Be Cautious and Safe
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 599
From: Eagle, ID.
Be Cautious and Safe
Today I was out with a friend riding the back roads of Northern Virginia making our way to Skyline Drive, which has a nice set of twisting turns up and down the mountain for about 2 miles.
Well we were making our fifth run up the mountain when another rider on a Gixxer, whom we passed on some earlier runs, decided to join us. My friend was in the lead, I was second and the other rider third. As we were coming into the second turn, a 20 mph turn, I was in the left lane setting up for the turn when out of the corner of my eye I catch the other rider passing me in the right lane carrying way too much speed and to my horror, low-side the bike sending him and the bike into the guard rail killing him instantly. All of this transpired less than 5 seconds and before my unbelieving eyes.
I immediately stopped, flagged down the first couple of cars I saw and had them contact 911 while I went to check on the rider. I began CPR, but his injuries were too severe and he succumbed to those injuries.
My point here is know the area you are riding in and do not ride above your ability, no matter what everyone else is doing. If you are not familiar with the area that you are riding, ride it a bit slower instead of throwing caution to the wind.
It is one thing to ride up on an accident after it has happened, but it is something totally different to actually watch it unfold in front of you and then have a terrible outcome to boot.
This rider was wearing all the protective gear that you should be wearing on the street or track, but none it can protect you from a high-speed impact with a guard rail.
Please ride safely, wear your protective gear and always maintain situational awareness.
Well we were making our fifth run up the mountain when another rider on a Gixxer, whom we passed on some earlier runs, decided to join us. My friend was in the lead, I was second and the other rider third. As we were coming into the second turn, a 20 mph turn, I was in the left lane setting up for the turn when out of the corner of my eye I catch the other rider passing me in the right lane carrying way too much speed and to my horror, low-side the bike sending him and the bike into the guard rail killing him instantly. All of this transpired less than 5 seconds and before my unbelieving eyes.
I immediately stopped, flagged down the first couple of cars I saw and had them contact 911 while I went to check on the rider. I began CPR, but his injuries were too severe and he succumbed to those injuries.
My point here is know the area you are riding in and do not ride above your ability, no matter what everyone else is doing. If you are not familiar with the area that you are riding, ride it a bit slower instead of throwing caution to the wind.
It is one thing to ride up on an accident after it has happened, but it is something totally different to actually watch it unfold in front of you and then have a terrible outcome to boot.
This rider was wearing all the protective gear that you should be wearing on the street or track, but none it can protect you from a high-speed impact with a guard rail.
Please ride safely, wear your protective gear and always maintain situational awareness.
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
damn sad news, I have to admit your story is one of the nightmares that runs through my mind at times. I can't imagine the trauma and how I would even begin to deal with see a fellow rider crash then die. My prayers for the family of the lost. Keep it safe everyone.
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,517
From: Boynton Beach, FL
That really sucks, I'm sorry you had to witness that, and I'm sorry for the lost and their family. It only takes a split second of over-enthusiasm or stupidity to cripple or kill even the best person. These aren't toys and demand respect, skill, and a clear headed mature operator at all times. And thank you for not being one of those people who stands around with their thumb up their *** and just watches and for at least knowing cpr and doing your best to help. Be safe guys and gals!
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8
From: Wollongong Australia
Sorry to hear you had to see that. I always remind myself when riding with others to be honest with myself whether these other riders are better riders or know the road better, and to not try to keep up when it's going beyond me.
Taking a corner 20 clicks slower than I could have is fine, taking it 20 clicks faster than I could have and it's all over.
Taking a corner 20 clicks slower than I could have is fine, taking it 20 clicks faster than I could have and it's all over.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
Sorry you had to witness that. When an unknown rider comes up behind me, I usually wave them past. Too many squids out there. It sounds like this happened pretty fast though.
And when riding a new road, I always take a reconnaissance run...checking corner entries and exits, condition of pavement, gravel, side road/driveway entries, etc.
Ride to live/live to ride...it makes sense.
And when riding a new road, I always take a reconnaissance run...checking corner entries and exits, condition of pavement, gravel, side road/driveway entries, etc.
Ride to live/live to ride...it makes sense.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,689
From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
That's a terrible, traumatic experience. Condolences to friends and family of the fallen rider.
Don't hesitate to find someone to talk to about it. I was on a century (100 mile) bicycle ride one time. On a long descent after a really big climb, a group of riders came by me like they were riding "the Tour". I was thinking "I'll see you as I go by on the next uphill." About a mile later, I came upon one of the rider who's head was exploded like a grape, laying on the pavement. He was trying to pass a tractor, with a car coming the other direction, he had no room and fell into the tractor and was run over. I guess it was pretty important to him to stay with his group.
It was like an other-world experience. I had to ride back up the hill to find my wife, because the ride was stopped.
It took a couple of days for the trauma to sink in. I was surprised how affected I was by it. I had friends and family to talk to about it - never went to an actual counselor. It was really helpful to talk to people about it. It was another story, getting fired up to ride my bike again.
EMT's and paramedics have group counseling sessions after traumatic events like that.
Don't hesitate to find someone to talk to about it. I was on a century (100 mile) bicycle ride one time. On a long descent after a really big climb, a group of riders came by me like they were riding "the Tour". I was thinking "I'll see you as I go by on the next uphill." About a mile later, I came upon one of the rider who's head was exploded like a grape, laying on the pavement. He was trying to pass a tractor, with a car coming the other direction, he had no room and fell into the tractor and was run over. I guess it was pretty important to him to stay with his group.
It was like an other-world experience. I had to ride back up the hill to find my wife, because the ride was stopped.
It took a couple of days for the trauma to sink in. I was surprised how affected I was by it. I had friends and family to talk to about it - never went to an actual counselor. It was really helpful to talk to people about it. It was another story, getting fired up to ride my bike again.
EMT's and paramedics have group counseling sessions after traumatic events like that.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 380
From: Warrenton Virginia
I'm really sorry to hear that. That's one of the reasons I don't ride with groups much, there's always someone faster or crazier than you out there and it's human nature to keep up. On the same not I try not to re-ride the same road over and over because I know I will just push it more and more. It's good to hear that we can count on fellow hawk riders to do the right thing when they see something like this, I bet that was a long ride home though.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 599
From: Eagle, ID.
As a medic, I see all sorts of things, but it is a different story when it unfolds before you in real time. I will be at work tomorrow, so I will have a chance to speak to someone about yesterdays event.
The one thing I was sure to do before I left the scene was to have the Trooper tell the family that we/I did everything I could to save their sons life. Maybe it will provide some comfort to the family that their son did not die alone.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
also a good reminder about riders who 'attach' onto the back of another rider or group. Unknowns. Hadn't really given that prospect much thought. But luckily he wasnt trying an inside pass or something that risk you as well. Traumatic I am sure to witness
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,090
From: Big Lick
Sorry to hear this. One of the difficult things while riding on a track is that when you see an accident that you should not stop to help them. I don't know about everyone, but I always seem to have that tendancy to want to stop and help when I see something like that. If nothing else, at least you can be at peace that you did whatever you could to help. I gotta believe that the family will find at least a little comfort in knowing that you were there.
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