My first motorcycle accident and what I learned from the experience

I used to ride a long time ago when I lived in Phoenix, but I guess at the time it was not much of a thrill for me to ride. I decided that because I got tired of watching my rear view mirror at lights, and the crazy driving habits of cagers that I would sell the bike for my next VW bug. Well it’s about 20+ years later in the great state of Ohio, so I decided it was about time I get a new bike.

I took the basic rider learning course from the Ohio BMV as a refresher. Then, I found a great deal on a brand new 2013 VStar 650, picked up some riding gear and started riding. Within the first couple weeks I needed to take the bike in for it’s 600 mile service. I ride every day to work (4 mile one way) in rush hour downtown traffic and feel very comfortable.

On July 2nd, 2015 I decided to go out on a GeoCaching trip. I found a couple items in cemeteries out in the smaller towns and was heading for my third run. The backroads were about 55 mph and I saw a groundhog cross from my side of the road to the other a ways ahead of me. I started to slow down, as I know any wildlife can not be good to cross your path. The groundhog was going up and down the left side of the road like it had no idea where to go. I watched him carefully and thought I might be able to pass by him if he stayed on the other side of the road. I was at about 35 mph at the moment I came almost side by side with him until he darted back across the road to my side where I ran over him with the front tire. I must have been on the brake at the time as he ended up tipping my front wheel to the side which took my bike and caused it to lean left and the bike and I slide down the road on our left sides.

I was wearing my helmet, a synthetic jacket, my jeans and doc martin boots. No holes in my jeans or jacket and a small scratch on the helmet. I ended up with heat burns on my arm and elbow from the jacket sleeve and I think a seam in the jacket cut my elbow open. My injuries could have been worse without that jacket.

What I learned:

• * I probably should have had a long sleeve cotton shirt on under the jacket and it might have helped avoid the burns.
• * I forgot to wear my riding gloves and ended up getting a small gash on my right hand knuckles. So next time I will wear my gloves.
• * I wonder if I would have chosen to yank up on the handlebar if it would have allowed my front forks room to compress when I hit the groundhog and hopefully allow me to keep control from the wheel going sideways.
• * Good thing I was wearing my helmet as I likely would have had a gash on my head, because I remember seeing the road coming at me sideways while i was sliding on my left side.
• * I remember kicking the bike away from me, because I did not want it resting on my legs. When I got up I immediately hit the kill switch and took my gear off so I can see where I was injured. (right hand was bleeding pretty good).
• * I learned it is probably a good idea to ride with a friend when on the back roads. Luckily there was a few cars shortly after I wrecked.
• * In the future I might choose to almost stop and let the varmint choose what it wants to do and hopefully have opportunity to scare away. Although this would be hard to do when they come out the side of the road before you can see them.

Overall, I am healing good and the bike had minor damage. I was pretty lucky that day, as it could have been worse. Now I am just waiting for insurance to give the go ahead to fix the bike so I can get back on the road. Stay safe and wear your gear!