I'm OK, just a sore leg from lifting the bike - silly, really. When I saw how this guy was driving - too fast on a narrow rustic road - I had the most reaction time and came to a stop at the edge of the road at the grass. He didn't slow at all and musta thought the mailbox looked purtier than my head, so he swerved and aimed for me.
The lay down was really just that - a zero mph quick, but easy drop on the right side in the grass. I stayed on two feet and only got a grass stain on my engine guard. I'll definitely take that over any number of other potential outcomes for the three of us.
I do think that Jimbo and Ken had it tougher; they had to negotiate this guy while still moving. His erratic swerving was actually very deliberate. He was focused only on the nicely painted mailboxes while completely ignoring the one little favor that we were asking of him "Hey, if its not too much trouble for ya, please don't kill us".
(The mailboxes remained intact ... good job!)The driver stopped in a pretty short distance - much shorter than the time it would have taken for him to slow down for us if he had chosen. He only came over once I had the bike back up and Ken and Jimbo were already checking on me. I'm sure he only stayed in the cab to call 9-1-1 and arrange to surrender his drivers license once they arrived (yeah ... that must be it). Pleasantries were exchanged (well, he was pretty amused anyway) and, after bike and rider were checked out, we were on our way. We did have to stop a bit further down the road to adjust and "wrench down" the handlebars. (I think more from me lifting than from the bike dropping; nothing hit but the Lindby bar.)
A big thanks to Jimbo and Ken both
; a rotten, adrenaline rush incident was much better with their concern, rider and bike health check, and encouragement! I do thank them both but, really, this is what I've seen with all of our chapter members. Kathy and I have really enjoyed this group and the good times and rides we have all shared. The encouragement and respect we show each other is very much appreciated. I only hope I can return a fraction of what I've received. ... Starting with this bit of advice: Don't play chicken or joust with combines or other farm vehicles, they are much better at it (well maybe not better - just much more effective!).
Now aside from all that, this was a minor bump on an otherwise great day. The weather was just about perfect and Ken has some really nice roads picked out for us. Hansons Holdup is the same great destination with the same great food. We are looking forward to this ride in a week and a half.
