BE PREPARED, IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!

Reprinted from PA Chapter “A” Newsletter

Written by Clyde Yohn

By now most of my regular riding companions have heard that my ‘03 Goldwing and I recently had a difference of opinion on what part of it should be in contact with the road.  I lost!!

My wife, Geanne, and I were returning from a Memorial Day weekend camping trip.  Geanne leading on her ’05 Goldwing and I was following with our pop-up camper in tow.  We had ridden through the rain for the better part of 120 miles and were within 25 miles of our house when my little OOPS happened.  While navigating some road construction at about 45 mph I realized that my rear tire had lost traction with the road and went into a spin.  Anyone who has ever tried starting out on their cycle in wet grass or loose stones knows the peril of a spinning back tire.  Being that I was moving on the highway I had but one thought, “This is a bad thing”.  Well, I was correct on this point and after a few fishtails I found that I was no longer a passenger of my bike.  Best guess is that due to the uneven road (half old concrete and half temporary blacktop) my rear tire left the concrete surface and found the very oily & wet blacktop which caused my rear tire to lose traction.

I should note at this point that we take very good care of our equipment.  My rear tire was just installed in October of 2004 and had only 3000 miles on it.  The rest of the bike was in good condition and I was not hotdogging it (Been there, done that, older and wiser now).  I was doing it right and things still went wrong.

Now for the lesson.  About 20 years ago I had a minor accident on a cycle.  That day was a nice warm afternoon and my attire included running shorts, sneakers, a tank top, and (as always) a helmet.  I was traveling slower when I went down on that day, but it got me a ride in an ambulance, some minor surgery, and I spent about one and a half weeks off work recuperating.  This time I was about as prepared as you can get for a cycle accident.  It was a cooler and rainy day.  I had on my leather jacket, leather chaps, leather cycle boots, heavy leather gauntlet gloves and (as always) a helmet.  After a few minutes gathering my thoughts and taking an inventory of body parts, I got up, calmed myself, and went about checking out my cycle and camper.  Both had minimal damage (considering… and that depends on what you consider minimal… $4,500+ on the bike — but not what I envisioned!!).  I hit the starter on my Wing and it fired up.  Hooked up the camper and off we went for home.  I was at work the very next day where I had to explain the slightly skinned nose and chin (full faced helmet would have prevented that), but I was at work with very little ill affects.  Couple of bruises that nobody could notice (comment by Geanne here…. BIG, COLORFUL bruises!!) and nothing that a Motrin or two would not alleviate.

Now those who do not know me are thinking, but what would I have been wearing if it would have been one of those warm summer days.  You are correct—too hot for leather then!!  But Geanne and I both have mesh textile jackets with the built in padding that we wear all the time in the summer.  We never ride without gloves, lighter ones, but never without.  Jeans are my minimal lower body attire and I wear official cycle boots about 99% of the time (occasionally I will wear my hiking boots).  Bottom line is that I learned from my mistake 20 years ago and it paid off with no lost work and a lot less pain.  I can only hope that this little story will make someone think the next time they head for their cycle without the proper safety clothing and a helmet.

Ride smart, ride safe, and enjoy our sport!