Killed the deer and totaled the Nomad

[kotemech]

To all my helmet-less friends. After working a 12 hour midnight shift last night , I headed back home westbound Indiana Route 2 to my home in La Porte, Indiana. I always wear a helmet and when it's raining or cold I wear my kevlar riding pants along with boots and gloves. Thank God it was kinda cold. A half mile from the junction of Indiana Rt. 2 and US Rt.20 a large doe exploded in front of me. The Speed limit in this stretch of highway is 60 MPH. I had the cruise set at 58. Instantly reacting to the threat I successfully counter-steered and narrowly missed the FIRST doe and ran square as hell right into the center of doe #2 flipping me out of the saddle and over the handlebars careening and spinning like a rag doll on the asphalt. Son of a B*tch did it hurt! The protection I wore undoubtedly saved my life I was able to walk away from that mess with a broken wrist and crushed hand. After 13 hours in the hospital and a surgery to install a steel plate and screws into my hand I am home now contemplating the successful use of PPE and enjoying the total numbness of the miracle of morphine. Guys and Girls, WEAR A FREAKING HELMET!! I for once made the correct decision and wore my riding gear. I was lucky guys! I do NOT want to go to any of my friends funerals coz the wanted to look cool! Check our my $200.00 HJC helmet and tell me you think the risk is worth NOT wearing a helmet! Thank you lord it was not my time...
Boy do I miss the 2011 Nomad! - Kotemech

[HwyRider]

Sorry to hear about your accident. At least you made it through it with guaranteed arthritis of the hand. The bike can be replaced. People can't. Time to start the shopping for another bike.

[Yellow Jacket]

I'm glad to hear that you are "relatively" unscathed. I hate deer when I'm riding. No time of the day is safe here in Georgia.

[BudMan]

You're lucky to be alive. I hope you are able to heal up quickly.

[landman]

sorry to hear about your accident but thank the lord you are here to talk about it.

[redjay]

Good to hear you survived the accident. I am a helmet wearer all the time. A crash helmet saved my life in 1973, no doubt in my mind. For all those that like to ride without a helmet, think of your loved ones. They will forever regret the day you made that choice.

[billmac]

I hate deer and wish they would open season them rascals.

Glad you wore your stuff and will heal from the crash.

I am too ugly and old to look cool, or care what others think, so I always wear a helmet.

[Rasta]

Glad to hear you are still with us. I believe in helmets as well since I do truly believe it saved my life in 1985!

[paul]

Happy to hear you're OK. They always run in groups. Bummer.

[0vationdave]

Been there, done that. Glad your OK. Totaled my bike on a Michigan whitetail and was DAMN glad I had a helmet too. I will be a life-long helmet wearer, no matter how hot it gets. Seriously, I know how much the pavement hurts (I was doing about 60mph too), and glad you made it though OK. Good luck on your recovery!

[ringadingh]

You obviously made the right choice, heal quick and start looking for a new bike.

[cnc]

Good to hear you made it through the wreck. Sorry to hear about the bike though.
It was Ringhadingh's dismount and face plant that got my attention a few years back. Shortly after I bought a full coverage and always wear it, the half helmet sits in the garage.
Heal quickly!

[Silent Sam]

"Last Night"..and already missing the NOMAD...Now that's the sign of a --"Die Hard" Bikin Addict ! ...
As for the photo's of the damage...looks like if you didnt have that full helmet...you would be in line for a face-transplant...

Your angel was riding with you..I wish you a quick recovery, and a good deal on a new Nomad !....(and try to talk that angel into sticking with you)

[ringadingh]

I bought a nice new helmet last season Norm. and this Sunday will be the 3rd anniversary of that fateful day.

[smbke]

I started riding in the late 60's in Kalifornia before any helmet laws. My Dad bought me my first "legit" (not a mini bike) motorcycle with the understanding that I would always wear a helmet. Being 15 years old, I didn't always follow the rules. One rainy spring Saturday I was running late for work. My Dad owned a string of service stations and I worked for him sometimes after school and on weekends doing lube,oil and filters or brake jobs ... you know, light mechanics. It had rained hard an hour before I set out for work and the streets were very wet with a fine mist of rain still falling. I decided to wear my Bell helmet because I didn't want to get my hair wet and because it had a face shield. As I rode down the two lane highway toward work, I noticed one of the biggest cats I'd ever seen sitting in the middle of my lane ... just sitting there ... in the rain! I swerved momentarily into the opposite lane to avoid hitting it, only to have the cat dart in my direction! No time or grip to avoid the cat, I hit it dead on with my front wheel, came back down on the pavement and lost control of the front wheel. It slid out from under me at 50 mph.I saw the bike sliding away from me as my head hit the blacktop ... HARD! I saw stars and felt fire on my arms and back. I walked away from that mishap with a bit of road rash, a concussion and a love of safety gear. I never ride without a helmet! Period! The cat? I looked but never found it. I hit it straight on and it ran away! He evidently got the better of the exchange.