hear that, I know this can put things in a new perspective. Your in my families thoughts and prayers.

 

[njloco]

Very sorry to hear this, my condolences to you and the family.

 

[submax]

So sorry. Brings back memories of losing my dad. I'm glad you got to have that last ride with him...those memories are important. Thanks for sharing. My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[wickedchop]

Gutted for your loss man. I'd rather go out on my bike than waste away from an illness, but it sounds as though he went to soon. Very sorry for you and your family's loss. Take extra good care of your family and that dog now man. Godspeed to your father in law. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[user_deleted]

sean: from your description clearly speed was a factor. for a rider to "go over the handlebars", die on impact and have the bike split in 2 takes a massive amount of force. that force generated by speed and since he was the only vehicle involved.......well....either way i'm very sorry for your loss. perhaps an accident reconstructionist will get involved, determine the cause and be able to afford you a bit of closure if it's revealed how this happened. great people are a rare commodity these days and losing one of them makes this all the more painful for you.

 

[Silverrider]

Very sorry to hear this, my condolences to you and the family. :sorrow:

 

[Chicknstripn]

Brother, my heart goes out to you and your family.
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[optomist]

Always sad news to hear of a "rider down".

Always a good opportunity to focus on the myriad near misses and general mayhem out on the road. Luck? Skill? bike type? being saved for a higher purpose? Don't ask me.

One thing for sure, bad odds on the bike, but according to the article I am pasting almost as many pedestrians get mowed down as motor bikers on an annual basis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorcycle_deaths_in_U.S._by_year.

Yeah, hopefully all of you will read the article, and likewise, I am sure all will get on their bikes at first opportunity and head out.

I used to use the following guideline as accurate -- regarding fatalities on motos, 1/3 new riders, 1/3 stoned and drunk, 1/3 bad luck. Sometimes a combination of all 3.

I have no advice except: check your tire pressures, keep decent rubber on the bike, don't get in over your head, stay sober and focused, don't ride stupid and wear decent riding gear. I guess that might be considered entry level advice.

 

[njloco]

I don't know if this will be of any help but, I was in a bad accident last November 6th 2016. Person made a left turn right in front of me, a car length away or less into a WaWa, I never had a chance. In the investigation, it indicated that she never bothered to look if anything was coming the opposite way, I could have been a cement truck !

I only bring this up because while I was laid up, I bought my 2007 SS, it's in our DNA to ride, I would rather go on to the next place than give up my riding motorcycles, though it's really hard on those left behind, he was doing something he really loved ! I'm a little older than he was, so this is possibly more of what it would have been from his perspective.

Rest in peace brother.

 

[BuellyBagger]

Very sorry for you and your family's loss. As far as considering giving up riding, I've thought about it too. With two kids and being our main income, even getting badly injured would be a huge burden, but one could get hurt (or die) just as easy in a car or while boating or falling down the stairs. So, I choose to "live" while I'm alive. Something to consider. Again sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you guys.

 

[oh9bolt]

Damn Sean sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family!

 

[inditx]

Prayers for you and your family brother.

 

[Restlessrustler]

Sorry for you loss....hopefully hes motoring along in a better place!