Last Friday (my birthday) I was riding home from work on a hot sunny day in So Cal sluggy traffic and the car in front of me slammed on its brakes and locked up its wheels. I grabbed my brakes and turned my handlebars to swerve into the median and next thing I new I was on the ground! I jumped up and picked up my R* like it was nothing and pushed it off the freeway praying no one would run me over. God had his angels watching over me cause I didn't have my jacket (thought I didn't need it when it was 102degrees )
I checked myself over had a nasty roadrash on my arm and knee and my ankle was sore but, I was ok. I checked my bike over found the engine guard did it's job protecting me and my bike it took almost all the damage, some scrapes on the bag and the rear pulley and the floorboard bracket. I was able to ride it home.
I learned two things that day. #1 NEVER ride without your jacket no matter how hot! #2 I will ALWAYS have an engine guard on my bike. I feel so stupid for dumping my bike like that but very fortunate it wasn't worse! I guess I joined the Have Club now.

Wow! Glad you are ok! That must have freaked you out ... would me.

What at bummer I've had the road rash too. Wow, does it hurt. Not only a jacket is needed but gloves too. I learned the value of leather gloves the hard way. I always wear 'em now. Hope you and the bike recover soon!

BT

Glad to hear it ended up to be minor.

Like BT I alway wear gloves. I find that when I on occasion move my bike without them on it feels wrong.

Doc

Sorry to hear about your spill, glad it wasn't worse.

Riding gear is important but I'd be dehydrated in a couple miles if I wore a jacket around here during the summer.

Riding gear is important but I'd be dehydrated in a couple miles if I wore a jacket around here during the summer.
Actually, you dehydrate quicker without a jacket because the wind wicks away any prespiration imediately. When the temps get above 95 here, I soak my t-shirt and dew rag in water before I leave work. 30 miles later, when I pull into my driveway, I'm still cool, and my shirt is still damp.

Like BT I alway wear gloves. I find that when I on occasion move my bike without them on it feels wrong.

Yeah I always wear my gloves but, sitting in traffic I almost pass out with my jacket on sooooo I didn't put it on. I am looking into a mesh/summer jacket.

Everyone Thanks for the concern

BTDT...glad you and the scoot are all right! Personally, I wear gloves all the time, usually fingerless in the summer...but I do not always wear a jacket... 95&deg and 95% humidity is not uncommon here in the summer and I'd die sitting in traffic all leathered up.

Regards, Ted

Glad you were not hurt too severly! Chrome and saddlebags can be replaced, but our bodies are a different story and, the older we get, the longer it takes to recover!

I saw a guy the other day driving a "zip and splat" wearing shorts, flip-flops, no shirt, no gloves and one of those non-DOT approved Nazi replica helmets. He was driving fast and weaving in and out of traffic too! All I could say was that he was a lot braver and (possibly) dumber than me!

I always wear jeans, gloves, good shoes and a DOT/SNELL approved helmet. I know the risk of not wearing a leather coat each time I ride, but I just cannot do that in the Summer....too hot! I try to mitigate the risk somewhat by being extra careful (i.e., no floorboard scrapping), taking good maintenance care of the bike and driving defensively. I also offer up a prayer before each ride!

Smhowse, been there done that. Lady pulled out in front of me back in 99, I t-boned her at 45 , and proceed to do my best impression of Superman straight into the asphalt. HER fault. It was a cold month , so I had on all my gear, and got away with nothing more than a broken thumb (pinching the brakes). Glad you are OK, and yes , a mesh jacket should be in your future. They are not as hot as some would lead you to believe. I am guilty of riding with out it sometimes, but then these stories remind me of why I bought summer gear. I too always have gloves on, as you naturally reach out with your hands to stop yourself, the hands can be turned into ground beef without them. Hope your R* is easy to repair as well. I have found that in many states (been to 36 on a bike , including yours) the median is full of trash and sand, which could explain why you went down anyway. Still, glad you are alright.BB<br><br>Post edited by: Big Bear, at: 2007/08/28 23:18