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Bikers
Haven Accident
Scene Management |
2007 Tuesday, January 9 For Ruta who survived an accident and is on the mend: I am
grateful with you that your injuries were not worse and am glad that you
are mending. What an awesome sight to see the picture of you back on your
bike, sling and all!! We all know that take . . . well, courage!!! I extend an invitation to you (and everyone) to share as much of your accident experience and thoughts during the accident, road conditions, bike type, etc., thoughts during rescue and transport, hospital stay, support, or lack there of, mental and physical set-backs and victories as you can or wish to. Sharing
our journeys during these times can not only help us to process it all,
but it gives others permission to seek support from the biker community as
well. I realize that you may not have a need to share, but there may be
someone out there who needs to hear it; gaining insight, support and
inspiration as you tell of your experience. Continue
to mend and I will be thinking of you! Monday, January 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, The week after we came home I was to take my safety course. I was terrified. I was determined to make it work. I passed my course and got my license. I bought a 250 Alpha Sport. The first ride was terrifying, but it gets easier each time. I am now comfortable enough to ride alone. My husband and I now enjoy riding together and I am thinking of getting a bigger bike . . . a VStar 650 or Suzuki Boulevard next year. I will never forget the accident and I still have some problems with my neck as a result of the accident, but fear can be overcome!!!! I will be 60 next month and look forward to some good riding this summer. – Mary Dear
Mary, Tuesday, February 27 Dear
Petra, Thanks for you site. It's always enjoyable to pop in now and then. – Liz Ryan Dear
Liz, I want to share with my readers that I have heard of ASMI and have now given it a permanent link on my Ride Technique: Accident Survivors pages as well as on my Useful Sites page! I'll also note here that Liz has volunteered for the VTwin Mama Mentor Program on the subject of first aid . . . so if anyone wants to email with a knowledgeable instructor, here is your chance! As a reminder, the Mentor Program is a chance for riders to help others one-on-one and is an extension of the sharing and caring we do here at the VTwin Mama site. – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, I really need some words of advice from you and your lovely readers. About 6 months ago I encouraged a dear friend, who is very new to riding her Virago 250 (is on Learners), to join me on the Pink Ribbon ride to help raise money for Breast Cancer. It was a huge ride -- about 1000 bikes!!! BUT . . . as much as I thought (and had also checked with the ride organizers) that a learner would cope with it . . . on a twisty left/right/left curve (remember we ride on the other side of the road to you grrls) . . . we came across some gravel and an off camber road surface. My friend came down and ended up with 4 broken ribs and some really nasty bruising. Now the physical wounds have healed and she has been going back to riding lessons where her instructor assures her that her skills are all fine BUT she is still feeling really shaky and is getting to the point where as much as she loves it -- she is thinking about selling her bike!! My question is what can I do to help her??? She manages turns, slaloms and circles fine!! But put her on a sweeping corner and she is convinced she is going to straighten the bike up too soon and leave the road -- because of this she is fixating on the shoulder of the road instead of looking out of the sweep!! PLEASE help. I feel so bad cos I encouraged her to join me on the big ride. If only I had been a little more patient she may not be facing this crisis now :-( Love to you all, Ride Often and Stay Safe, – Maxine, aka Max Dear
Maxine, Honestly, I can say that for years after that, I always had problems with left hand sweeps as that is the side I made the mistake on (panicked, looked down at the line, and went straight off). I gritted my teeth for every left sweep I had to take. How did I get over it? I kept riding. I KNEW what mistake I had made and continued to work on correcting the mistake. At first I had to always throttle down a lot and take that sweep slower . . . ok on a solo ride, not so great within a group, so I tended to ride at the back of the pack. Over time, taking left sweeps slower, I was able to loosen up my body again and keep my eyes focused correctly. So what is my advice? Your friend should do as many solo rides that have sweeps, but do them at low traffic times so that she can concentrate on re-training her body for the correct technique. There is no shortcut to this process. She needs to reset her "body clock" for the sweep so it becomes naturally correct again. After all these years (about 12) I will tell her that to this day, although I have no problems with sweeps, I do enter sweeps thinking about my technique and making sure that I'm not overly confident (in other words, I'm not taking for granted that my technique is perfect unless I am thinking of my technique and ensuring that it is perfect). I have come to terms with the mental aspect of this and it no longer bothers me. I have incorporated the mental reality for me into my ride . . . on solo rides I often rethink my exact technique to make sure my body position "clock" is set correctly. This continuous fine-tuning of technique is essential to me. In my estimation, riders should always be periodically reviewing their technique, no matter what the skill is. This ensures that the mind/body are at the ready at all times. What can you do? Encourage her. Print out this letter so that she knows she is not alone. That a rider with 27 years experience understands and that joy CAN be regained. Ride with her. Let her talk out how the sweeps are feeling each time you go out. Some accident survivors don't want to talk about the accident right after it has happened. Some eventually want to review what happened. Remember, let her talk and for your part, keep any observations simple and drama-queen free. Talk in a calm way. Re-share what the joys are and remember good rides and times. If she is willing to do a bit of work, she can reclaim that dream that got her started in the first place. I did and am thankful I put forth the effort to do that. – Mama Wednesday, April 18 For Maxine whose friend had an accident and is questioning whether to ride now: I am so sorry to hear about your friends accident. Sadly this is not the first nor last time I will read about such things happening. Unfortunately, in our joy of having a friend become a fellow rider, we sometimes push them into things they are not yet ready to do. BUT do not feel guilty as each one of us must ride our own ride and have the balls to say no if we don't feel comfortable about something. Be patient with your friend and once she heals offer to ride with her on roads similar to the conditions where she went down. Take the ride at her speed. I always tell my students that group rides are not for newbies. There is an awful lot of pressure on newbies as each rider in the group must respond "on cue" and without hesitation in order that the group progresses smoothly. New riders usually won't feel right at the same speeds with everyone else, they are distracted by attempting to see and do hand signals and they feel like everyone is watching them which gives many "stage fright" and causes additional problems. I feel new riders should explore their new skills and gain riding techniques on their own or with an experienced patient rider. If new riders are involved in a group ride I think it is best to have a smaller group of newbies riding at the rear with a lead and sweep rider just for them. Remember probably 85% of all riders think they are better than they really are. If you know a rider who needs more skill training -- do them a big favor and gently offer to help them. You most likely will be saving their life or possibly the life of another rider whose space the unskilled rider suddenly invades. – Ratzuki (note from Mama: thank you for strengthening the message that confidence can be regained if this rider goes back to basics and works on the curve-handling skill.) Monday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, But I was launched off my bike. All I remember is being on my back and trying to get my bearings to get my butt off the street. I'm okay -- lots of bruises and scratches (God was looking after me), there was no traffic behind me, in fact people pulled over and stopped traffic. There was a crowd of angels around me telling me to lay still. My question is was there any other way I could have avoided this launch? I don't remember letting go of the handlebars. My husband was in front and saw me on the ground afterwards and didn't see the launch. Thank God also that I was wearing a full armored Joe Rocket jacket -- and a full face helmet. – Movin' On (still here, though Baby is in intensive care) Dear
Movin' On, A blind or suddenly appearing obstacle is always the worst case scenario. You don't mention your speed, but I'm guessing you were above 30mph (which is pretty fast when hitting a pothole). I'm not sure that anybody can really put together all the nuances that went into this accident as a pothole brings in so many variables. You may want to go back to it and take a closer look. My best guess is that the pothole edge/depth is at an angle and when you hit the angle, it forced your tire at a lean, thus thrusting your body sideways and throwing you off. It's also possible that even if there was no real angle, the hit caused a front end wobble that threw you (and you may have tightened your grip in response to seeing your husband hitting the hole, but that can introduce a problem as the front wheel then doesn't have any wiggle room). I'm also going to assume that your hubby's Valk is a heavier motorcycle than your own and the shocks/shock setting may have absorbed the hit better, or he hit the pothole in a different place and/or he corrected more quickly for everything (natural reaction). So, I would go back and look, but am hoping they filled it in by now! Meanwhile, when your bike is fixed, definitely get on and do a "get to know you" ride again in your neighborhood so confidence returns. Don't let that pothole get the better of your dream. – Mama 8Monday, January 28 Hi there Petra, I have not written to you for so long (tho' I have been visiting your site regularly), but I found that I must today. As you know, put perhaps some of your readers do not, I had put together a web site specifically geared to those who have had accidents on their motorcycles and for those whose loved ones have mad motorcycle accidents. I started this a bit over a year ago in the hopes that it could bring those who are hurting and in need of understanding and support together with the one community, the motorcycling community, who can best understand the need of the rider to ride and the fear that non-riders have for their loved ones who do ride. Recently I have had several stories come in .... the site is finally being found by those who need it most. The people who come here come for comfort and to be heard ... not really for advice. They want to connect somehow with the riding community in order to heal and move on. In, after visiting the Biker's Haven site, some of your readers are moved to offer kind words of comfort and support, or share their own motorcycle story in order to help another feel less isolated and alone, I would encourage them to do so. It is a wonderful way the riding community can come together to show, yet again, how really wonderful we are. Petra, In the beginning when I first decided I would provide this for my fellow riders and their loved ones, you were on of several people who encouraged me and gave practical advice. Thank you so much .... and thank you again for taking the time to pass this request along to your readers. Always a Sister in Spirit, – Tink Dear Tink, Dear VTwin Mama, In a left hand curve, I did not straighten up before braking, and I highsided, luckily only going about 25mph at the time. I was very lucky to have only minor injuries (great gear saved me!), and my HD Heritage Softail Classic was ridable, needing only cosmetic repairs. I did get on the bike after repairing it recently, for a twirl around the neighborhood. I loved it...and didn't realize how much I have missed riding! The problem is my husband. He got spooked so much at hearing me crash behind him, that he does not want me to ride anymore. Truth be told, I also am not so sure myself, but I have to at least try. How can I convince him to give me a chance? I am waiting for drier weather before I get on my Harley again, but I have to try riding down the road. We are interested in getting a sidecar for his Harley ElectraGlide, but I have to convince him to give me a chance on my own first. Do you have any ideas? – Margie, aka Crash ; ) Dear Margie, To ride a motorcycle one has to assume a certain risk factor. Animals bounding out of forests is just one of them, but the surprise/panic of it all really does challenge the rider to use all the best combinations of riding techniques to minimize injury, and it has to be done in a split second. You yourself, in this letter, acknowledge that practice in this specific area would serve you well. And therein lies your next step. Most of us rarely need this fast stop technique practice, but it should be in our "arsenal" of learning the handling characteristics of our bikes and being at the ready to use it. There is no doubt that outside of ourselves having an accident, the next people who are most affected are those who are riding with us at the time. Whether it unfolds in front or behind us, the helpless feeling it sets up really does bring out concerns in a way that can be quite powerful. For instance, had the accident with the deer occurred while you were driving a car, you wouldn't most likely give up driving. This is mostly because the cage is more protective, but it also constitutes a major form of transportation that we need on a daily basis. So, is riding a motorcycle any different? One could argue that it is an optional form of transportation, but to most of us, motorcycling is an expression of freedom and joy, and that in itself, is not optional. Who wants to go through life not enjoying themselves?! My main suggestion at this juncture is to enroll in the MSF's Experienced RiderCourse. You will note on this page that they specifically call out that part of the training is managing risk and to "practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving." I have heard varying opinions about this course, depending on where it was taken ... my advice is to call the local course provider and indicate you had a deer accident and are interested in learning improved techniques ... listen to what they have to say and how they describe their training. Take the course together with your hubby dearest so that you can form a team between the two of you, a team that is open to discussing and practicing the techniques together over time. That's right, take the course, but then every few months, set up cones in an empty parking lot and run through the drills again. It will sharpen both your abilities and allow for constructive critique that will build a good bond, a bond between riders, not just husband and wife. In this way, you are demonstrating to your husband that you are acknowledging not only his fears and concerns, but that you wish to sharpen skills for future use and address your feelings about continuing to ride solo. In my 28 years of riding, there isn't a ride that I take where I don't think about my handling techniques, and do impromptu little drills along the way or in a parking lot. So don't think that you are alone or that 5 years of riding couldn't use some polish ... to ride is to engage in a lifetime of learning/practice that will always serve you well and make you the best rider you can be! Now, make that call, sign up for the course, and move forward. Then you'll have a new perspective in which to make long term decisions that are best for you. To hear other accident survivors voices, please visit my Riding Techniques: Accident Survivors page ... you will quickly learn that your concerns are very much in line with other riders and some of the suggestions about continuing the journey. – Mama For Margie who had an accident and is wondering about riding solo again or maybe going to a sidecar: Margie, so glad you didn't get badly hurt in your accident. I have to comment on one thing in your letter: Think twice about that side car! Friends of ours added one to his bike because she had recently been through surgery and thought it would be more comfortable than sitting on the back. Well, she was comfortable alright, but he thoroughly hated riding with the side car attached. He said his arms were killing him by the end of the day because of the added weight and difference in taking turns (no leaning!). He said it was worse than a trike that he had tried. He also felt he was a hazard on the road because he took up so much room - there was no escape route from one side of the lane to the other. If there was a pothole in the road, chances are he or the side car would hit it 'cause he couldn't counter-steer around it. As soon as she was able, they got rid of the side car and she started riding pillion again. (BTW, she's now looking for her own bike and wants to take lessons!) He's looking to sell his side car, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone! – Rose (note from Mama: thanks for addressing the sidecar thought, which I really didn't do. You bring up a number of good points that this couple should talk about!) Tuesday, February 12 From Margie who had an accident and is wondering about riding solo again or going to a sidecar:
Rose brought up a great thought about sidecars in response to my post
Thursday, Feb. 7th.
I had an accident last August, and I'm still working out my fear of
getting on my own bike again.
My hubby and I are also thinking about getting a Liberty Sidecar for his
Harley (we have visited the factory, in Seattle...they have beautiful
sidecars!). And, we have been researching them for a few months.
It would be foolish (and expensive) to just jump into this
without really checking it out.
First of all, we are going to take the Washington State Evergreen Safety
Council Sidecar/Trike classes in April. We both agree it would be
a good idea to try it out, as well as get the sidecar endorsement,
if for no other reason to see if he likes "driving" such a
rig. It is indeed very different that riding a motorcycle!
However, Liberty Sidecar does all the necessary changes to the
motorcycle to make it a safe and pleasant ride. This includes
changing out the triple trees to get the correct "trail" with
the front wheel, at the correct rake. With the proper
installation, riding with a side hack can be very enjoyable. If
you have to "muscle" the sidecar rig around, something is not
right with the way it is installed.
So, we shall see! It's going to be interesting to see if my
husband, who has been on motorcycles most of his life, likes it!
The classes will give us a good look-see.
Thanks so much for your reply Rose! – Margie (note from Mama: I'm so glad to hear that you'll both be checking out the classes for more clues on whether this is the pathway you want ... that's why I still think you should try solo riding class ... to give yourself some room to compare and contrast!) Tuesday, February 26 Hello VTwin Mama, I now have a shiny steel plate in the wrist of my throttle hand. I and my motorcycle have fully recovered and we have taken several rides together, of 100 miles or less. I usually let my hubby tag along to keep me company (he won't let me ride alone anymore). I am sending a picture of me and my bike [you'll find that in the Photo Gallery], which my hubby repaired to like new condition. It is a 1995 Honda 600 Shadow which he lowered to fit my 4' 11" frame. I would like to thank you and all of your readers who sent me e-mails encouraging me not to give up and lending their prayers and support. I read your column regularly and enjoy hearing from other lady riders. Keep up the good work. Thanks, – Brenda P. Dear Brenda, What a long journey of recuperation you have been on, but clearly over time, and with the restoration of your bike, you've decided that riding is something you wish to once again pursue ... kudos to you ... I know that's not an easy mental process, as I once went through it myself. I wish you a joyful season this year! Many thanks to your hubby dearest, who has helped you through the process to this stage, stands by to ride, and understands that finding one's wings again is necessary to who we are! – Mama Wednesday, March 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear A., The VTwin Mama site most certainly delves into the subject of risk and all the related topics to that. Your letter is heartfelt and a reminder that as riders, it is important that we consciously make and review the choice in regard to that risk. It may be of some small comfort to know that there is a loving, supportive site specifically put together for motorcycle accident victims and their family members and friends. At Biker's Haven, a person can share their thoughts and tributes. Often times, writing out a remembrance can help in the healing process. – Mama
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