rmg08057
Jun 3rd, 2008, 1:21 am
Yep, got bitten properly for the first time a week ago. I have been down at under 10 mph for various reasons over the last few years, but nothing like this.
Scene: back-country, east of Murrieta/Temecula Memorial Day, riding Ron Rieger's brand new GS. From what we can piece together, I tipped it over too far in a corner, something ground and caught and in a flash I was bashed to the road, then the bike flipped over, I did as well, and ended in the gravel beside the quiet country road at 10 in the morning.
Significant bruises on both sides, broken and cracked ribs on my left, contused left lung, 4 days in hospital, out to a hotel in Oceanside, then flew back to SFO on Sunday. Feeling pretty stiff and sore, but back to work today, needing the 2 percoset every 6 hours still.
Pretty sad about Ron's bike. He was very nice to me about it. Lets hope it gets written off so he can get a new one.
Lessons I can see:
1. I had been riding a FZ1000 all the day before with huge pilot roads, huge grip. I may have been still riding on yesterday's grip. I needed to have a more gradual uptake on the GS's workings, I was over-confident.
2. Never take out your mate's new bike....the guilt is hard to live with.
3. Thank god I had great gear and I was well protected. In particular the perforated Vanson leather jacket proved its worth.
I really like the area though with Mt Palomar etc. Montezuma Hwy was exceptional, the downhill/uphll run was sensational. The FZ was a great bike. Its the first UJM 4 I have ridden at length and I have to say it cornered in quite an exciting manner, the bike seems to simply roll from side to side underneath you, something I have never felt before and I can see why people like them.
Anyway, pretty disappointed to have a crash after 9 years riding in America, especially when its my fault. I'd like to say thanks to Ron back in Chicago for being such a standout guy.
Scene: back-country, east of Murrieta/Temecula Memorial Day, riding Ron Rieger's brand new GS. From what we can piece together, I tipped it over too far in a corner, something ground and caught and in a flash I was bashed to the road, then the bike flipped over, I did as well, and ended in the gravel beside the quiet country road at 10 in the morning.
Significant bruises on both sides, broken and cracked ribs on my left, contused left lung, 4 days in hospital, out to a hotel in Oceanside, then flew back to SFO on Sunday. Feeling pretty stiff and sore, but back to work today, needing the 2 percoset every 6 hours still.
Pretty sad about Ron's bike. He was very nice to me about it. Lets hope it gets written off so he can get a new one.
Lessons I can see:
1. I had been riding a FZ1000 all the day before with huge pilot roads, huge grip. I may have been still riding on yesterday's grip. I needed to have a more gradual uptake on the GS's workings, I was over-confident.
2. Never take out your mate's new bike....the guilt is hard to live with.
3. Thank god I had great gear and I was well protected. In particular the perforated Vanson leather jacket proved its worth.
I really like the area though with Mt Palomar etc. Montezuma Hwy was exceptional, the downhill/uphll run was sensational. The FZ was a great bike. Its the first UJM 4 I have ridden at length and I have to say it cornered in quite an exciting manner, the bike seems to simply roll from side to side underneath you, something I have never felt before and I can see why people like them.
Anyway, pretty disappointed to have a crash after 9 years riding in America, especially when its my fault. I'd like to say thanks to Ron back in Chicago for being such a standout guy.