I crashed. Long story inside:
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
I crashed. Long story inside:
I was riding with a group of guys from R6MN in Ojai on highway 33. We had just met up at a local gas station and had only been riding for what seemed like 15 or 20 minutes. It was the first time I had been out there and I was dead set on not riding with a "pack mentality" or trying to keep up, so I let everyone go ahead and was the last in the group.
Approaching what I thought to be your standard left hander I braked and downshifted to second gear then leaned it in. As I entered the turn I was looking as far ahead as possible and opened the throttle, so far so good right? As I rounded the curve I saw that it was tightening up at the exit (decreasing radius) and panic braked! The bike stood up and I ran wide, straight into a gravel pull off area at about 30-35 and immediately the front end folded. I smashed into the ground shoulder first, then head. I slid on my back about 10 feet or so and landed softly in a dirt mound built up around the edge of a drop off! My bike also ended up sliding in to that same dirt mound and I say drop off because it wasn’t really a huge cliff but if my bike had slid down there the damage would have been way more extensive.
I cracked my clavicle and separated my shoulder. My first reaction was to run over to my bike and pick it up and when I tried to lift it the pain shot through my arm and f*cking reverberated up and down my body. At that point I just sat there and waited for the group to turn around.
Special thanks to everyone who helped me out. One of the group riders lived in Barstow and he was cool enough to ride home, get his truck, come back, pick me and my bike up, store my bike overnight at his place and then drop me off at the ER. If it wasn’t for him I would have been seriously effed. I really couldn’t thank him enough, but I filled his truck up with gas and kicked him down some t-shirts for him and his son. (I work at the Vans corporate office.)
Currently I have surfaced from the vicodin haze and am going to return to work next week. As far as the bike goes stay tuned for pictures, as I am storing the ride there in till I can get her fixed up. I have had a lot of time to think about the incident and have determined the following:
#1. I was riding to fast on a road I was not familiar with. This is not to say I was riding over my limit, but obviously it was still to fast because I let the turn “sneak up on me.” If you are newer to canyon riding please go extra slow and take an “observation run” before you do any sporting riding. If I had done this I may have avoided the accident.
#2. Look through the turn as much as possible. The second I started to run wide I panic braked and the first place I looked as the bike stood up was the gravel run off way to the outside of the road. Guess what? That’s where I ended up.
#3. Always wear your gear! I was wearing the bare minimum of my Dainese leather jacket with spine protector, Shoei X-11, A* gloves, Sidi Vertigos, and jeans. Luckily I didn’t slide on the concrete very long and sustained no road rash. My helmet on the other hand saved my life so always, always, always wear your gear.
All in all me and the bike will end up being OK and I know the accident will make me a better rider in the future.
-Aaron
Approaching what I thought to be your standard left hander I braked and downshifted to second gear then leaned it in. As I entered the turn I was looking as far ahead as possible and opened the throttle, so far so good right? As I rounded the curve I saw that it was tightening up at the exit (decreasing radius) and panic braked! The bike stood up and I ran wide, straight into a gravel pull off area at about 30-35 and immediately the front end folded. I smashed into the ground shoulder first, then head. I slid on my back about 10 feet or so and landed softly in a dirt mound built up around the edge of a drop off! My bike also ended up sliding in to that same dirt mound and I say drop off because it wasn’t really a huge cliff but if my bike had slid down there the damage would have been way more extensive.
I cracked my clavicle and separated my shoulder. My first reaction was to run over to my bike and pick it up and when I tried to lift it the pain shot through my arm and f*cking reverberated up and down my body. At that point I just sat there and waited for the group to turn around.
Special thanks to everyone who helped me out. One of the group riders lived in Barstow and he was cool enough to ride home, get his truck, come back, pick me and my bike up, store my bike overnight at his place and then drop me off at the ER. If it wasn’t for him I would have been seriously effed. I really couldn’t thank him enough, but I filled his truck up with gas and kicked him down some t-shirts for him and his son. (I work at the Vans corporate office.)
Currently I have surfaced from the vicodin haze and am going to return to work next week. As far as the bike goes stay tuned for pictures, as I am storing the ride there in till I can get her fixed up. I have had a lot of time to think about the incident and have determined the following:
#1. I was riding to fast on a road I was not familiar with. This is not to say I was riding over my limit, but obviously it was still to fast because I let the turn “sneak up on me.” If you are newer to canyon riding please go extra slow and take an “observation run” before you do any sporting riding. If I had done this I may have avoided the accident.
#2. Look through the turn as much as possible. The second I started to run wide I panic braked and the first place I looked as the bike stood up was the gravel run off way to the outside of the road. Guess what? That’s where I ended up.
#3. Always wear your gear! I was wearing the bare minimum of my Dainese leather jacket with spine protector, Shoei X-11, A* gloves, Sidi Vertigos, and jeans. Luckily I didn’t slide on the concrete very long and sustained no road rash. My helmet on the other hand saved my life so always, always, always wear your gear.
All in all me and the bike will end up being OK and I know the accident will make me a better rider in the future.
-Aaron
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: More Rock, Less Talk., CA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (EKsite)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EKsite »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I#1. I was riding to fast on a road I was not familiar with. This is not to say I was riding over my limit, but obviously it was still to fast because I let the turn “sneak up on me.” If you are newer to canyon riding please go extra slow and take an “observation run” before you do any sporting riding. If I had done this I may have avoided the accident.
#2. Look through the turn as much as possible. The second I started to run wide I panic braked and the first place I looked as the bike stood up was the gravel run off way to the outside of the road. Guess what? That’s where I ended up.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
#1 a must. Even on "familiar" territory conditions are always subject to change.
#2 is key for fast smooth turns. Buy out extra reaction time.
+#4 don't crash far from home.
#2. Look through the turn as much as possible. The second I started to run wide I panic braked and the first place I looked as the bike stood up was the gravel run off way to the outside of the road. Guess what? That’s where I ended up.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
#1 a must. Even on "familiar" territory conditions are always subject to change.
#2 is key for fast smooth turns. Buy out extra reaction time.
+#4 don't crash far from home.
My Name is Nobody
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,438
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (EKsite)
great riding up there in ojai and north of ojai (last time duy and I were up that way we ran into jay leno)... you are right in assuming all responsibility, (your analysis seems spot on) I am so sorry to hear of the loss of control and consequent injuries. How big was the group you were riding with? had you ridden with them before? I always prefer smaller groups... 3-5 riders, you are mobile in a group that size and emotions are much more in check.
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ventura County, Ca, United States
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (MSchu)
I know that road well. Its a very dangerous yet highly popular sport bike cruise. Its a lot of fun but there are crosses on the side of the road for a reason. Lots of bikers have lost their life up there. Glad to hear your ok. 
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My Name is Nobody
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,438
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (Z Darkside)
I don't find 33 overly or even marginally dangerous, we/I ride/have riden much more dangerous roads than the 33. but its all perspective so...
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ventura County, Ca, United States
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (MSchu)
Well the danger lies in the scenery. You can get distracted pretty easily by looking through the canyons and then find yourself in a decreasing radius turn. Heading up the 33 going north after you pass through town, the first real hard lefthander catches a lot of people by suprise. There is a big gravel turn out on the right side and a ravine over the guard rail. I have come up to this turn at least 3 times only to see a rider picking his bike up out of the dirt or to find a rider's bike trashed with his buddies waiting with the bike while a good samaratin brings the rider to the ER.
Here's the remnants of a R1, took all the pieces and put is next to a sign he took out. His buddies were to the right and declied to be in pic. lol
Here's the remnants of a R1, took all the pieces and put is next to a sign he took out. His buddies were to the right and declied to be in pic. lol
My Name is Nobody
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,438
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (Z Darkside)
it is certainly beautiful up there... in addition to the equation your offering (and I agree with you to an extent) there is the value of HP and it's thoughtful, or in some cases thoughtless use. I've gone down and ALMOST gone many times, and invariably it is ALWAYS the thoughtless use of throttle that makes the instance poignant
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Durt Burg, WV, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (MSchu)
You have to learn, lean further. If by some chance you are going fast enough for the bike to be leaning beyond it's limits and catching hard parts a low siding, it's going to probably be much better for you ((Assuming the gear is correct)) to slide it out and possibly through the turn, rather than stand it up and risk going off a cliff, whether it be 10ft or 100ft or 1000ft.
And you'll probably not be going fast enough to touch down parts on a panic lean like that...
Trust your machine, because it's probably better at staying on the road then you are.
And I think the number one reason of crashes I hear about or see, that are one person sportbike wrecks, are decreasing radius turns.
We did a noob ride with about 40 people and 5-6 groups. The second to last group was on the very last real turn on the mountain coming down, before the rest of the semi straight and slow ride home. It was an unmarked decreasing radius (which I take responsibility for as the ride organizer) that starts out nice and wide and gets sharp quick. A noob on a ninja 250 got caught off gaurd and panic braked the bike to the gravel on the side of the rode and laid the bike down, causing the semi experienced rider behind her to catch her bike because he was coming in too hot and too close to do anything. And it's a good thing the guard rail was there....this was probably a good 100yrds or so up the side of the mountain.
And you'll probably not be going fast enough to touch down parts on a panic lean like that...
Trust your machine, because it's probably better at staying on the road then you are.
And I think the number one reason of crashes I hear about or see, that are one person sportbike wrecks, are decreasing radius turns.
We did a noob ride with about 40 people and 5-6 groups. The second to last group was on the very last real turn on the mountain coming down, before the rest of the semi straight and slow ride home. It was an unmarked decreasing radius (which I take responsibility for as the ride organizer) that starts out nice and wide and gets sharp quick. A noob on a ninja 250 got caught off gaurd and panic braked the bike to the gravel on the side of the rode and laid the bike down, causing the semi experienced rider behind her to catch her bike because he was coming in too hot and too close to do anything. And it's a good thing the guard rail was there....this was probably a good 100yrds or so up the side of the mountain.
My Name is Nobody
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,438
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (SlowB16si)
here's the crux of the biscuit... if you whittle it down to the bare essentials, you have to try and make the corner... period. Baring road blockage, anything less is an over reaction, or a non reaction. In my history (when I was young) I certainly have been victum to this traget fixation or freezing in the face of danger, but we all know this is not the way to react. training yourself to overcome can take years/miles for many.
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Durt Burg, WV, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (MSchu)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">here's the crux of the biscuit... if you whittle it down to the bare essentials, you have to try and make the corner... period. Baring road blockage, anything less is an over reaction, or a non reaction. In my history (when I was young) I certainly have been victum to this traget fixation or freezing in the face of danger, but we all know this is not the way to react. training yourself to overcome can take years/miles for many.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Like last weekend....I went too hot into a tight turn that ended up having gravel all down the middle of it, geared too high, went to down shift before the turn and made it into....nuetral?...Atleast I had the sense to ease onto the brakes as I was leaned all the way over, just enough to get the bike to the correct speed and come out of the turn on my side of the road and in one piece.
Like last weekend....I went too hot into a tight turn that ended up having gravel all down the middle of it, geared too high, went to down shift before the turn and made it into....nuetral?...Atleast I had the sense to ease onto the brakes as I was leaned all the way over, just enough to get the bike to the correct speed and come out of the turn on my side of the road and in one piece.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Aliso Viejo, Ca, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (RC51WV)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RC51WV »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">geared too high, went to down shift before the turn and made it into....nuetral?</TD></TR></TABLE>
So you were in second and looking for 1st?
You're better off leaving the bike in the higher gear. It's better to be out of the powerband than to be out of the power.
So you were in second and looking for 1st?
You're better off leaving the bike in the higher gear. It's better to be out of the powerband than to be out of the power.
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From: With my POS D15B2, Whereever whenever, United States
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (Jasper_db1)
It happens, it kind of sounds that when you braked and paniced, you high sided
however, the best way to approach it after reading would have to counter steer and leaned the **** out of it
good luck in the repairs
It happens to everyone, especially when they're beginners and even novice
glad you are alright
however, the best way to approach it after reading would have to counter steer and leaned the **** out of it
good luck in the repairs
It happens to everyone, especially when they're beginners and even novice
glad you are alright
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Aliso Viejo, Ca, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (MugenHonda)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MugenHonda »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It happens to everyone, especially when they're beginners and even novice</TD></TR></TABLE>
Even the Doctor crashes
Even the Doctor crashes
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From: With my POS D15B2, Whereever whenever, United States
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (Jasper_db1)
lol thats messed up, i know, rossi should have won, what a squid move.
Lol the first time i went down i lowsided.
it's disgusting when you realize how low you can really go, however, there are so many more attirbutes to keeping it on the road, traction, sand, etc.
Lol the first time i went down i lowsided.
it's disgusting when you realize how low you can really go, however, there are so many more attirbutes to keeping it on the road, traction, sand, etc.
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Durt Burg, WV, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (Jasper_db1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jasper_db1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
So you were in second and looking for 1st?
You're better off leaving the bike in the higher gear. It's better to be out of the powerband than to be out of the power.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I would have been at less than 1k rpm, which is low, even for the rc51 and the bike chugging could have been more dangerous then coasting through.
So you were in second and looking for 1st?
You're better off leaving the bike in the higher gear. It's better to be out of the powerband than to be out of the power.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I would have been at less than 1k rpm, which is low, even for the rc51 and the bike chugging could have been more dangerous then coasting through.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (SHORTBUS.)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SHORTBUS. »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">+#4 don't crash far from home. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah tell me about it. Luckily I had peoplpe that went out of thier way to help.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">great riding up there in ojai and north of ojai (last time duy and I were up that way we ran into jay leno)... you are right in assuming all responsibility, (your analysis seems spot on) I am so sorry to hear of the loss of control and consequent injuries. How big was the group you were riding with? had you ridden with them before? I always prefer smaller groups... 3-5 riders, you are mobile in a group that size and emotions are much more in check. </TD></TR></TABLE>
There was a good 15-20 bikes and it was the 1st time I had ridden with most of them. My emotions were in check, I just made a mistake and paid for it. Im pretty sure if I had just trusted the bike like others have mentioned I might have made it. Live and learn right Shuey?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RC51WV »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You have to learn, lean further. If by some chance you are going fast enough for the bike to be leaning beyond it's limits and catching hard parts a low siding, it's going to probably be much better for you ((Assuming the gear is correct)) to slide it out and possibly through the turn, rather than stand it up and risk going off a cliff, whether it be 10ft or 100ft or 1000ft.
And you'll probably not be going fast enough to touch down parts on a panic lean like that...
Trust your machine, because it's probably better at staying on the road then you are.
And I think the number one reason of crashes I hear about or see, that are one person sportbike wrecks, are decreasing radius turns.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Im sure your prob right. Again, live and learn!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ouch man. Separated shoulder and broken clavicle? I'm going through a broken clavicle right now.
What kind of sling do they have you in?
Good luck with the healing process man.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Its just the standard type sling. My doctor mentioned the figure of 8 but after looking at the Xrays determined that if I just mind my posture everyting should heal up ok. It does seem like its gonna take forever though! Thnxs for your concern!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MugenHonda »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It happens, it kind of sounds that when you braked and paniced, you high sided
however, the best way to approach it after reading would have to counter steer and leaned the **** out of it
good luck in the repairs
It happens to everyone, especially when they're beginners and even novice
glad you are alright</TD></TR></TABLE>
I deffinately did not high side. When the bike hit the gravel I instantly lowsided, and yeah it does happen to everyone eventually. It took me 20,000 miles before this happened!
Thanks for everyones well wishes, I will get the pics up when I can. The damage really is'nt that bad, I consider myself lucky all the way around.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Yeah tell me about it. Luckily I had peoplpe that went out of thier way to help.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">great riding up there in ojai and north of ojai (last time duy and I were up that way we ran into jay leno)... you are right in assuming all responsibility, (your analysis seems spot on) I am so sorry to hear of the loss of control and consequent injuries. How big was the group you were riding with? had you ridden with them before? I always prefer smaller groups... 3-5 riders, you are mobile in a group that size and emotions are much more in check. </TD></TR></TABLE>
There was a good 15-20 bikes and it was the 1st time I had ridden with most of them. My emotions were in check, I just made a mistake and paid for it. Im pretty sure if I had just trusted the bike like others have mentioned I might have made it. Live and learn right Shuey?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RC51WV »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You have to learn, lean further. If by some chance you are going fast enough for the bike to be leaning beyond it's limits and catching hard parts a low siding, it's going to probably be much better for you ((Assuming the gear is correct)) to slide it out and possibly through the turn, rather than stand it up and risk going off a cliff, whether it be 10ft or 100ft or 1000ft.
And you'll probably not be going fast enough to touch down parts on a panic lean like that...
Trust your machine, because it's probably better at staying on the road then you are.
And I think the number one reason of crashes I hear about or see, that are one person sportbike wrecks, are decreasing radius turns.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Im sure your prob right. Again, live and learn!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ouch man. Separated shoulder and broken clavicle? I'm going through a broken clavicle right now.
What kind of sling do they have you in?
Good luck with the healing process man.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Its just the standard type sling. My doctor mentioned the figure of 8 but after looking at the Xrays determined that if I just mind my posture everyting should heal up ok. It does seem like its gonna take forever though! Thnxs for your concern!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MugenHonda »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It happens, it kind of sounds that when you braked and paniced, you high sided
however, the best way to approach it after reading would have to counter steer and leaned the **** out of it
good luck in the repairs
It happens to everyone, especially when they're beginners and even novice
glad you are alright</TD></TR></TABLE>
I deffinately did not high side. When the bike hit the gravel I instantly lowsided, and yeah it does happen to everyone eventually. It took me 20,000 miles before this happened!
Thanks for everyones well wishes, I will get the pics up when I can. The damage really is'nt that bad, I consider myself lucky all the way around.
My Name is Nobody
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,438
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (EKsite)
well I sure hope your going to be okay, a tip over like yours... that far away from home can be very traumatizing, emotionally and financially. did the group give you any support after you went down?
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From: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Re: I crashed. Long story inside: (MSchu)
Yeah they pulled over and made sure I was OK. Then like I said this guy Joe totally went out of his way and got his truck and stored the bike etc. Then a handfull of dudes stayed with me in till he got back to pick me and the bike up. As far as emotionally Im good. I want to get back to riding asap. I did feel like a total bone head when it happened. I was "that guy" you know what I mean? Another dude did crash but not in the same spot. Alot of the guys were over it after the second dude went down. Financially I have health ins so Im good on that thank god. Im still deciding wether or not I will fix the bike via ins claim or try to get her fixed up myself. Will a single "car" accident raise my rates?