Fatal Motorcycle Crash

No GRiSO content, but posting this on several Guzzi sites and sent email to same effect to folks I know:

Yesterday was a tragic day for another motorcyclist.

Kathi and I had gone to Lexington, Virginia, on a spur-of-the-moment anniversary getaway.  She was in the Mini; I, on the EV.  I got a great fall ride in; we both walked the BRP for a few miles.  It’s a lovely area at near-peak fall foliage time.  It was a very nice overnighter.

My return ride became a nightmare.  

After I left Lexington and did a few miles on SR 39 — a great twisting delight I knew well — I turned north on SR 252.  This was a “new road” for me.  After a few great miles, I caught up with two cruiser riders.  These guys were skilled, and it was fun following them on a road that they clearly knew well.  The first guy set a fine pace and his lines through all curves were textbook examples.  The second rider did the same.  I did not once see a misstep; following them kept me from mistakes, too.

Then, just after we had all topped a hill with a right-hand curve, and were through that turn, the second rider inexplicably went off the road into a ditch, was tossed from the motorcycle, became a flailing rag-doll, and hit a telephone pole. He was alive when I got to him, but unconscious.  

His buddy — they appeared to be in their ’50’s, and had known each other since the third grade — was composed but understandably distraught.  The downed rider died before EMS and LEO’s arrived.  

I should add that all Augusta County first responders — the state trooper (in charge of the scene); deputy sheriffs; and EMS personnel — were at the scene in astonishing times and were all very professional.

Yes, the unfortunate rider wore a helmet, but no ATGATT — “All The Gear All The Time” for non-motorcyclists getting this; Kathi and I always wear it, plus Helite airbag vests.  That said, I doubt that any amount of protective gear would have saved him.

Difficult to “unsee" or forget that afternoon.

Here's the brief news story and "not graphic" pix of mine of the aftermath.  The second pic shows the hill, curve, ditch, pole, and ruts from the motorcycle’s entry.  I can only speculate that he had a medical event or fell into the “target fixation” trap.  
 
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How quickly an otherwise great day on a motorcycle can become a sad afternoon on a country road.

Bill

P.S.  Yes, I will continue to ride, but add this experience to my reasons to be vigilant.

heavy stuff. i've seen some accidents but non fatal luckily. Little oops moments we all have (had) but most of them end up with brown undies at the most. I never understood the riding without gear, but i guess here in europe sitting on your bike with t-shirt and flipflop is frowned upon so most ride with all the gear (plus we got shit weather most of the time ) i usually feel uncomfy when riding in jeans instead of my bikerpants. So when i do (+30 degrees C) i only drive in town to work and avoid highways. So of my US friend have other opinions about that (even after they crashed with no helmet on and broke his skull). I guess its what you are used to and get told/what friends are doing etc.

Bill,
That’s a harsh event to experience & remember.
A sobering memory for all involved.
Tim

Wow!
This looks like an unlikely place for such a grim result! This is something I've always kept in mind when riding on any "curvy" road far from home (I'm in Florida). Sometimes the joy of feeling the bike distracts you just enough to reach an "Oh,s..t" moment. My nightmare scenario always involves ARMCO barriers or trees.
These poor rider payed the ultimate price, may the good Lord rest his soul.
Gaucho

Very sad. These things do happen sometimes for no obvious reason, it hard to say much more. I do hope you and those at the scene find solace as these events can linger in the mind.
I wish you well

This is a very sad story, Bill. My heart goes out to his family. Terrible. I hope you are doing well, as, like you write, one cannot 'unsee' such a scene.

Very sad indeed. After a couple of near fatal misses in my younger years I ALWAYS dress as though I am going to come off. Uncomfortable beats dead every time.

It’s an awful thing and I’m very sorry you had to witness it. It definitely sounds like a medical event. Be safe everyone and don’t skip your annual health checks.

This is a tragic & sobering reminder to us all. It can happen to any of us.

Bill, look after yourself, and to all of us, "be careful out there".

Bill,

I'm sorry you had to see that. I witnessed a crash once, not fatal, fortunately, but many years later I can still see every second of it replaying in my brain.  I'm a believer in full gear too, but it may not have saved this poor guy. Tragic. Glad you weren't hurt.

Be well, be safe.

Pete

Always sad to see/hear of these things. Condolences to all concerned - not pretty.

I know it is small consolation but he went doing something he loved, which is what I would prefer for myself, though this fact is lost on significant others, especially at the time.

Full gear ALL the time - Agreed!

Hello Bill
Greetings from Tasmania ...
Sorry to hear your story ......bummer ...frightening experience ...
Look after yourself, stay tuned to your stress and get some help accordingly.
Regards

Bill,
this was indeed tragic. I hope our families will be spared anything similar.

Must be traumatic for you, too. Trust you will work it out.

Yes, our margins are small, we're so vulnerable. What a reminder this is.

Thanks to all for the comments.

I'm hardly traumatized by this, but certainly reflective about all sorts of things. But, I'll be out again this morning for the D.C.-Md. brunch. Then, as Kathi will be in Erie Sunday 'til Wednesday, again during that time.  

I have just learned, BTW, that the deceased rider in the incident I posted about, above, had a son ...

... who died in a motorcycle crash in 2016!  

And his buddy, who led our little trio, watched his own brother die on a dirt bike when they were teens!  

Bill

When things go sideways, everything happens so fast.  Yet when you are "in" it, it all moves so slowly, including your own response.  Sometimes there's no figuring the how and why.  I guess the best answer is to be as prepared as possible when your number comes up.

Very sorry to hear that story Bill.
I sincerely hope you, the surviving rider, and the families are doing OK.
An awful thing to witness.

I'm sending you all positive waves toward safe travels.
- There but for the grace of God go we.

Very sad, rest in piece.

Everytime I get on my Guzzi I remind myself that "rider error" is the #1 cause of motorcycle accidents.
Just because it's a great day on a great road with no cars doesn't mean I don't have to pay attention.
Thanks for the post, you reminded me once again.

Very sad. Good thoughts to the family. I recently had a moment's distraction that resulted in a serious "tank slapper" on the Triple Nickel in Ohio. My son was following and described it to me, two lines of gravel, my back wheel veered into one and slid, caught traction and tried to send the bike the other way. I was being careful, only going about 30-35 mph. I must have looked away for a micro second.
Everyone be extra careful now with fall leaves.