LilBeaver

Wow... I didn't mean to start anything folks; sorry . I pulled into my driveway a few hours ago. The windshield was replaced yesterday afternoon and we were on the road by 3 or 4pm. I stopped somewhere in Missouri (~20 miles west of Cuba Missouri, I think) because my girlfriend was uncomfortable about sleeping in the car, since last time she fell asleep she woke up covered in glass and ice and was numb all over... I talked with a few different people at the insurance company yesterday and the last one I spoke with was actually the adjuster that will be looking at the vehicle etc sometime tomorrow. Since I helped my dad run a body shop for a number of years, I have some experience dealing with adjusters (Some were very good experiences and some were very bad experiences). My initial conversation with the local adjuster was quite positive, so I hope that he lives up to everything that we have already discussed. This guy has no idea that I have any clue about repairing vehicles, estimating damage, etc. So, I plan on keeping that aspect to myself until he gets done with his estimate or if he starts blowing smoke. So, we'll see what happens. Thanks all for the support, ideas, suggestions and comments. And again, my apologies, I did not mean to stir anything up with ya'll on here. So I have made it home safely... Although I went to take a shower and found that I have no water... Long story short, I have a busted water pipe and water softener and a water softener shed that is soaked with water on the inside; thanks to the cold weather that west Texas got and was supposed to be at work yesterday. So... what a way to be welcomed home after the holidays... woo freaking hoo.

First post updated with more info, for anyone interested in knowing what happened. I've got a glass on its way and it should be installed by 1. I should be back on the road by 4 or 5; provided everything goes as planned. Thanks all, for the support. The Anderson Fire Department has been amazing in helping out through all of this. I wish there was something I could do for them to thank them for all of their assistance.

The worst kind... Lets just say I needed more than hip waiters to get through all of THAT stuff... But, oh well. I didn't really have much of another option. Bob: I really appreciate it and depending on what happens tomorrow with the glass company, I may be giving you a call. Although the fire department has been taking really good care of us, so the vehicle is being stored in a dry and secure area. The captain and I cleaned the car all up while the other took care of my g/f. Including food, laundry, and arranging rides to where we needed to go. These guys have gone far above and beyond. I have drafted a letter to send to the Chief when this is all over. I wish there was something that I could do for them directly though... Mike: It was a Dollar General semi (I have no other information on trailer number, etc.). The ambulance was there before I was able to call 911. My immediate response after impact kindof resorted back to some of the training I have had in the past and checked on the well being of my g/f, before I called. So, someone DID see it. I have been in contact with the officer that met me at the scene and he said that he did have some information for a follow up call and when he got his report done he would let me know what he had... So we'll see. I figure with the exact location, time, and description and possibly a witness or two it might be possible to actually identify the particular truck that it came off of. I realize that there ought to be some responsibility on the company and what not, BUT I also realize that some of this stuff just does happen. It would be one thing if it was malicious or negelgent maitenence (ie wheel fell off, or the load came loose, etc.) but I am a little bit mixed about this snow thing. While legally, the liability IS on the truck/company or whatever; I am not all that concerned about it since there was no bodily injury, minor damage, and there is not any real hard evidence that I would be able to use to prove beyond resonable doubt that it was, infact, neglegence of the driver or truck company. Regardless, I believe this is something that the insurance company will (at least ought to) probably deal with anyways. Ice (sheet, 3-6" thick, 8' x ~16' outer dimensions -- that is the width of the trailer and it was about twice as long as it was wide -- so those numbers are based off of what I figured the average semi trailer's width is. The thickness is based off of what I found inside the car afterwords) off of of the top of a semi trailer collided with my windshield. I'll explain more in a later post. Don: I am sorry I didn't end up getting back to you, I'll send a PM in a few minutes. Again, we are both doing MUCH better than it could have turned out; so, it is what it is.

Yup, chunk of ice about as wide as the semi-trailer and twice as long as it was wide (I'm guessing 8' x 16'). Yee-haw.

Bob: Thanks a lot! I would love to go but it sounds like I might be able to get this puppy fixed today so I probably ought to hang around here just in case I can pull that together. Thanks anyways, it would have been nice to meet you and some of the other Indiana members Someone eat some ice cream for me

Well. I will reserve the details for now as I don't feel like typing it all out but the important parts are the passenger was sleeping and covered with a blanket upon impact so other than some minor blistering from the glass spray that occurred, we are both fine. Cannot get a windshield installed until Monday, at the earliest. Thanks to the local PD and FD for being very VERY helpful in all of this. I guess a little professional courtesy goes a long way... I'll update more info later, but I need to go eat and relax a little. As of right now I will be staying at a local hotel and am in the process of trying to setup a rental car until I can get a replacement windshield, etc. (Unfortunately since I am under 25 I will get nailed with the stupid underage fee too, but oh well). -- More to come. Rick M. EDIT: Here is a summary of what happend I was the driver of the 2005 Ford Escape at the time of the incident. S. bound I-69 Exit 26 (near freightliner dealership, just past off ramp but on overpass - etc. etc.) (~ 1500 hrs) After traffic cleared, I moved into left lane to overtake Dollar General Selmi-truck & trailer (unknown trailer plate number, tractor number, trailer number etc). Second vehicle moved in behind me, as I was passing the rear axels of the trailer I saw a chunk of, what I believe was ice, lift off of the top of the trailer (near the front most point of the trailer) appering to be the width of the trailer and at least roughly twice as long as it was wide (~8 ft x 16 ft) and tumble next to the trailer and collide with windshield of the 2005 Ford Escape that I was driving. When I observed the ice start to lift off of the truck I immediately moved as far left as I could safely do so and still maintain control of the vehicle and remain on the roadway. I was unable to reduce my speed due to the proximity of the vehicle behind me (make, model, driver, occupants unknown, and condition of that vehicle unknown). After the impact of the ice with the Escape and wen safe to do so, I proceeded to move into the right lane and on to the shoulder. After clearing the bridge I parked on the shoulder and proceeded to inspect the condition of the passenger. Anderson Fire department arrived on scene (~1510 hrs; within 10 minutes of parking on shoulder) in ambulance and continued examination of passenger. Anderson Police on scene within 5-10 minutes of Ambulance arrival. Officer took report. By ~1545 Escape was cleaned up enough and I proceeded to drive to Anderson Fire Department escorted by Ambulance, followed by APD vehicle and Fire Engine. Vehicle secured in Fire Station. Cleaned by myself and AFD while passenger proceeded to call insurance company and file claim. AFD assisted in attempting to schedule glass replacement same day. Were not able to secure a windshield replacement until Monday 11-Jan-2010. Etc.

If you would like to be added or removed from this list - let me know via posting to this thread and I will do my best to stay on top of it. Thank you KiteSquid for taking care of this up to this point, what a terrific idea!! I hope this can keep going and continue to help people out. KiteSquid's original text, with rules (slightly adjusted in a few places for clarity and redundancy): There is three copies of Ride Like a Pro (RLAP) IV or V DVD's that are free for anybody who wants it. FREE, but they have to agree NOT to copy it, and to pass it along for FREE to the next person after a short viewing session.... maybe two weeks???? The sender pays the postage, NOT the recipient, so no money changes hands, this I think will keep it all legal!! To request to be put on this list, please post to this thread and you will be put on in order posted on my next visit to the thread. Please DO NOT PM me as you will only be put on the list if you post to this thread... My apologies if you got missed, just let me know and I will put you in the appropriate place. PLEASE Remember to post something you learned from the video. And again, I am not connected with RLAP, I just want my fellow bikers to have a long and healthy life on two wheels and anyway that we all can learn to ride safely is a good thing!!!!!! By the way, if you are tired of waiting, or would like to purchase your own copy please click HERE to order and be sure to ask for your Venture Rider Forum member discount. IIRC it saves you $5. BTW this DVD is worth every penny!!!!!!! The List: People who originally, freely gave away their copy of RLAP IV or V (Thanks a lot you guys!!) KiteSquid, Friesman1, jburrell :clap2: Currently HAS a copy: VegasVic Bubber JMorrison ** Going to BurgyMon Canada camos – Saanichton, BC Semi-Retired - St. Catherines, Ontario Mover - Stratford, Ontario Australia United States krome rose ** Reported as no response BurgyMon ** Confirmation/Will Receive timgray MikeC Kbay Reed -- somewhere in ND indianriverjack -- Belpre OH 1sttenor in Jeff City MO Condor in Carmichael Ca fixit3546 in Mechanicsburg (Bentonia) MS RandyR in Dahlonega GA GaThumper in Cleveland GA Blackjack in Snellville GA Black Owl in Apple Valley MN eusa1 in Dixon IL Larry M – Pullman WA MidlifeVenture – Twinsburg, OH 67mini67 – Cheney, WA Jemorrisonjr – New Berlin, WI Joer – Hudson Oaks, TX Hunter_1500 – Ferrisburgh, VT Little Bob – Steven’s Point, WI camos – Saanichton, BC Motorcycle Mike – Lawrenceville, GA midnite – Mc Kenzie, TN nbowersock - North Ft. Worth, TX Travelin Man (formerly: Crazy_Frog) - McRae, GA SylWoody - Talladega, AL Gdlover - Newton, IA Dave3 - Fayetteville, GA Slick97spirit (Ken) - Jackson, MO Semi-Retired (Mike) - St. Catherines, Ontario TopV (Joe) - Fall River, MA DAKn2 - Mundelein, IL Mover - Stratford, Ontario ronhenry4 (Ron) - Cincinnati, OH Scooter45 (Jim) - Redwood Falls, MN Removed from list, for aforementioned reasons (or I think that they have seen it): Seen it: painterman67 skydoc_17 uthpda Bubber Naked Rider (changed forum name from 1_2_ride_RSV) JMorrison Roadhand Expired: camotor1 Smith WaltH in Rockledge FL --- member not found wtho mastermechanic jhw47 Shep in Phoenix AZ spgarner in Las Vegas NV (last visit 18/june/09) HIGHWAY PILOT in Miami FL edsfidc in Chesapeake VA highwayrydr in Orono ME For the efficient passage of the video how please do the following: 1) Upon receipt of the video, post that you have received it. 2) Initiate communication with the next person on the list (which ought to be included with the video and I will do my best to keep the list updated on here too) **Maybe contact the next 2 or 3 at a time, with the understanding that the list order will be maintained, just in case the first one does not respond 3) Communication with the next person on the list ought to be done via e-mail, PM or telephone call (based on whatever you are comfortable with and what is available in the person's profile). 4) Let us allow 1 week for the person next on the list to respond (which is why initiating the communication immediately would be advised). 5) If no response, move to the next person on the list. 6) When a response is confirmed, post the results so we know where they are at. 7) After viewing the video, post something you learned from it (as per KiteSquid's request), and post when sent to the next person. MOST IMPORTANTLY: 8) Ride safe **** Sample message to next person: Howdy: I have received a copy of "Ride Like a Pro" and you are the next on the list to receive it. (According to the list on: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/sh...=24973&page=20 ) If you could let me know either way (whether you are still interested in viewing it or not) that would be appreciated. I will wait about a week before I contact the next person on the list. If someone else commits to it before you do (after the 1 week) then you will not lose your place on the list, but may not get it from me ~depending on whether I still have it or not. Just post in the thread (linked to above) that you would still like to view it and you can be next in line to get a copy. If you do want it, let me know and send me the address that you would like it sent to. I will send it first class mail when I am done with it (probably a week or so). Thanks a lot, - YOUR NAME HERE *******END sample message Thanks ya'll.

Thoughts and prayers sent for You, Annie, family and friends. Hope it all works out as quickly and painlessly as possible. Gdspeed.

+1 for PinWall. Only downside I have found with them is their shipping is quite pricey - BUT, parts arrive as described and one cannot beat the price on much of their stock. Have you done a voltage test with the bike on? Have you checked/cleaned/tightened all of the grounds (radio housing under fairing, bolt to/in motor by horn near right leg)? Have you checked/cleaned the connections for the display? Have you checked/cleaned the connections to/within/around the fuse box? If I recall correctly some of our members have had some trouble with corrosion in the fuse box. Just a few thoughts. I don't really know what you have tried and what you haven't tried but I thoght I would throw these out there just in case you hadn't.

Okie-dokie. I'll throw my hat in the ring here... The first picture from left to right is: Me, my friend, Mom, and Dad

Sounds like a great way to bring-er- in (the new year that is)

I guess I don't have to worry about missing out on any good riding weather while I am up here in Michigan

My thoughts exactly.

Beer30 and I exchanged a few e-mails and had a phone conversation or two back in May of 09. He posted a month or two ago saying that his business had been swamped and had not forgotten about us, but he was just too busy to work on all of the liner orders that had been placed. (His main business is making nylon duty gear and equipment type stuff for our troops). To answer your question, I have not received the liners from Beer30 yet. I prefaced this the way I did to be fair to Beer30 though, as he clearly works very hard and I have heard nothing but positive support for his product being extremely high quality in terms of durability and the fit within the saddlebags and trunk itself.

Just be warned that Beer30 is very busy... So it may be a while before he gets around to making these. (He makes these on the side for us) I picked up the star bags I have last May and plan on selling the star bags when I get my set from Beer30...

I got a great deal on the Yamaha star brand saddle bag liners, and they are pretty well made. They have been well worth it. I've taken a few long trips on the bike, and one of them was a ~15 dayish adventure, on the bike every day. They were very nice as I was able to just open up the saddlebags, pull 'em out and go wherever I stopped. I looked around qutie a bit before I found the deal on the star ones and I'm pretty sure that the ~$40 you are looking at now is about the best you can do. Next is to find th place with the cheapest shipping - ebay has a number of ones with free shipping in the same price range etc. You may be interested in contacting this member: http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/2410/cat/7

Um... Not very hard at all. Go to any pharmacy and look for mustache wax. I use "Clubman" mustache wax that I have found at CVS.

Just wondering if it was anyone in here. I spotted a Blue RSTD with one of those small black tour packs near Mile 200 (when I passed you about 2 o'clock... I think) on Eastbound I-44 between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Anyhoot, great day for a ride down there

+10 to using the relay. Also, if you care - you may want to specify whether you want them on with low beams or high beams as the dealer may assume the one that you don't want... There are many many different lamps to go with, different beam patterns etc so depending on how you want them to be used or how you plan on using them would dictate what kinds of bulbs to put in as well as which way you would want them wired up. Personally, I have mine wired up with the high beams because when I have my high beams on I want to be able to see as much as possible and not blind the oncoming drivers. I have a beam that shoots quite far ahead and I have them aimed slightly to each respective side of the road so they light up the half of the road they are pointed at, well in front of me, as well as a good bit on each respective shoulder. I am not going to get into anything here with anyone, each state has their own laws and I am well aware of that. I am simply offering my perspective and

Thanks again Brian (for the delivery) and Forrest (of course for sharing)... By the way (no big deal, but) I don't know if the date on the bottom is production date or the 'use by' date (I presume it is the latter) but, that might be some indicator why these folks are selling them on e-bay ) Anyhoot, I'm looking forward to smoother running machines

Glad you [and the bike] are both okay!

I only put on ~200 miles today... Highs were only in the 60s

I'll be about 10 minutes from there, during that time. I might just have to stop by Thanks for posting that

15" LED light bar on the back, mounted between the helmet locks. ~20 bucks or so, and about 5 minutes to install increased rear visibility enormously! Also: Stebel air horn + wiring, ~40-50 bucks

I put mine on the lock or in the trunk when I don't want to carry it because I don't trust that it will sit on the seat without falling off. I usually keep my trunk and bags locked because of the tool assortment, spare glasses, gloves, etc that I keep in them. My bike spends a lot of time (during the work week anyway) near an academic building on a college campus. And while many college kids are descent, there are a handful that are curious or may be ticked off about a grade or whatever, so I play it safe...