It Finally Happened

[Sin City Stan]

Rode the old Rt 66 stretch between Kingman, AZ and Oatman, AZ today. We were just getting into the switchbacks. Most of the switchbacks had 15 MPH signs and that was about all I felt comfotable doing riding 2 up. Did I say that the oncoming cagers were having a problem staying in their lane?

As we're making our way up the mountain I notice a couple bikes (Harleys) close on us pretty quick. Not wanting to hold them up I pulled off on the next available gravel shoulder (about 5 minutes).

As I pulled over to let them by I stopped on the gravel and put my left foot down. If my leg was about 6" longer there would not have been a problem. But it wasn't. The left side was the low side and I layed it gently down on the crash bars. It was in slow motion. You know, Your half way there fighting to hold and know you can't and you just ease it down. The engine cut out and it was quiet except for me telling my wife. Get off, Get off. I couldn't bear to see the bike on its side. She got off. I got off. We picked it right up. By this time the first Harly rider was back. Parked his bike. Made sure we were OK and ran across the road to get a rock to put under the kickstand. The first rock broke in half. The second one held up until I was back on and moved to level ground.

We regrouped and were rolling again in no time. (Kudos to the Harly riders) I had this happen before riding by myself and was able to catch the bike and muscle it up before it was on the crash bars, but riding two just moved the CG too high.

Now I have a little scratch on the engine and saddle bag crash bars. She's not new anymore.

Still a great day for a ride. We were gone 8 hours and covered three States (NV, AZ & CA), driving 290 miles. This is what I bought her for.