It's not if, but when...that's what they say

[navydavy]

I've been riding (at times off and on) for 34 years on 10 different bikes. I'd guesstimate I have close to 200K miles in that time. I've obviously had my share of close calls, and in fact I've been hit (slight bumps) three times quite a few years ago, but I have never been involved in an actual accident or gone down. Until Sunday afternoon...

 

My 17 year-old son and I were headed to one of our local mountain areas to do some camping. I was towing our Cycle-Kamp trailer, and Matthew was riding what is now his Suzuki Boulevard C50T. It's only about a 150 mile ride, with the last 60 or so on Hwy 38, a scenic twisty mountain road. It was a nice sunny day, just very hot at the lower altitudes. It's not uncommon for a late afternoon thunder storm in the area, and we had seen the clouds indicating we may run into it, but I was hoping to miss it. But the rains did get us, and it was pouring down pretty good. Kind of a bummer to deal with, but certainly nothing new.

 

Then it began to hail. The size of marbles, and it was coming down hard. And we were less than 10 miles from our campground. I was more concerned about my son, so I was looking for a suitable spot to pull off. I saw a potential area and started to slow down. I was going about 40 mph, on a slight decline and into a sweeping left curve. As I tapped the brakes, I felt what I think was the trailer probably coming around to the right behind me. Not necessarily jack knifing, but it was pushing the back of the bike to the left. I knew immediately I was in trouble, but for a second I thought I could correct it and ride it out. But I didn't. I went down to the right, and I came off the bike then, sliding about 40 or 50 feet. The bike apparently flipped over to the other side and slid a little more as well. I remember thinking to keep my head up and my hands up (I was wearing fingerless gloves), and I remember seeing me and the bike going towards a Chevy Tahoe coming the other way, and praying that he would stop.

 

As I came to a stop I appeared to be unhurt and was able to get to my feet right away. Thankfully my son had been able to somehow stop safely, but he was a mess. I could hear him screaming as I was sliding along. Then I guess he didn't see me for a couple seconds, and he panicked even more. He came running to me balling, and just held on. He couldn't stop crying. The Tahoe not only had stopped, but he pulled across the road to block traffic. And several cars behind Matthew stopped. I had heard a woman in a car that was in the pull off saying "Oh my God, he's getting up!" The man driving the Tahoe came over to help me pick up the bike and push it to the side. At first glance the damage looked significant, and it was difficult to push. The floorboards were pushed up so I couldn't get it out of gear. Part of the coupler had actually broken, so we just had to remove the safety chains to separate the trailer.

 

Once everything was off the road, I looked where it had all just happened. I was amazed at the conditions I was looking at. The hail was still coming down and the road appeared to be almost snow covered. Of course it stopped about that time, but it continued to pour down rain for another 20 or so minutes. And there was nowhere to take cover. I wanted to take some photos of the bike and road conditions, but I didn't want to ruin my phone.

 

So here we were, on a mountain road 150 miles from home, in pouring rain, and with one bike unridable and a busted trailer. There are some awesome people in this world still. The couple in the Tahoe were those people for us that day. Steve and Kathy live in the mountain town of Bear City, and they were just out for a Sunday afternoon drive in the rain. They too were both soaked after helping me get the bike and trailer off the road. Steve told me he had a trailer and would be willing to go get it and trailer us into town, or even back down the mountain to the freeway. I humbly and thankfully accepted his offer. I had already contacted my brother that was going to head up to get us, but that was going to take a while. Steve and Kathy returned with their trailer in about 30 minutes, and we were able to load the RSV and the trailer onto it. By now they offered for us to come to their home to wait for my brother. Did I say these people are awesome?

 

Once at their home, I made some phone calls. I cancelled my camping reservations, and notified family and friends about what had happened, but assuring everyone we were okay. I had to talk one of my daughters into staying put till we got home, she wanted to come up to make sure I was okay. We changed into dry clothes and Kathy even threw our wet ones in the dryer. And I inspected the bike more thoroughly. I must admit, I was now starting to feel some bruising, and the emotions were coming on. It was a bit of a scary ordeal.

 

I have rambled on enough for now. I'm not sure, but I think the bike is totaled. I'll add to this later and include some details on the damage and some photos. I'm pretty bummed at the ruined camping trip and the potential loss of my bike, but I obviously have a lot to be thankful for. I am so thankful that it was me and not my son that went down. It was so hot when we left home, and I normally would have been without the jacket and wearing just a t-shirt. For some reason I wore my TourMaster mesh jacket, and it did do its job. I also tend to wear either my 3/4 or even half helmet in that kind of heat, but I had my full face modular helmet on. Not a scratch on the helmet, but you never know. Although the hail probably was the biggest cause of me going down, it also provided a slick "sheet" for me to slide along on. The Tahoe was able to stop on time. Kathy said from looking at me coming at them, she really thought I would be seriously hurt or even killed. Steve said he didn't know what to think as he saw me and the bike and trailer coming at him. Said it looked bad. I thank God I was not seriously hurt. And of course the kindness and hospitality that was given to us by Steve and Kathy. And thank you to all on here for letting me tell my story, and for all the kind words I know I will get.

[BuddyRich]

Anytime you can walk away from one it turned out good. Like you, I have been riding all my life pretty much. Had my share of mishaps and what have you's. Stuff can be replaced. The important things appear to be OK in this one.

[myminpins]

Wow, NASTY weather!! Thank goodness you are BOTH okay. Yeah, it sucks that the bike is totalled but MUCH better than one of you being totalled, right? Sounds like you had an amazing couple stop to help you both.

 

So glad you are both okay. So strange that you had your gear on when you normally don't, isn't it? Very cool.

[XV1100SE]

Glad you and your son are okay.

[CaptainJoe]

It's all good. I'm glad you and your son are ok.

 

The bike can be replaced.

 

Your title says it all..."It's not if, but when..." no truer words have been spoken.

 

That's why it's so important to "Hope for the best but Plan for the worst"...

[eagleeye]

There are good stories and there are great stories, and that is a great story, Thanks for being able to tell it. I know what you mean about being glad it was you and not your son. And I'm glad you are OK. I know that you are bummed about the bike, but you also know there are is another one out there waiting for you.

It's good, once in a while to run into a situation where you have renewed faith in humanity. I also had it happen to me last weekend. I had stopped on a back road to put my ear buds in, and had a motorcycle, truck and two cars stop to see if I needed help.

 

Steve

[cecdoo]

Glad to hear you are ok,

 

 

Craig

[bongobobny]

Glad it's you telling us about your misfortune and not someone else! Glad you are OK and hope you can find another bike soon.

[Marcarl]

Some little inner voice told you to gear up? Glad you listened and even gladder that you managed to come through it in good shape. Time to count your blessing.

[Yammer Dan]

Glad you are OK. Bet you are sore today!! That jacket probally saved some nasty rash. (ask Tom) I've been looking at them. Sorry about your bike but they can be replaced.

[Trader]

We could have very easily had a new thread...." Prayer request for NavyDavy"

 

Glad we don't!!!

 

Your son must have been scared out of his mind watching you slide towards the truck!

[Aussie Annie]

Gotta agree with Marcarl......glad you listened to that inner voice, and wore all the gear. Hope you don't hurt too much.

[Venturous Randy]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and to the detail that you did. I say this because we all need to realize how important it is to consider each of the factors that impact our riding.

I know there are many factors that can quickly change a wonderful day of riding into a catastrophe, whether it is mechanical failure, our in-attendance, others in-attendance or stupidity, to something in the road. When encountering wet weather, especially hail, along with pulling a trailer, it can be a recipe for disaster as you were trying to avoid.

I know that when I pull the camper with my 83, there is never a time I can truly relax and enjoy the trip. I always know it is back there and I always know that the dynamics have changed a great deal as to when it is not there. In fact, the last camping trip was cut short because there was an increased chance of rain. I not only did not want to have to pack up everything wet, but the thought of pulling and stopping the camper on wet pavement, especially hot, wet pavement was more than I wanted to do.

I carry on my bike one of the vinyl table cloths that on one side has the cotton like webbing. It works great when having a picnic and also works great to turn the vinyl side down and take a nap in the grass. It also works good to help keep me dry. I also carry two small collapsible umbrellas that help when you just can not find a good place to get out of bad weather.

You were very lucky that this situation was not worse and that you encountered some good people to help you.

RandyA

Edited August 30, 2011 by Venturous Randy

[tcoop]

Glad to hear that you and your son are OK. also Glad to hear that the right people were there to help. The bike can be replaced you or your son can't be. Hope the soreness does not get to bad.

[MikeWa]

Well written and a reminder to us all. Glad you and your son came through ok. I shudder to think of what could have been.

Mike

[darthandy]

Very happy to hear that you and your son are OK. Situations like that can be real hair whiteners. Also nice to know there are still good people out there who are willing to help.

 

Andy

[Mariner Fan]

Glad your Ok after that wreck. I can see that happening to any of us!

[Guest]

Sorry to hear of your accident but also glad to see your ok, other then some bumps and bruises. I also hope this doesnt shake the riding confidence in your son (and you). Also glad you had some great people around you willing to help you.

[friesman]

Glad to hear that youre ok, and for telling your story, it helps us all avoid similar situations.

 

Brian

[pakidaho]

Read your story and all I can say is thank God...There are truly happy endings in difficult situations...thank you!

[wes0778]

Glad to hear there were only bumps and bruises!!! As for the Tourmaster, yes when stopped they can be hot, BUT I still never leave home without it!!!

[Michael_Bishop]

Glad your ok.

[navydavy]

First of all, thank you all so much for the support and kind words. Except for a bruise on my lower leg, I'm feeling much better, and even it is getting better.

 

I've had the insurance investigator out to see the bike, and he said it is at least a "near total loss" from what he knows, but he acknowledges his experience with bikes, and the RSV in particular is limited. They have requested that I take the bike to a repair shop to get a more detailed assessment of the damage and repair cost. I've dealt with total losses on vehicles before, but this is a first time with a bike.

 

The investigator came up with an estimate of about $2000 in damage and considers that at least a "near total loss". I priced the damaged parts (standard and some accessories) on some Yamaha web sites, and I was at $6000 and counting. I'm pretty sure it's a total loss. In addition to taking it to a shop, the claims adjuster asked me to provide a list of accessories and costs of them. Besides being a Midnight, I have a LOT of chrome on the bike.

 

So here's where I could use some help. I need a web site that lists a lot of the little chrome stuff. Just for example, I have the billet rider and passenger floorboards, billet air cleaner covers, shift covers, oil cap, etc. Even a bunch of the little nut covers are chrome. Ironically I'm not even a huge fan of that much chrome (don't hate me), but I bought the bike used and it was all on it. All I've added is the Utopia rider backrest and the tow hitch. One thing I can't find is the saddlebag "crash bars". I've found the "trim", but that is not what I have. What I have is bolted to the frame, and actually did a darn good job of protecting parts to a degree. Oh yeah, and I had just replaced my front brake pads the day before the accident.

 

From what I understand, the adjuster requested this to get a better idea of the value of the bike when it comes time to come to a figure. Another "blessing" of sorts in this happening is that I have a kind of nasty loan on the bike that I don't mind at all getting out of. So I am hoping that I get enough to not only pay off the loan, but have a little to put towards a replacement. It will still be a while to be able to do that, I just want a little help. So the more I can come up with on the value of the bike, the better.

 

I have KBB and NADA values, but I actually could use more actual prices of similar bikes that are for sale. Mine is an '05 Midnight with 55k miles. If any one could tell me about similar bikes for sale with links or whatever, I would appreciate that as well. And just any advice regarding dealing with insurance from folks that have experienced it. By the way, I'm with State Farm, and they were real good with me with the 2 cars I've had totalled.

 

Again, thank you so much for the support from this fine group of people. By the way, my son is still riding, although not as much yet as he was, and I'll be back on my little Honda 250 when my leg feels a little better.