Motorcycle Season

The weather is cooling slightly so motorcycle riding is becoming an interest again. Here is my baby this morning: He has, however, been a little skiddish. He was in a motorcycle wreck last August that shook him a bit. It took him a couple months to recover. His accident was unpreventable. Consequently, it has made him feel like things can quickly turn for the worse at any time, without no fault of his own. This lack of control makes him nervous. Here's his story:

He was cruising at night with his aunt, ML, who also rides bikes. They were going over the ramp from I-15 to 515, no more than 45 mph. However, Frank was out front and hit an invisible oil spill that was about 50 yards long. The oil sent his bike sliding on its side and he was thrown off, skidding down the ramp. His aunt's bike was laid down as well right after him. Frank's helmet protected his head pretty good, so he consciously tried to arch his back off of the concrete and put as much pressure on his helmet as possible to lift his body. He wanted to protect his back and shoulders as much as he could by this method. After sliding for a significant distance, he realized that he was in danger of oncoming traffic. His thoughts panicked at the thought of getting run over. He tried maneuvering his body to roll towards the side, but in the process he was still struck by a big utility van. The mirror clipped his shoulder and threw him some more. He had so much gravel embedded in his wounds. It could not be removed. He had to just suffer through it. He had pain for months.

That evening, when I got a phone call from him, I happened to be at his mom's hotel room who was visiting. When I answered, he said, "Hunny, first off, I'm alright. Don't say anything while I'm telling you this. I don't want my mom to be upset. I got into a motorcycle accident and I need you to come down here (& gave me the location)." I'm responding with no concern in my voice and giving affirmative answers without alarming his mother. I tell her I have to leave and get home because it's late and quickly exit her room. (The reason for all this secrecy was because Frank's dad died on a motorcycle. His mom has always been worried that Frank would too. She never wanted him riding. As a matter of fact, there were times that she didn't even know he had a motorcycle...so you see the concern for her well being.). When I arrived on the scene, police and construction had the whole ramp blocked off. They were trying to put sand over the oil. Apparently, it was bad enough that even cars were sliding from it. One almost went over the railing. Anyway, Frank's aunt was in a frantic. Fortunately, my hubby was pretty calm.

This experience has made him aware that accidents can happen, even if you are a perfect driver and don't make mistakes. He feels that if HE had done something wrong, he would feel much safer because he could make adjustments. However, this was uncontrollable. Consequently, he feels a little cautious and nervous. But, he's back on his bike and enjoying the fall weather.