This is why you always look where you want to go... http://www.donwrightdesigns.com/proofs/ninjacrash/ So yesterday my roommate (Don) and I meet up with a couple of people I knew from college to go for a ride. (We have never ridden together before). After exchanging greetings while fueling the bikes we set off up TN hwy 53. Forest is leading the pack on his wife's new Ninja 600, his wife Bonnie is next on her old Ninja 250, I'm next on my RC51, and finally Don on my VFR. Forest sets a very scenic pace, not too fast but an enjoyable ride. After 20 minute or so we come to hwy 96 to Center Hill Dam (it is a great road) and I've had enough of the scenic pace so I take the lead. (Yes we did have a conversation about riding your own pace and where we would be stopping next). So Forest and I take off while Bonnie hangs back because Don got stuck behind a cage. Well as soon as we make to the Dam we get the call..."some one's gone down you guys need to come back." Well because Bonnie called I'm thinking Don has dump my bike.(not a big deal...he's on my insurance) When I round the corner I'm relieved to see Don and Bonnie standing on the side of the road, unhurt, laughing of all things and the icing on the cake is there was my 04 on the shoulder without a scratch on her. The Ninja however was TRASHED! Don was right behind her when it happened and later recounted his story to me. He said she was looking good in the turn then in less than a second the rear tire lost traction. Bonnie hit the road on her hands and chest doing about 40 mph. She slid down the road, across the gravel shoulder, and disappeared down a 25 foot drop off that slops at about 70 degrees (in other words it was steep a hell). She some how missed every single tree. Thank god she was fully geared up...helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. Her knee pads, gloves, and jacket were chewed to hell but not a scratch on her helmet and just a few small bruises. The Ninja on the other hand hit one tree then smashed against another. Bonnie said what happened is she felt she entered the turn a little fast and became fixated on how steep the drop off was and how she didn't want go off the road. Instead of focusing on where she wanted to go she focused on the where she didn't want to go, chopped the power, and lost the bike. My hat is off the Bonnie...she took the entire accident in stride and was completely composed. After we decided we need to get my truck and about 30 ft of chain to pull her bike out she says, "I know a motorcycle wreck tends to bum everyone out but we don't have to stop riding. I'll just ride on the back with my husband." PRICELESS!! All's well that ends well. Bonnie learned the hard way to always look where you want to go but she's eager to get back in the saddle and I'm looking forward to riding many more miles with my new friends. And with a stroke of irony I checked my mail when we went to get my truck and what was mixed in with the junk mail...a promotion card from Kawasaki offer $1800 off and 1.99% financing on new Ninjas!! I figured she needed it more than I did.
Wow, glad to hear that ended somewhat well except for some rashed gear and a banged up Ninja. Good on Bonnie for wanting to keep goin to, my helmet is off to her!
Training not going to save you, Experience count...........Thanks for sharing the story, Glad your friend Bonnie make it out un harm. Great story when no one hurt.
She's still just as excited as ever about riding...she's ready to get back on a bike. I tell you I couldn't believe how well she handled the accident. I would have been in the worst mood ever if I just trashed one of my bikes.
