Since my last posting, we have turned the corner on a new year.
Here are some thoughts to update you on my life.
Natalie and I have made yet another trip to west KY. We traveled by plane this time,
which in my mind is the WORST way to travel! I think that makes 5 or 6 separate trips
I made there within 10 months!
I have NOT purchased a bike yet. I've looked, but not purchased. I have not gone
back to work, and am just continuing to put off the bike purchase until I start working
again. Again, too much uncertainty here at the present time to writing a check for a
new bike!
I have heard from several of the folks I met along the way.
My Canadian friends, Jacob and Kathy, have called me several times.
They even spent the night in Eugene (twice) while on the west coast
visiting relatives. We met for coffee one morning. It was good to see them.
Two guys I met in Maine were on a 2 week tour of the northeast. They were from
Boston, MA. One of them called me after the first of the year. They just wanted to
check in and see how the trip ended. They are coming to the west coast here this year.
I met a locksmith and his wife at the cog railway at Mt. Washington, NH. He has called
me since I got home. I have received multiple emails from others I met along the way.
I have had one opportunity to speak about my trip since coming home. I spoke at a
Campus Life group in Feb. I shared photos and stories of the trip. I have another opportunity
this coming week to speak to the senior citizens at my church of the trip. Coming up in May,
a local Rotary club also wants to see a presentation. I love doing this and welcome the
opportunities to talk about it.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Final thoughts on a great trip!
Dec. 19th, 2007 Final thoughts...
These are the final notes on the tremendous trip I had this summer,
from July 24 until it ended on October 24, 2007.
It has been nearly 2 months since my little "mishap" on Oct. 24th.
It has been about 5 weeks since I returned home to Oregon on Nov. 11th.
The rain is POURING down here, and has been for days. Another storm
is out in the Pacific, promising to dump even MORE rain on us over the next week.
There is no riding going on here in the near future.
A NEW BIKE & A NEW TRIP
I have received my check from the insurance company. Sure, I wish it had been a little more, but I think they were "fair" to me. However the whole process was a little frustrating and overwhelming. I won't be going into the insurance biz anytime soon!
Yesterday I received the current issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine with a preview of all the 2008 bikes. Over 100 models, in all sizes (primarily cruisers/tourers) and brands are included. I've made no decisions, and probably won't until springtime. As for the new trip, or finishing the old one, a decision on that will have to wait. There are too many things "up in the air" about our future here in Eugene, OR. But I will definitely ride again! The 50mph "get off" was not bad enough to scare me away from the joy of riding! I've talked to folks since my accident, that have had 2, even 3 mishaps, who still ride. Those who ride, you know what I'm talking about!
Yes, to some, the risk IS worth the reward!
ADJUSTING TO HOME
Coming home has been quite an adjustment. I was 1 day short of being gone from home 16 weeks. Wow...how things change. I initially felt like a stranger at home. I know my short trip can't begin to compare, but now I do have an idea about our soldiers struggle to reconnect when they return home after a tour of duty. I know it is far worse and more difficult for them.
According to my daughter, I didn't put things back in the fridge the way "they were supposed to go." I had 4 months of bank statements to review, and accounts to balance. I had a trailer full of gear to unload, unpack and put away. I felt "odd" being here. I was used to being alone and in my own space. Now I felt like a visitor or a guest. When I moved things around, I felt like I was intruding in someone else's space! I was definitely out of my element!
When I looked out the 2nd story windows, or went into in my own back yard, I felt "confined" by the fence surrounding the place. I felt the neighbors were too close. And even though I'd camped very close to the interstate several times, I heard the noise of the traffic around here just more acutely. Later on, my wife told me I was experiencing sensory overload. And later I learned all the "stuff" that was around me was really aggravating me.
It felt good to work in the yard again, to mow the grass, and walk around the house. I'd forgotten about the flowers planted in the spring. I have to say though, my wife did an EXCELLENT job of keeping the yard up while I was gone. I'd forgotten about the new chairs around the kitchen table that Nat had purchased a year ago. I'd forgotten about the new fence I built in the back yard. My favorite easy chair got moved to the bedroom while I was gone. I'd forgotten we even had it. Things I had viewed a hundred times before, now seemed "new" to me.
PROFOUND THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS
...or neat stuff I learned!
Being on the road for 75 days (actual riding days) gave me a lot of time to think,
and a lot of opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life.
In that time, here are only some of the things that impacted me.
1) A lot of us (people in general) have higher opinions of ourselves than we ought to.
2) Most of us are treated better than we deserve.
3) Many have gone ahead of us to prepare the way for what we have and how we live today.
And those folks, some of them, paid with their lives. I need to honor and remember them more.
4) The United States of America is a GREAT place to live. We live in a beautiful land.
Contrasts abound in it's geography, in it's people, and in it's beauty.
5) Life can change in a heartbeat. I need to appreciate each day and LOOK for the good
in the days that don't seem to have any good in them.
6) There are some kind, gracious, helpful, hospitable and friendly people out there all over our land, and in Canada, too! I want and need to be more like them!
7) I had a tremendous opportunity that many will never have. I am grateful and don't take it for granted.
8) Silence and solitude...they can be good things. I need to embrace them more.
I don't really know how to sum up the entire experience. The same old overused adjectives come to mind. Words like awesome, fantastic, beautiful, phenominal, peaceful, serene, restful and WOW! ...all together just cannot convey what I saw, heard, and felt over the 14,000+ miles I traveled, all in the saddle and on 2 wheels. Now when I see someone traveling, especially on 2 wheels, I think to myself "I hope they have as great of a trip as I did." I can only wish that each of you reading this can someday, somehow, experience this great land we live in.
Thank you for reading my ramblings. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes you sent my way. Thank you for the comments you posted, the emails you sent and the phone calls I received. I am grateful for the many friends I have, now all across the country!
God bless you all!
These are the final notes on the tremendous trip I had this summer,
from July 24 until it ended on October 24, 2007.
It has been nearly 2 months since my little "mishap" on Oct. 24th.
It has been about 5 weeks since I returned home to Oregon on Nov. 11th.
The rain is POURING down here, and has been for days. Another storm
is out in the Pacific, promising to dump even MORE rain on us over the next week.
There is no riding going on here in the near future.
A NEW BIKE & A NEW TRIP
I have received my check from the insurance company. Sure, I wish it had been a little more, but I think they were "fair" to me. However the whole process was a little frustrating and overwhelming. I won't be going into the insurance biz anytime soon!
Yesterday I received the current issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine with a preview of all the 2008 bikes. Over 100 models, in all sizes (primarily cruisers/tourers) and brands are included. I've made no decisions, and probably won't until springtime. As for the new trip, or finishing the old one, a decision on that will have to wait. There are too many things "up in the air" about our future here in Eugene, OR. But I will definitely ride again! The 50mph "get off" was not bad enough to scare me away from the joy of riding! I've talked to folks since my accident, that have had 2, even 3 mishaps, who still ride. Those who ride, you know what I'm talking about!
Yes, to some, the risk IS worth the reward!
ADJUSTING TO HOME
Coming home has been quite an adjustment. I was 1 day short of being gone from home 16 weeks. Wow...how things change. I initially felt like a stranger at home. I know my short trip can't begin to compare, but now I do have an idea about our soldiers struggle to reconnect when they return home after a tour of duty. I know it is far worse and more difficult for them.
According to my daughter, I didn't put things back in the fridge the way "they were supposed to go." I had 4 months of bank statements to review, and accounts to balance. I had a trailer full of gear to unload, unpack and put away. I felt "odd" being here. I was used to being alone and in my own space. Now I felt like a visitor or a guest. When I moved things around, I felt like I was intruding in someone else's space! I was definitely out of my element!
When I looked out the 2nd story windows, or went into in my own back yard, I felt "confined" by the fence surrounding the place. I felt the neighbors were too close. And even though I'd camped very close to the interstate several times, I heard the noise of the traffic around here just more acutely. Later on, my wife told me I was experiencing sensory overload. And later I learned all the "stuff" that was around me was really aggravating me.
It felt good to work in the yard again, to mow the grass, and walk around the house. I'd forgotten about the flowers planted in the spring. I have to say though, my wife did an EXCELLENT job of keeping the yard up while I was gone. I'd forgotten about the new chairs around the kitchen table that Nat had purchased a year ago. I'd forgotten about the new fence I built in the back yard. My favorite easy chair got moved to the bedroom while I was gone. I'd forgotten we even had it. Things I had viewed a hundred times before, now seemed "new" to me.
PROFOUND THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS
...or neat stuff I learned!
Being on the road for 75 days (actual riding days) gave me a lot of time to think,
and a lot of opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life.
In that time, here are only some of the things that impacted me.
1) A lot of us (people in general) have higher opinions of ourselves than we ought to.
2) Most of us are treated better than we deserve.
3) Many have gone ahead of us to prepare the way for what we have and how we live today.
And those folks, some of them, paid with their lives. I need to honor and remember them more.
4) The United States of America is a GREAT place to live. We live in a beautiful land.
Contrasts abound in it's geography, in it's people, and in it's beauty.
5) Life can change in a heartbeat. I need to appreciate each day and LOOK for the good
in the days that don't seem to have any good in them.
6) There are some kind, gracious, helpful, hospitable and friendly people out there all over our land, and in Canada, too! I want and need to be more like them!
7) I had a tremendous opportunity that many will never have. I am grateful and don't take it for granted.
8) Silence and solitude...they can be good things. I need to embrace them more.
I don't really know how to sum up the entire experience. The same old overused adjectives come to mind. Words like awesome, fantastic, beautiful, phenominal, peaceful, serene, restful and WOW! ...all together just cannot convey what I saw, heard, and felt over the 14,000+ miles I traveled, all in the saddle and on 2 wheels. Now when I see someone traveling, especially on 2 wheels, I think to myself "I hope they have as great of a trip as I did." I can only wish that each of you reading this can someday, somehow, experience this great land we live in.
Thank you for reading my ramblings. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes you sent my way. Thank you for the comments you posted, the emails you sent and the phone calls I received. I am grateful for the many friends I have, now all across the country!
God bless you all!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
October 25, 2007 The day after
October 25, 2007
The day after my "mishap"
After showering and having "continental breakfast" at the hotel, I came back to my room and starting making calls to get a rental car. The airport was out. I called two places that would shuttle me to them if I were within 5 or 10 miles. I was about 20 miles away. I took a cab and paid the $34 to get me there. I had called AAA and they would reimburse me up to $200 for hotel, meals, car rental, etc. as a result of the crash.
Once I got my car (Ford Explorer to put trailer stuff in) I headed west on I-40 back toward the accident scene. I pulled off just for a moment, then decided to go look at the bike first. When I pulled in, I saw my helmet, jacket and rainsuit jacket in the shop of the towing company. The guy took me up the hill, and the pics will show you what I saw. I got my camera out and starting taking pictures. I opened up the trailer and everything was still intact. The officer told me the only thing he found on the ground was my ink pen. It had slid out of my tank bag. The trailer, with 2 gas cans, did not flip and burst apart, nor did the saddle bags split open, spilling all their contents. It probably took me half an hour to load it all into the Explorer and double check to see if I'd collected it all. It was sure an eerie feeling. My arm was really aching by now, and my back, just above my right side at the waist was sore today.
I dropped off my prescription at the pharmacy, went and had lunch, and went by the police station to get a report. When I went back to pick up the prescription, both of the pharmacy techs (ladies) were riders! They were amazed at what had happened and all the details. I then dropped off a list of the bike and accessories to the tow shop so the adjuster would have some idea of what I had there. All of my dealings with all the folks that had a part in any of this were just fantastic. I did not have one bad experience here, other than the accident itself. I then headed out to Nashville.
I was glad to be on my way to Symsonia. When I finally got cell service, I called several folks. It really made the time pass better. When I finally got into Symsonia Thursday evening about 7pm, I was just dragging. I had been in the same clothes for 2 days. I was just glad to be somewhere familiar. It was good to be here. I was GRATEFUL to be here at all.
I was glad to be on my way to Symsonia. When I finally got cell service, I called several folks. It really made the time pass better. When I finally got into Symsonia Thursday evening about 7pm, I was just dragging. I had been in the same clothes for 2 days. I was just glad to be somewhere familiar. It was good to be here. I was GRATEFUL to be here at all.
Day #75 October 24, 2007
Day #75 “Mishap Day”
Wednesday October 24, 2007
Knoxville, TN to Harriman, TN
49 miles today (28,468-28,517 the last mile on this bike…)
14,050 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
Where do I start to write about this day? It started off pretty normal. I had looked out the window twice during the night just to check on the bike and trailer. Rain was steadily falling both times. But at least everything was covered up, and though damp, would remain relatively dry. I wasn’t in any big hurry this morning, as I figured I had 3 hours (if that many) to Nashville and then 2 more to get to Symsonia in west KY. I went to the continental breakfast and had a waffle and coffee and took coffee back to the room. I showered, dressed, and packed the trailer with the few things I took out of it last night. By 9 I was nearly ready to go but felt a little edgy like I’d had too much coffee. So I went back to the breakfast and had some toast and OJ. While there, I met a couple from St. Louis who had two daughters that live in Oregon! One even lives in Eugene and teaches out at LCC. Her name is Karen and she teaches in the communications dept. at LCC. The other daughter lives in Albany. I think they said they were coming out to Oregon this Thanksgiving for two weeks. They trade holidays between the daughters in OR and a son in SC.
Since riding in the cold and wet on the Blue Ridge, I wanted to find some “handlebar mitts” for the ride to Symsonia and also down into FL in case I ran into more rain. I’ve been hearing it would be a given that more rain is in my riding future. I googled the Yamaha shop the night before and found it next door to a HD shop, both owned by the same folks. I found what I wanted at the HD shop. I installed them in the lot, was able to wear my thinner summer gloves, and off I went. It had sprinkled rain off and on several times in the short distance from the motel to the HD shop. The roads were wet, but not necessarily slick. The last light before the freeway was on an uphill incline, and I actually slid to a stop as the light changed. Yikes. I just didn’t want to chance, beating the light on this 4 lane divided highway. Once I got on the interstate, the trucks were flying. I kept my speed between 50 and 55, a speed I was comfortable with considering the conditions. I had traveled about 25 miles from the western edge of Knoxville, when I decided I wanted to gas up before heading on to Nashville. This is when the little “mishap” (as my friend Rusty calls them) occurred.
I rode the previous two days in rain, fog, wind, and one day on WET LEAVES! Yuk! This day, I was on the freeway, I-40, which was wet, but it was not raining at the time. I had gotten off the freeway and back on one other time previously in the 2 hours I'd been riding. The off ramp was long and straight, with a right turn at the bottom. I could see all the way to the bottom. The posted speed was 45 for the ramp, and it was just a typical straight shot "slow down as you go" off ramp. NO curves in the top end at the freeway. I was doing about 50 mph, having just looked at my trip meter and speedometer, and deciding to get fuel. I noticed the posted speed, and thought I'll just throttle off a little as I go. I remember just tapping the brake two or maybe three times as I exited, or moved to the exit. I would guess both the bike and the trailer had just moved from the travel lane of the freeway to the off ramp lane, and then without ANY warning the bike just went out from underneath me. There was no wobble, no weaving, no vibration, no jerking, no bump or anything to indicate there was a problem. I wasn't speeding, leaning, doing anything I can say attributed to the slide.
As the bike went down, wheels out to the left, I somehow either let go, or was "thrown" (right word?) from the bike. As the bike went down, I was closer to the ground and didn't even feel or notice hitting the ground. I road the off ramp, on my butt (I think), feet first pointing down the ramp. As I was going down I either thought, or said out loud, "Help me Lord Jesus." I wasn't yelling or panicky, but just knew I needed some help here. I saw the bike, with the trailer right behind still in a straight line, go by me. Both the bike and trailer, and me, were moving in a slight angle toward the guard rail. Everything was in slow motion, but my life did NOT flash before my eyes. I remember thinking I don’t want to get caught between the bike and guard rail. I feel like I could count the metal I-beam posts holding up the guard rail as I was sliding by, things were in such slow motion. I saw the bike/trailer pass me, then I looked to the guard rail, back to the bike which had hit the post by now, and I saw the trailer "bounce" straight up in the air as the bike was suddenly stopped by the post. The trailer never flipped over. I then saw the rail as I slammed into it. My right arm was either up already, or I raised it just before impact, and then my body slammed into my raised right arm. The bottom of the guard rail cut my arm about 2" above my wrist bone, on the outer edge of my arm, perpendicular to the bone. I didn't know this at the time. When I came to rest (the bike/trailer already had), I laid my head down on the ground (I was on my back) just to get my bearings. Just within a few seconds I tried to get up...and did! I thought "Wow! What a ride!" My arm was really aching, but I was aware it took the brunt of the impact. My head never hit the ground or the guard rail until I laid it down in the dirt after I’d quit sliding.
An elderly Mennonite couple was behind me on the freeway and had observed the whole thing. As they stopped on the off ramp, and came to my aid, I was up and walking and thinking “I’ve got to make some pictures!” Of all mornings, I put my camera in the opposite saddle bag of normal and it was on the side on the ground. The lady was near me now and was shaking badly and I think crying a little, and the man kept saying "I thought you were dead! I thought you were dead!" I was up and standing by the time they got stopped and got over to me. I took my own helmet and gloves off, but then noticed my right hand was all red (blood) and she helped get my raingear and leather jacket off. Then we noticed my arm and the gash in it. Since then, I can recall seeing the cars and trucks whiz by as they passed the top of the exit ramp. I can’t help but wonder what some of them thought as they passed by. Some probably think they witnessed a fatality. I have to admit that my thoughts at the moment were not on the close call I had, but as I looked on the crumpled up bike, “Darn! How am I going to finish my trip?!” Must be all the adrenaline!
An ambulance was returning from a call they'd just finished up on, and were about 2 minutes behind me on the interstate. I think they came upon us before 911 put out the call to our location. Of course, my time frame is probably all out of whack, but it was quick. The paramedic was taping my arm, the local Kingston police officer was wanting my license, and the elderly lady was still shaking and half crying. About then it just kind of hit me and I said "I've got to lean up against the trailer for a minute." As soon as I did that, out came the gurney, and then the back board. I remember the paramedic (right title?) asking me something about the back board, and my reply was “Will it COST any more?” I mean afterall, I had to save enough money to get back home, right? They put the C collar on me, strapped me to the back board and we were on our way. I had my first helicopter ride AND my first ambulance ride on this trip! The helicopter was MUCH more exciting, and I'm SURE it cost less!!!! On the way in, the paramedic talked with me and he was a biker too! That helped. As we got to the ER, I asked him one favor: "DON'T cut my boots! DON'T cut my boots!" He laughed and told the doctor when we arrived "Oh, and don't cut his boots." The charge nurse in the ER who took me in and cleaned me up also rides with her husband. So I felt like I was surrounded by people who understood "why" I would find the risk worth the reward...
The ER was very busy. They put me in an exam room and got me stitched up. But shortly afterwards they had to move me out because the ambulances just kept coming in. After I got x-rayed (no broken bones) and dressed, the social worker came to see me after hearing about me. I had no wheels, no clothes other than the jeans and tshirt I had on, and no place to go, and no relatives in the area. As much as I could think straight at the time, I thought I needed a rental car to get around. The closest was in the Knoxville airport, about 40 miles away. When I got in the cab, I asked the guy if I could get to the airport for $20-$30, as I had no idea at the time where I was, and no idea where the airport was. He chuckled and said “No, it’s $100 bucks to the airport.” What? “Stop the cab!” I wasn’t about to pay that. I apologized for the trouble I caused him and told him I’d have to work something else out. I had walked about ½ block back toward the hospital when he came back around honking and waving at me. He pulled up and told me dispatch had told him that the hospital was picking up the tab for this. I do remember the social worker telling me that, but in all the details of trying to get out of there, I just forgot about it.
Once at the airport, I got out of the cab and hesitated about where to go. I needed a phone as mine was nearly dead and I had no service, I was hungry, my clothes were a mess, and as of yet, 6 hours after the accident I hadn’t heard from my wife. I headed to the airport magazine store looking for a phone card. There were none. But the nice lady behind the counter, Michelle, let me use her phone.
Busy signal. I asked about something to eat, and all the real food was on the other side of security. So I bought a phone charger, thanked her and hunted for an outlet to plug in my phone. After plugging the phone in and sitting down, I realized I still didn’t have any service, so the charger did me no good. Then I headed downstairs to rent a car. I tried every vendor there, and each one was all sold out! Great, no luggage, no car, no phone. By now, I was just feeling kind of “wore out” from it all. I was walking around this airport with dirty, torn jeans. My white t-shirt looked like I’d been in it a week. My boots had mud all around the bottom, and I just felt a little “lost” I think. I needed a place to “crash” (once today was not enough??) so I called a motel with shuttle service from the motel directory near the luggage carousel. When the little gal asked me how I was doing today, I just kind of chuckled and said “Not too bad for a guy nearly killed 6 hours ago.” She was not only the driver, but also the clerk at the motel. She fixed me up with a razor and shaving cream, toothpaste and brush, a comb, deodorant, and several other things. She gave me a list and menu of several places that delivered free to the motel. She just went out of her way to try and get me settled in.
I made several calls from the room, asking my daughter Karla to contact several people for me. I eventually got to talk to Nat. She was pretty calm about the whole thing. I called Don Brunk, a CMA’er from Eugene. Within 30 minutes the local CMA president was calling me to ask what I needed. What a great network to have access to. I was settled in, had dinner on the way and really didn’t need anything the rest of the night. I took some Aleve the clerk gave me and hit the hay.
The whole day was kind of a big blur at this point. I couldn’t quite believe I had survived a “50 mph get off” and not only survived, but got up and walked away!
Praise the Lord for that. I have to admit, my thoughts had turned to disappointment that the trip was done. Now I’d have to figure out how I’ll get around, get the bike and trailer, get them home, and a multitude of other details.
Where do I start to write about this day? It started off pretty normal. I had looked out the window twice during the night just to check on the bike and trailer. Rain was steadily falling both times. But at least everything was covered up, and though damp, would remain relatively dry. I wasn’t in any big hurry this morning, as I figured I had 3 hours (if that many) to Nashville and then 2 more to get to Symsonia in west KY. I went to the continental breakfast and had a waffle and coffee and took coffee back to the room. I showered, dressed, and packed the trailer with the few things I took out of it last night. By 9 I was nearly ready to go but felt a little edgy like I’d had too much coffee. So I went back to the breakfast and had some toast and OJ. While there, I met a couple from St. Louis who had two daughters that live in Oregon! One even lives in Eugene and teaches out at LCC. Her name is Karen and she teaches in the communications dept. at LCC. The other daughter lives in Albany. I think they said they were coming out to Oregon this Thanksgiving for two weeks. They trade holidays between the daughters in OR and a son in SC.
Since riding in the cold and wet on the Blue Ridge, I wanted to find some “handlebar mitts” for the ride to Symsonia and also down into FL in case I ran into more rain. I’ve been hearing it would be a given that more rain is in my riding future. I googled the Yamaha shop the night before and found it next door to a HD shop, both owned by the same folks. I found what I wanted at the HD shop. I installed them in the lot, was able to wear my thinner summer gloves, and off I went. It had sprinkled rain off and on several times in the short distance from the motel to the HD shop. The roads were wet, but not necessarily slick. The last light before the freeway was on an uphill incline, and I actually slid to a stop as the light changed. Yikes. I just didn’t want to chance, beating the light on this 4 lane divided highway. Once I got on the interstate, the trucks were flying. I kept my speed between 50 and 55, a speed I was comfortable with considering the conditions. I had traveled about 25 miles from the western edge of Knoxville, when I decided I wanted to gas up before heading on to Nashville. This is when the little “mishap” (as my friend Rusty calls them) occurred.
I rode the previous two days in rain, fog, wind, and one day on WET LEAVES! Yuk! This day, I was on the freeway, I-40, which was wet, but it was not raining at the time. I had gotten off the freeway and back on one other time previously in the 2 hours I'd been riding. The off ramp was long and straight, with a right turn at the bottom. I could see all the way to the bottom. The posted speed was 45 for the ramp, and it was just a typical straight shot "slow down as you go" off ramp. NO curves in the top end at the freeway. I was doing about 50 mph, having just looked at my trip meter and speedometer, and deciding to get fuel. I noticed the posted speed, and thought I'll just throttle off a little as I go. I remember just tapping the brake two or maybe three times as I exited, or moved to the exit. I would guess both the bike and the trailer had just moved from the travel lane of the freeway to the off ramp lane, and then without ANY warning the bike just went out from underneath me. There was no wobble, no weaving, no vibration, no jerking, no bump or anything to indicate there was a problem. I wasn't speeding, leaning, doing anything I can say attributed to the slide.
As the bike went down, wheels out to the left, I somehow either let go, or was "thrown" (right word?) from the bike. As the bike went down, I was closer to the ground and didn't even feel or notice hitting the ground. I road the off ramp, on my butt (I think), feet first pointing down the ramp. As I was going down I either thought, or said out loud, "Help me Lord Jesus." I wasn't yelling or panicky, but just knew I needed some help here. I saw the bike, with the trailer right behind still in a straight line, go by me. Both the bike and trailer, and me, were moving in a slight angle toward the guard rail. Everything was in slow motion, but my life did NOT flash before my eyes. I remember thinking I don’t want to get caught between the bike and guard rail. I feel like I could count the metal I-beam posts holding up the guard rail as I was sliding by, things were in such slow motion. I saw the bike/trailer pass me, then I looked to the guard rail, back to the bike which had hit the post by now, and I saw the trailer "bounce" straight up in the air as the bike was suddenly stopped by the post. The trailer never flipped over. I then saw the rail as I slammed into it. My right arm was either up already, or I raised it just before impact, and then my body slammed into my raised right arm. The bottom of the guard rail cut my arm about 2" above my wrist bone, on the outer edge of my arm, perpendicular to the bone. I didn't know this at the time. When I came to rest (the bike/trailer already had), I laid my head down on the ground (I was on my back) just to get my bearings. Just within a few seconds I tried to get up...and did! I thought "Wow! What a ride!" My arm was really aching, but I was aware it took the brunt of the impact. My head never hit the ground or the guard rail until I laid it down in the dirt after I’d quit sliding.
An elderly Mennonite couple was behind me on the freeway and had observed the whole thing. As they stopped on the off ramp, and came to my aid, I was up and walking and thinking “I’ve got to make some pictures!” Of all mornings, I put my camera in the opposite saddle bag of normal and it was on the side on the ground. The lady was near me now and was shaking badly and I think crying a little, and the man kept saying "I thought you were dead! I thought you were dead!" I was up and standing by the time they got stopped and got over to me. I took my own helmet and gloves off, but then noticed my right hand was all red (blood) and she helped get my raingear and leather jacket off. Then we noticed my arm and the gash in it. Since then, I can recall seeing the cars and trucks whiz by as they passed the top of the exit ramp. I can’t help but wonder what some of them thought as they passed by. Some probably think they witnessed a fatality. I have to admit that my thoughts at the moment were not on the close call I had, but as I looked on the crumpled up bike, “Darn! How am I going to finish my trip?!” Must be all the adrenaline!
An ambulance was returning from a call they'd just finished up on, and were about 2 minutes behind me on the interstate. I think they came upon us before 911 put out the call to our location. Of course, my time frame is probably all out of whack, but it was quick. The paramedic was taping my arm, the local Kingston police officer was wanting my license, and the elderly lady was still shaking and half crying. About then it just kind of hit me and I said "I've got to lean up against the trailer for a minute." As soon as I did that, out came the gurney, and then the back board. I remember the paramedic (right title?) asking me something about the back board, and my reply was “Will it COST any more?” I mean afterall, I had to save enough money to get back home, right? They put the C collar on me, strapped me to the back board and we were on our way. I had my first helicopter ride AND my first ambulance ride on this trip! The helicopter was MUCH more exciting, and I'm SURE it cost less!!!! On the way in, the paramedic talked with me and he was a biker too! That helped. As we got to the ER, I asked him one favor: "DON'T cut my boots! DON'T cut my boots!" He laughed and told the doctor when we arrived "Oh, and don't cut his boots." The charge nurse in the ER who took me in and cleaned me up also rides with her husband. So I felt like I was surrounded by people who understood "why" I would find the risk worth the reward...
The ER was very busy. They put me in an exam room and got me stitched up. But shortly afterwards they had to move me out because the ambulances just kept coming in. After I got x-rayed (no broken bones) and dressed, the social worker came to see me after hearing about me. I had no wheels, no clothes other than the jeans and tshirt I had on, and no place to go, and no relatives in the area. As much as I could think straight at the time, I thought I needed a rental car to get around. The closest was in the Knoxville airport, about 40 miles away. When I got in the cab, I asked the guy if I could get to the airport for $20-$30, as I had no idea at the time where I was, and no idea where the airport was. He chuckled and said “No, it’s $100 bucks to the airport.” What? “Stop the cab!” I wasn’t about to pay that. I apologized for the trouble I caused him and told him I’d have to work something else out. I had walked about ½ block back toward the hospital when he came back around honking and waving at me. He pulled up and told me dispatch had told him that the hospital was picking up the tab for this. I do remember the social worker telling me that, but in all the details of trying to get out of there, I just forgot about it.
Once at the airport, I got out of the cab and hesitated about where to go. I needed a phone as mine was nearly dead and I had no service, I was hungry, my clothes were a mess, and as of yet, 6 hours after the accident I hadn’t heard from my wife. I headed to the airport magazine store looking for a phone card. There were none. But the nice lady behind the counter, Michelle, let me use her phone.
Busy signal. I asked about something to eat, and all the real food was on the other side of security. So I bought a phone charger, thanked her and hunted for an outlet to plug in my phone. After plugging the phone in and sitting down, I realized I still didn’t have any service, so the charger did me no good. Then I headed downstairs to rent a car. I tried every vendor there, and each one was all sold out! Great, no luggage, no car, no phone. By now, I was just feeling kind of “wore out” from it all. I was walking around this airport with dirty, torn jeans. My white t-shirt looked like I’d been in it a week. My boots had mud all around the bottom, and I just felt a little “lost” I think. I needed a place to “crash” (once today was not enough??) so I called a motel with shuttle service from the motel directory near the luggage carousel. When the little gal asked me how I was doing today, I just kind of chuckled and said “Not too bad for a guy nearly killed 6 hours ago.” She was not only the driver, but also the clerk at the motel. She fixed me up with a razor and shaving cream, toothpaste and brush, a comb, deodorant, and several other things. She gave me a list and menu of several places that delivered free to the motel. She just went out of her way to try and get me settled in.
I made several calls from the room, asking my daughter Karla to contact several people for me. I eventually got to talk to Nat. She was pretty calm about the whole thing. I called Don Brunk, a CMA’er from Eugene. Within 30 minutes the local CMA president was calling me to ask what I needed. What a great network to have access to. I was settled in, had dinner on the way and really didn’t need anything the rest of the night. I took some Aleve the clerk gave me and hit the hay.
The whole day was kind of a big blur at this point. I couldn’t quite believe I had survived a “50 mph get off” and not only survived, but got up and walked away!
Praise the Lord for that. I have to admit, my thoughts had turned to disappointment that the trip was done. Now I’d have to figure out how I’ll get around, get the bike and trailer, get them home, and a multitude of other details.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Day #74 October 23, 2007
Day #74
Tuesday October 23, 2007
Ashville, NC to Knoxville, TN
166 miles today (28,302-28,468)
14,001 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
It rained off and on all night last night. But before dark, after returning from a day around, but not through, the Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park, I moved the canopy from the picnic table to the tent. I wanted to keep the tent dry in case the rain was falling while breaking camp. And I was able to keep the tent dry except the 2’ or so at the end over the bed area. Shouldn’t hurt it.
I got onto the LAST section (70 miles!) of the Blue Ridge Parkway before 8:30 AM. I traveled only a few short miles before….FOG! Wow. No real surprise there. There were 7 tunnels in the first 11 miles this AM. And it certainly seemed that the fog AND the rain increased after exiting each one of the 7. Last week, starting at Front Royal, VA I had 2 beautiful days of riding. I travled the last 2 on the parkway in bad weather, and now the final day would prove to be the WORST! I traveled 20 miles this morning when I came to Pisgah, where there is a restaurant. I had to make a left hand turn, across the opposing lane of traffic, in the fog to get into the parking lot. I almost passed the opening it was so foggy, and until I got IN the opposing lane, I couldn’t even see the car coming. I think he was traveling WAY TOO FAST for the foggy conditions. I actually met a car or two without lights on in fog so thick you couldn't see 4-5 car lengths in front of you.
As I was going in, I met a guy from Ontario that had done 7,000+ miles. He had started in Vancouver, BC and gone all the way done into Mexico. He was on his way back to Ontario. Fog and rain was the report from him. After having another breakfast (excuse to get out of fog/rain), I met another rider, John from SC, who was going north up the Blue Ridge Parkway. We visited a while, then it was back out in the fog. I stopped at the highest point on the parkway and made a couple of pics. As I headed to the end, about a mile before getting there, almost to Cherokee, NC, I passed a pullout where a guy on a big bike was waving and flagging me down. I had to ride nearly a ½ mile to find a safe spot to pull over and turn around. I could SEE the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway less than 100 yds away, but I had to turn around and help a guy, or at least try. I thought, “Oh no, I’ve come 469 miles in 5 days and I can’t get to the end!” When I got back to the turnout, the guy explained how his big Valkerie Interstate fell over, a passing motorist helped him get it upright, and how he been trying to start it for over 30 minutes. He explained about a “tip over switch” that shuts them off when they’re tipped over. He’d disconnected the battery and tried everything else he knew to get the switch to reset and the bike to start. He put the key in to show me there was nothing, and as he reached for the throttle I said “Have you checked the kill switch?” He looked at me like I was from Mars. But then he had that “I am SO DUMB” look. He flipped the switch, hit the starter and VROOOM it fired right up! I wanted to take his picture, but just couldn’t. And out of respect for a fellow biker, I’ll just keep his name and state to myself. At least I was able to help. I told him I'd send him a bill if he didn't help some other rider on down the road. We traded road conditions, as we were going opposite directions and I was on my way to FINISH the Blue Ridge. I stopped and made a pic of mile marker #469, the last one. I was FINALLY off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and was kind of glad of it.
I rode the short 26 miles across Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park from Cherokee to Gatlinburg and headed on in to Pigeon Forge, TN. I stopped at DUFF’S Smorgasbord in Pigeon Forge for lunch. I had a customer in Eugene by the name of Dan Wilkins who gave me his business card and wrote on the back that I could get 8 free meals when I stopped in Pigeon Forge. I’d saved the card for nearly a year, thinking I would be coming through the area. I was really a little skeptical about it, as I had no idea Dan had any connections to the restaurant. I think he told me at one time he was the owner of it. When I got there, and told the cashier I had a business card for 8 free meals, she looked at me a little funny. She was new and had to call someone else over. When I told the other person in charge I was traveling from Eugene, OR and had a card from Dan Wilkins, she immediately said “Oh, Dan, sure! We know all about him!” About half the staff knew Dan and just spoke like he was Santa Claus or someone equally as generous. Dan has a really big heart (read his story below), but sometimes you just can’t tell if he’s serious about something. They had me record my name in a spiral bound notebook (were those names all free meals from Dan???) and changed my card from 8 to 7, and I was on my way through the buffet line! Check out Dan’s movie “Have you seen Clem?” Paste this address in your browser for more info on it.
It rained off and on all night last night. But before dark, after returning from a day around, but not through, the Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park, I moved the canopy from the picnic table to the tent. I wanted to keep the tent dry in case the rain was falling while breaking camp. And I was able to keep the tent dry except the 2’ or so at the end over the bed area. Shouldn’t hurt it.
I got onto the LAST section (70 miles!) of the Blue Ridge Parkway before 8:30 AM. I traveled only a few short miles before….FOG! Wow. No real surprise there. There were 7 tunnels in the first 11 miles this AM. And it certainly seemed that the fog AND the rain increased after exiting each one of the 7. Last week, starting at Front Royal, VA I had 2 beautiful days of riding. I travled the last 2 on the parkway in bad weather, and now the final day would prove to be the WORST! I traveled 20 miles this morning when I came to Pisgah, where there is a restaurant. I had to make a left hand turn, across the opposing lane of traffic, in the fog to get into the parking lot. I almost passed the opening it was so foggy, and until I got IN the opposing lane, I couldn’t even see the car coming. I think he was traveling WAY TOO FAST for the foggy conditions. I actually met a car or two without lights on in fog so thick you couldn't see 4-5 car lengths in front of you.
As I was going in, I met a guy from Ontario that had done 7,000+ miles. He had started in Vancouver, BC and gone all the way done into Mexico. He was on his way back to Ontario. Fog and rain was the report from him. After having another breakfast (excuse to get out of fog/rain), I met another rider, John from SC, who was going north up the Blue Ridge Parkway. We visited a while, then it was back out in the fog. I stopped at the highest point on the parkway and made a couple of pics. As I headed to the end, about a mile before getting there, almost to Cherokee, NC, I passed a pullout where a guy on a big bike was waving and flagging me down. I had to ride nearly a ½ mile to find a safe spot to pull over and turn around. I could SEE the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway less than 100 yds away, but I had to turn around and help a guy, or at least try. I thought, “Oh no, I’ve come 469 miles in 5 days and I can’t get to the end!” When I got back to the turnout, the guy explained how his big Valkerie Interstate fell over, a passing motorist helped him get it upright, and how he been trying to start it for over 30 minutes. He explained about a “tip over switch” that shuts them off when they’re tipped over. He’d disconnected the battery and tried everything else he knew to get the switch to reset and the bike to start. He put the key in to show me there was nothing, and as he reached for the throttle I said “Have you checked the kill switch?” He looked at me like I was from Mars. But then he had that “I am SO DUMB” look. He flipped the switch, hit the starter and VROOOM it fired right up! I wanted to take his picture, but just couldn’t. And out of respect for a fellow biker, I’ll just keep his name and state to myself. At least I was able to help. I told him I'd send him a bill if he didn't help some other rider on down the road. We traded road conditions, as we were going opposite directions and I was on my way to FINISH the Blue Ridge. I stopped and made a pic of mile marker #469, the last one. I was FINALLY off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and was kind of glad of it.
I rode the short 26 miles across Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park from Cherokee to Gatlinburg and headed on in to Pigeon Forge, TN. I stopped at DUFF’S Smorgasbord in Pigeon Forge for lunch. I had a customer in Eugene by the name of Dan Wilkins who gave me his business card and wrote on the back that I could get 8 free meals when I stopped in Pigeon Forge. I’d saved the card for nearly a year, thinking I would be coming through the area. I was really a little skeptical about it, as I had no idea Dan had any connections to the restaurant. I think he told me at one time he was the owner of it. When I got there, and told the cashier I had a business card for 8 free meals, she looked at me a little funny. She was new and had to call someone else over. When I told the other person in charge I was traveling from Eugene, OR and had a card from Dan Wilkins, she immediately said “Oh, Dan, sure! We know all about him!” About half the staff knew Dan and just spoke like he was Santa Claus or someone equally as generous. Dan has a really big heart (read his story below), but sometimes you just can’t tell if he’s serious about something. They had me record my name in a spiral bound notebook (were those names all free meals from Dan???) and changed my card from 8 to 7, and I was on my way through the buffet line! Check out Dan’s movie “Have you seen Clem?” Paste this address in your browser for more info on it.
After lunch I headed out of town and got onto I-40 west bound toward Knoxville.
I had made the decision to head to west KY to surprise my wife by showing up there this coming Saturday. She was flying in for some family business, and I hadn’t seen her smiling face in nearly 3 months! I was looking forward to the visit. Rain was forecast again for tonight and tomorrow, so I decided to settle in a motel for the night, and try to keep everything dry. I was glad to be off the Blue Ridge Parkway, finally. The fog, along with wind and rain, made for some very tense riding days. I hope to be in Symsonia by Thursday at the latest, then it will be on to Florida and corner #3!
I had made the decision to head to west KY to surprise my wife by showing up there this coming Saturday. She was flying in for some family business, and I hadn’t seen her smiling face in nearly 3 months! I was looking forward to the visit. Rain was forecast again for tonight and tomorrow, so I decided to settle in a motel for the night, and try to keep everything dry. I was glad to be off the Blue Ridge Parkway, finally. The fog, along with wind and rain, made for some very tense riding days. I hope to be in Symsonia by Thursday at the latest, then it will be on to Florida and corner #3!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Day #73 October 22, 2007
Day #73
Monday October 22, 2007
Ashville, NC to Ashville, NC
273 miles today
13,835 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
I got up about 4:30 and left camp about 5:45 AM. I rode in the dark with the trucks on I-40 West. As I climbed the mountains out of Asheville, the temp really began to drop. I had debated about putting on long underwear under my jeans this AM, but decided not to. Was questioning that now. As I rounded one of the tight 50mph curves at about 60mph, there was WET PAVEMENT! Yikes. I really throttled back and about that time the rain started coming down a little harder. My exit off I-40 was about a mile away, so I was at least off the freeway, even if I was in the rain. I had to pull off within another mile and suit up, in the dark.
The trip to Gatlinburg from Asheville was nearly 75 miles. By the time I arrived the sky was beginning to lighten. However, all that was really lit up were the huge, dark storm clouds overhead. I gassed up and drove on in, riding from one end of town to the other. Of course, Gatlinburg has changed in 31 years, and I didn’t find anything familiar. I saw 2 things I remembered. One was the big round concrete hotel sitting high up on a hill. The other was the tram going up the hill on the other side of the street to a German (Bavarian?) restaurant.
All the downtown area has been completed torn down and rebuilt into the little shopping courtyards so prevalent at all the tourist places across the country. There was NO parking at the last 3 restaurants I passed. I turned around at the end of town, and headed back to a place I saw when I first entered the downtown.
As I was getting my helmet/jacket off, a couple walked by and he was checking out the bike. I followed them in, and they later invited me to join them. Dave and Kathy were there in Gatlinburg to get married! She had been to Oregon 5-6 times in years past and even had a job interview there once. She had some relatives here for the wedding who are from McKenzie Bridge, only about 40 miles from Eugene. Dave is a fellow biker, and has a passion for the older BMW’s. He’s looking forward to retiring soon so he can “go to work” restoring/riding old bikes. Kathy would like to move to Oregon. We talked over breakfast, then they were on their way to go get their marriage license.
I headed out to Pigeon Forge, just to see how it had changed, and to take me toward the “Tail of the Dragon” route. Wow! What a change! Tourist row for sure! The traffic was pretty light I thought. Dave and Kathy shared how her relatives last week drove 2 hours to travel the 7 miles from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. I head out of Pigeon Forge on US 321 toward Wear Valley and Townsend on the Foothills Parkway. In Wear Valley I came out of my rain gear, shed some layers, got gas and coffee and moved on.
Before turning off on US 129, I fell in behind a group of 6-7 Harleys. I brought up the rear and just rode with them all the way to Deals Gap. The ride along the “Tail of the Dragon” was fun, and not as difficult or demanding as I had anticipated. I think we have roads as equally as challenging and scenic in Oregon. The old McKenzie Pass and the road to Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River come to mind. But, it was fun for sure, and I'm glad I took the day to come over. As far as adrenilin rush and thrill related to risk (i.e. HIGH on the dumb stuff to do list), the ride up I-40 this AM, in the dark, in the rain, riding along side the trucks on the tight turns and narrow lanes, was actually more exciting than the "Tail of the Dragon." I stopped in Deals Gap and bought the obligatory t-shirts, magnets and decal to attach to my trailer. I had lunch in Robbinsville while the rain fell quite hard. I rode through Cherokee and back to Asheville on US 19. Tomorrow I’ll come through here again “one way” on my way through the park instead of around it.
I got back to Asheville and camp about 5PM. It been a long 11+ hour day, and most of it was spent in the saddle. I made dinner, checked mail, packed some stuff up, got ready to break camp and hit the road tomorrow.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Day #72 October 21, 2007
Day #72
Stayed put in Asheville, NC KOA
Didn't even start the bike up today...
never unlocked it from the tree it's cabled to.
It got down right chilly last night! The weather station in Asheville reported 36 degrees.
I got up twice to see if my heater was running, and it was. Supposed to be 49 tonight for a low,
and rain is coming this way...again. I've missed two beautiful days for riding. But I've ridden almost 72 days, so I'm sticking with my plan to let the tourist traffic thin out a little before heading to Gatlinburg tomorrow.
I've spent the entire day updating the blog (nearly all caught up) and updating my gas & expense logs. It has been a beautiful sunny day here, and warm. Many of the campers have moved on. I haven't seen any new ones pull in anywhere today.
I'll get my gear assembled for tomorrow's run, which should be a long, long day.
But without the trailer, it should be more fun. I plan to be on the road very early, before sun up
to get over the mountain and to the park.
It has been a relaxing day, including talking to Nat.
Stayed put in Asheville, NC KOA
Didn't even start the bike up today...
never unlocked it from the tree it's cabled to.
It got down right chilly last night! The weather station in Asheville reported 36 degrees.
I got up twice to see if my heater was running, and it was. Supposed to be 49 tonight for a low,
and rain is coming this way...again. I've missed two beautiful days for riding. But I've ridden almost 72 days, so I'm sticking with my plan to let the tourist traffic thin out a little before heading to Gatlinburg tomorrow.
I've spent the entire day updating the blog (nearly all caught up) and updating my gas & expense logs. It has been a beautiful sunny day here, and warm. Many of the campers have moved on. I haven't seen any new ones pull in anywhere today.
I'll get my gear assembled for tomorrow's run, which should be a long, long day.
But without the trailer, it should be more fun. I plan to be on the road very early, before sun up
to get over the mountain and to the park.
It has been a relaxing day, including talking to Nat.
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