Yet another reminder...

[cactusjack]

A few months ago, I mentioned a horrific accident involving the member of a group I ride with. The group was heading back to Phoenix after having brunch in Payson, a town about 90 miles NE of Phoenix. One of the riders hit a piece of wood that had apparently fallen off a truck and went into the guardrail at 55-60 MPH. He ended up losing a leg and nearly had to have an arm amputated. There was a group of American Legion Riders that just happened to be be passing by and they helped stabilize the victim and directed traffic around the crash scene. Their quick action probably saved the riders life.

Yesterday, the injured rider and his wife held a BBQ at their house to thank the members of both clubs for their help and support immediately after the crash, and long after. The group went for a ride to the top of South Mountain, a mountain park directly S of downtown Phoenix. As you might guess, the road to the top is narrow and very winding, with sheer drop-offs in places. One of the American Legion Riders somehow rode off the edge of the road, falling 20 feet to his death. His passenger had only minor injuries. Both were in their 70's.

Just another reminder of the inherent dangers of riding.