Motorcyclist dies in plunge off Highway 9

[James Burleigh]

Highway 9 is a very popular Bay Area twisties ride (which I've yet to go on, partly because I worry about all the squids up there). Anyway, this article reminds me how lucky we are to still have OM with us.

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[SIZE=10pt]Motorcyclist dies in plunge off Highway 9[/SIZE]

Matthew B. Stannard, Chronicle Staff Writer

Sunday, August 10, 2008

(08-10) 04:00 PDT Saratoga - -- A motorcyclist plummeted to his death off the side of Highway 9 on the outskirts of Saratoga Saturday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol. His identity and the precise cause of his death were not immediately available.

CHP investigators received a report at 1:16 p.m. that the motorcyclist had gone off the twisting road about half a mile south of Redwood Gulch Road near the Saratoga Gap Open Space. The scenic road has long been popular with motorcyclists drawn by its light traffic and curving road amid towering trees.

CHP Officer Todd Thibodeau said the area is characterized by steep drop-offs ranging from 30 to 100 feet deep or more.

Thibodeau said the motorcyclist was on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was wearing his helmet when he went off the road at a curve. It is not yet clear whether the motorcyclist was speeding or lost control, Thibodeau said, but there were no skid marks at the scene.

A tow truck with a long cable was summoned to the scene, as was the coroner, who pronounced the man deceased. The southbound lane of Highway 9 was blocked for more than an hour, but traffic remained under control, according to CHP dispatch records.

All lanes were reopened before 5 p.m.

Article here.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

CHP Officer Todd Thibodeau said the motorcyclist was on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was wearing his helmet when he went off the road at a curve. It is not yet clear whether the motorcyclist was speeding or lost control

The number one single vehicle motorcycle crash statistic: motorcyclist fails to negotiate a curve; characterized by running wide and often going off the road and colliding with a fixed object.

Thibodeau said, but there were no skid marks at the scene.

ABS brakes...??

 

[madmike2]

But Hans, Hwy 9 is a beautiful ride. The Northern part from Saratoga into the Big Basin Redwoods is spectacular in its vistas and the hairpin turns around the old growth redwoods. I agree that it isn't a place to be playing "Ricky Racer" but I doubt the HD rider was doing that. It'd be too bad if the locals turned that part into a speed run because it's narrow and the roadway is usually covered with pine needles and other fallen debris from the trees....but the scenery and ambiance is what makes the ride special.

I'm sorry for the man and his family. We'll never know if he just lost focus while looking at the scenery or what other cause may have contributed to this tragedy.

 

[Silent]

There's a few corners up on 9 that can bite you if you're nt paying attention. That and there's been a fair amount of road work up there too, so the roads not in the best of shape anymore. I try and avoid 9 most times since the locals tend to try and drag pucks, and pass outside on blind conters. I hate people trying to push me to go faster than I feel is safe.

Rip to the rider

 

[Dr. Rich]

Having spent much time with Old Michael over these past weeks and talked about the accident, I truly believe that he is with us because he was wearing a yellow full faced helmet, riding gloves with very heavy protection in critical area. a padded riding jacket, riding pants with pads and riding boots. If you look at the bruising on his back and the lack of cuts and abrasions, I think his clothing, gloves and helmet may have saved his life. I wonder if the rider that went off Hwy 9 had a brain bucket helmet and the appropriate riding gear. I know that when riding to Reno yesterday, I was hot in my gear, but every time I rode past someone in shorts or a brain bucket helmet, the minor inconvenience of being hot quickly disappeared. It is easy to lose concentration, that's why most of us always wear all our gear all the time. I am sorry that he died and I feel for his loved ones. I would be interested in knowing if he was wearing gear or shorts.

 

[James Burleigh]

Not much information on BARF (Bay Area Riders Forum), but picked this up (apparently he was on a group ride):

"I road by before the fire trucks and police arrived. I had a feeling something was wrong when I waived to the riders and no one waived back. I was taking my girlfriend to work 2-up on the bike, and it didn't look like there was anything I could do to help, so I didn't stop.

"A few hours later when I returned, three fire trucks, three CHP officers and a tow truck were on scene. I had to wait for the official vehicles to leave, and got a chance to speak to one of the riders in the group... John Walsh was gone. He was riding with 2 sons, each on their own bike... One in front, and one behind.

"Rest in peace, John. I hope the rumor of a heart attack was true... You deserved to go gracefully, doing something you loved."

As a dad, I'd say better me than my son(s).

Jb