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.

[Idaho]

My word!! You read something like this and really don't know what to say. This is trully tragic. I would imagine that the first victim who was celebrating his recovery has got feel really awful now and may feel some responsibility. He will need some more TLC for a while. My prayers are with that group.

[dantama]

That's horrible Cactus, sorry to hear about the 'insult added to injury' type of a situation.

[cactusjack]

In both cases, the riders were very seasoned, experienced riders. The accident yesterday makes you wonder if the rider may have had some medical issue, like a stroke or heart attack that caused him to go over the edge.

[rksaw]

That sucks. We do need reminders like this. There are a lot of log trucks traveling Hwy. 101, and many who ride here ride too close to the cage in front of them. It is not uncommon to see an auto travel over a large piece of bark, but a bike wouldn't be able to fair as well with the same obstacle.

[cactusjack]

Rksaw, you weren't a member here when I posted about the first crash. There was a group of riders on AZ-87 (the Beeline Hwy) between Payson and Mesa, AZ-87 is a good 4-lane road. It was a Sunday, around 12:30PM and this group was in staggered formation doing about 60 MPH. A piece of wood (don't know what it could have been, a 2x4, a log, a post, etc) fell off a truck as it passed the group. The rider that hit the wood was in the middle of the pack, so others had passed through that exact same spot seconds earlier and reported nothing on the road. Just a case of wrong place at the wrong time. The rider went into the guardrail and was seriously injured. What really sucks is it was his first ride with that group.

[flightdoc]

When I see trucks carrying loads that could come off at me I do the "what if" in my mind. "What if" is a way, for me, to stay alert and stay in the present. "What if" that board falls off that truck in front of me, what will I do?? Am I following so close that I couldn't slow and avoid it or swerve around it....'WHAT IF" is a great game to play when riding for any scenerio.

[ringadingh]

It seems like its a curse, Its a tragic end to a getogether.

[rksaw]

Man, CJ...that does suck. Sometimes we just gotta say that we are not in charge of what happens. I guess that's why we need to enjoy each day we are given and not take our time for granted.

[Cajunrider]

What a tragedy. Sorry to hear this bad news but it is good for us to post them. Sad reminders to us that we need to remain on guard at all times. Complacency is one of a rider's worst enemies. Take care....

[moenko]

Sends shivers through my body hearing such stories! Really sorry to hear about the accidents, Scott. Riding is inherently dangerous and your story goes to show that no matter how long you've been in the saddle, the risk factor doesn't deminish. Prayers to all involved!

[johnb]

Sorry to hear about this tragedy. My prayers go out to all involved. There are so many things out there that can go wrong that we have no control over so it is so important for each of us to keep our vulnerability in mind and maintain vigilance when we ride. You cannot be too careful and it starts with ATGATT, skills and riding smart. Whenever I hear about an accident, especially a fatality, I try to see where the rider failed. Most often, it involves either speed or alcohol and bad judgement. But, in these two incidents it seems fate took over. I accept the potential risks and pray that my risk management skills by applying ATGATT, skills and riding smart will improve my odds and bring me home safe with each ride.

[dougster]

Originally Posted by flightdoc

When I see trucks carrying loads that could come off at me I do the "what if" in my mind. "What if" is a way, for me, to stay alert and stay in the present. "What if" that board falls off that truck in front of me, what will I do?? Am I following so close that I couldn't slow and avoid it or swerve around it....'WHAT IF" is a great game to play when riding for any scenerio.

Excellent advice, flightdoc. Thanks.