Next 2015 Pants WITH REDFISH Adventure - Go West (not so) Young Man!

[Goodman4]

So sorry to read this! Update us when you can. Prayers sent your way, friend. Hope you aren't hurt too badly and the bike is ok.

 

[RossKean]

Crap!!

So sorry to hear about this. 'Pant's last post was about the awesomeness of the trip. Hopefully, personal injury is minor and the (new) bike can be restored to like-new condition (or replaced, if necessary). A nasty post-script to what should have been a happy ending.

Waiting to hear the whole story...

 

[hppants]

I appreciate the well wishes. It means a lot.

I made 2 critical mistakes yesterday. While cresting a very small hill, I allowed myself to be distracted by the beautiful scenery. What I didn't realize is that immediately after the crest, the road turns slightly to the left. Hardly noticeable (no sign warning it). However, in my distraction, I allowed myself to get into the wrong lane position (way over on the right side), and with no space left after the crest, I went off road at approx 60 mph. I won't say my skill interfered because it happened so fast I fear it was just plain luck. But I managed to get the bike back on the road. In doing so, because of the 3" or so difference in the elevation between the road and the off road, upon re-entry to the road, the front end of the bike began to shake violently. For an instant I tried to hold it, but it was futile and over the top I went. I was thrown into the right lane toward the center and the bike thankfully went to my right also in the same lane. I guesstimate I hit the pavement at 40-ish mph

I got a sprained left knee. I can walk without crutches but I can't put weight on it. I have an abrasion on my left forearm about 2" wide by 15" long. Examination of my jacket shows no rash there so I feel that the sleeve must have rode up upon impact. I did have the Velcro adjusted on both sleeves but let this be a reminder to yall to make sure that this is adjusted tight.

I also have some minor abrasions on my body. My helmet was not touched. Overall my gear worked extremely well as evidenced by its overall condition and investigation. ATGATT folks. Serious **** there.

I'd bet pretty good money the bike is totaled but I filed an insurance claim and we will see. Rather than wait for the adjuster to meet me in Colorado, I've decided to rent a u-haul truck and just deal with it at home. The big challenge this morning is to get the bike in the truck. Two gentlemen who just happened along where I crashed have been helpful beyond words. One brought me 25 miles to the nearest hospital, waited 90 minutes for me to be treated, and then brought me another 25 miles to this town where the u haul place is. I slept in a flea bag motel last night just across the highway. The other guy has my bike in his trailer, and this morning I will meet him at his shop where we can use his forklift to throw the bike in the truck. Great people in southern Colorado

Otherwise I feel like I lost a bar fight last night and I'm distraught beyond words. I'm going to take my own (and your) advise and just try not think about the future right now. Just get through today get the bike home, and go from there

But boy, what a trip.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I personally feel pretty useless and ****** sitting here in South Louisiana while you are up there struggling. As you already know, Pop and I are both at your service whenever you need us. Pop was ready to get in the truck and head that way as soon as we got the word to do so.

When you get home Pop and I can come over and help unload the UHaul if you need us.

I am relieved beyond words that you are alive and able to communicate with us all. Remember, even the greatest of motorcycles can be replaced. Great Friends are irreplaceable.

 

[hppants]

I appreciate that Andrew. It means more than U know.

 

[rushes]

Dangit! I hate to read stuff like this.

Glad you are able to write about it yourself tho.

I was just out there a couple of weeks ago and understand how easy it is to be distracted.

Take care, and I hope all goes well for you.

 

[Burnspot]

I'm sorry to read about this Pants; however, you're alive and in relatively good shape...that's THE most important thing. As we all know, the bike is replaceable...you are not. Take it easy and get well!

It is VERY easy to get distracted with Colorado's scenery...

 

[gixxerjasen]

It is VERY easy to get distracted with Colorado's scenery...

This.
I find it easier to ride harder in Arkansas because you don't have the distractions. Plus, the roads are more forgiving of mistakes than some of the ones in Colorado. I'm thankful you didn't seem to be on one of those roads when you went down, because sometimes going down is a long long way down.

 

[RJAMT]

Wow! Just read what happened to you. So, so sorry pants. Awful that your trip is ending this way as we had so much fun running around the southwest together.

Focus on the present for now and the good memories, like sunrise in Glen Canyon, will overrule the bad ones in time.

 

[Tyler]

I'm going to take my own (and your) advise and just try not think about the future right now. Just get through today get the bike home, and go from there

Yup... that's all you can do is deal with what you need to deal with right now... don't make any big decisions about anything, whether it be riding, a new bike, etc. and try not to beat yourself up too much mentally... just focus on getting yourself home and healing up your body and spirit... the rest will come at the right time. Oh, and don't be too proud to ask for help... there are lots of folks here that would be willing to do that for you just as you would do for them if you were able (and there will be a time to pay it forward).

 

[bigjohnsd]

Pants, it could happen to any and all of us, probably why everyone always steps up when it happens to someone else. Good luck on the ride home, Ibuprofen is your friend!

 

[Redfish Hunter]

He is south of Amarillo Texas now and making his way toward Lafayette LA. I expect he will spend the night somewhere around Childress TX. I am proud that he is tough enough to drive the UHaul with a banged up knee and sore body.

 

[Cav47]

Talked to Pants on the phone a bit ago. One heck of a story and ride. I would never said a guy is lucky for crashing, but from his recount of what happened, he could have crashed at a whole lot of worse places. (I won't spoil his amazing details that I am sure he will chronically in another awesome ride report) He had Heavenly Angels watching out for him during the get off and human angels right after the crash. As Hunter said, he is doing well and really appreciates the tremendous outpouring of help. He will get home safe and sound.

 

[hppants]

I'm hoteled in Childress Texas. Cleaned my wounds and changed my dressings - don't particularly recommend that SOP for the group. Just ate a bucket of really good Texas BBQ. Now sipping on the rest f my tequila. Pain is subsiding as I type this. If the gods allow, I will be home to mama tomorrow night

In spite of my off, it's hard to discount the greatness of this trip. It truly was a bucket list trip and when I get my act together, I plan to write about it.

I can't express in words how much I appreciate your kind words and support. Several of you have called, texted, emailed, and pm-d. This is a great place and I'm proud to be a part of it.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Aw man...I'm glad you're getting close to home. I'm also glad you're feeling better, even if it's only a little. Enjoy your Tequila, and remember that tomorrow, things will be a little better.

 

[DesignFlaw06]

Well that sucks.

The scenery is hypnotizing. I was in awe of what was around me 2 weeks ago and it was easy to get distracted. The same was true on our southwest tour 3 years ago. Experiencing it on a motorcycle is euphoric. Those hypnotic moments have to be accounted for in the aggressiveness of your ride. Glad you're OK though. Hope you can evaluate, not dwell, on the past and learn from it for the future.

Perhaps there's a silver lining. Maybe now you don't have to worry about that rear drive oil snafu you had a while back causing any permanent damage?

Heal fast bud.

 

[RossKean]

'Pants

How much of your mishap would you attribute to cumulative fatigue after riding many long days in a row? I know that when I did my trip earlier this year, fatigue was one of the reasons I aborted in Utah; 9 days in and about a third of the planned distance. I was "on the clock" for the entire trip trying to complete an itinerary that was far too ambitious for the time I had available. I was finding that I wasn't able to maintain the care and attention that was needed to safely negotiate some of the more challenging roads and still trying to see stuff and enjoy the trip.

Ten years ago, it wouldn't have been an issue for me but now (at 60 yr) I realize that my limit is probably close to 600 miles/day for an extended trip and even that assumes decent roads and good weather.

 

[gixxerjasen]

How much of your mishap would you attribute to cumulative fatigue after riding many long days in a row? I know that when I did my trip earlier this year, fatigue was one of the reasons I aborted in Utah; 9 days in and about a third of the planned distance. I was "on the clock" for the entire trip trying to complete an itinerary that was far too ambitious for the time I had available. I was finding that I wasn't able to maintain the care and attention that was needed to safely negotiate some of the more challenging roads and still trying to see stuff and enjoy the trip.

So easy to do, especially someplace like Colorado by looking at a small number of twisty miles when you are used to long flat straight miles. I had to abort Day 4 plans on my trip thanks to fatigue from too aggressive planning.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I do not think Mr. Pants was suffering from fatigue, I think he was suffering from Sensory Overload. 'Pants is a very experienced motorcycle traveler and fully understands the difference between Interstate miles and twisty road miles. He did have to make some adjustments to the distances between services Out West but he caught on to that very quickly.

From what he told me, he was mostly distracted by the scenery. It is very easy to do Out West.

I was able to avoid getting distracted by adding a highly intelligent, personalized alarm system to my helmet. This alarm system alerts me when I become distracted by scenery such as mountains, canyons, aspen trees, and ladies in mini-skirts. It also alerts me if I leave my turn signal blinking, go too fast through a curve, or ride through a good photo opportunity. It was relatively simple to install. A simple Cardo ScalaRider G4 with my own Dear Old Dad on the other end and I have all the alarm system I could ever want.

 

[BigOgre]

From what he told me, he was mostly distracted by the scenery. It is very easy to do Out West.

It is very easy to do in a lot of places.

As been said, this bike of ours likes to keep us on the road and take us to great places we normally wouldn't get to. Because of that we constantly come across some really wonderful sights. Couldn't count how many times I yelled at myself to focus and pay attention to the road or if not, at least slow down and go into crawl mode. This could've happened to any one of us. I'm sure glad he'll be able to talk to us about it.