To make a long story short, my friend, Taylor Cook of Middlebury, VT, an avid biker for 7 years, died Friday, July 19th, 2002 at 6:25 PM after a 17 year old girl lost control of her Blazer, went sideways and into his lane, killing him instantly.

He had just bought a used GSX1100 (or something like that) and was on it for the 2nd time. He was a great rider- always in control, never took any chances, and always knew what the bike would do. But you can be the best rider in the world wearing the best gear in the world, but when you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, there's not a damn thing you can do.

The girl is being charged as an adult with vehicular manslaughter.

Please... everyone... Don't be a squid. Unlike in a car, you only get one shot, and even then, sometimes that's not enough. To all that are thinking about getting a 600cc+ bike for their first bike- please, think about it and talk to real riders in person and not here about it. You can kill yourself on a moped.

This has been the hardest post I've ever typed on any discussion board. Up to this point, it's taken me 15 minutes because I have a hard time seeing the monitor. I'd like to ask all of you to take a ride this weekend to your favorite scenic outlook and stop for a few minutes... just a few... and enjoy the view and think about Taylor, who died at 23 doing what he loved best, and just how fragile you all are. Think about how easily a life is snuffed out. Think about how many people would be hurt if you didn't make it home. Think. Just think.

Taylor, this one's for you, man... Ride on, bro.

 

I'm really sorry,
I hate hearing these kinds of stories, especially when it isn't because of riders carelessness.

and to all you wanna be new riders remember, the girl in the blazer probably felt absolutly nothing, why the motorcyclist is now dead. Cars aren't like bikes period, you hardly ever get a second chance when something goes wrong on a bike.

Agian, I'm sorry about your buddy, I hope he gets do keep doing what he loved, wherever he is now.

 

He was a ski patroller at a local ski hill and that's where his funeral was today. I rode up with his mom, and on the way up, she sorta whispered, "Taylor, show me a sign that you're OK..." After the funeral, we were hugging and sobbing collectively, when someone noticed a rainbow centered almost perfectly over a trail called the Allen, Taylors favorite trail. It was bigger than any rainbow I'd ever seen, and you could clearly see every color in it.

It was mostly sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky.

 

you're making me cry man, thanks for raising the overall awareness. to you for honoring your friend

 

wow I am sorry, may he rest in peace

 

RIP

 

Reading this, I felt it inside. Yes, it makes you think. Guys, be careful out there!!

Thanks,
Victor Perri II <--who is in the process of learning to ride...carefully and cautiously

 

It's always a tradgety when we lose a fellow rider.
condolences to you and Taylors family.
He probably lived more in his 23 years than most do in a lifetime...

 

someday i am just gonna have to sell it.

 

Sorry to hear about your friend...RIP, Taylor

 

so sorry to hear that. my deepest condolances to all.
makes me think carefully about wanting to learn how to ride....


godspeed, taylor

 

isnt it just sad that real responsible people die tragically and these ******* moron jackwads doin headstandes on their bikes live to thr tipe old age of 90....i think someone needs to give god a bott in the *** cos hes got things backwards as hell...

 

i've lost two very close friends in 3 years on bikes. it's never easy to deal with. ride safe and remember them, they're riding upstairs with ya
-Scary

 

Wow, Im sorry that you lost a friend. It really makes me think twice about buying a bike next year which i was planning to do.I live in Burlington,VT and all my friends see huge sportbikes go by and say "im getting one of those" and this is from guys who have never riden before.But it's a sad fact that alot of people do not think about motorcycle rider's on the road. Once again im sorry for you and your friends family.

 

Sorry to hear about your friend. You are right about whatever your skilll level is as a rider it is the motorists out there that are the most unpredictable ones. Ride safe everyone and keep on eye out.