The good, the bad, the ugly

[Reb]

"VDR 2018" with a special side of Mac is getting hitched!!!

That was the theme I was leaving out to on Friday evening. Even with temps in the 40's and rain predicted all the way across my path of travel in the great state of Tennessee.

This was an even more special occasion, as my recent significant other of a few months was taking the time to drive up to Cookeville from Greeneville when she got off her 2nd shift duties at *Deere John* a late night drive in which I graciously handed over the keys to my pickem-up truck for her to make the journey in.

My ride over to the annual event location in Cookeville was a highspeed roll across I-40, I didn't get left from work till around 3pm, giving me a close window to make it to my destination before nightfall. That cold 40 degree rain environment got much worse with 15mph moving traffic through Knoxville during rush hour. Luckily the rain succeeded shortly after when the interstate started to clear up and reach approach speeds once again.

I landed in Cookeville around 6:00pm, after checking in and taking a quick warm up shower, I found myself desiring a beverage and some grub. Luckily, I found several others already had plans to find an eatery nearby. After a fill up of some delicious cuisine a the local Chedders, I was back in my motel room after kicking a few tires, and decided it was time to check in on my co-pilots where-abouts.

Before long, I found myself waking up at 4:00am to a random young lady sleeping in the 2nd bed of my room. To my surprise I had fallen into a siesta, and my significant other had found herself at home already in room 207.

The next morning was of traditional fashion. Temps were cold, and it was hard to leave the warmth of that motel room, especially with a hot young lady to curl up next to. Around 10:00am I decided it was now or never (Let's Ride)

We began the layering process to ride in partial freezing temps. Long underwear, heated gear, jackets, gloves, helmets; THE ESSENTIALS! This was the young ladies first ride with me. She's road on some typical small HD's with her pops in the past, so I knew one small trip with the comfort of the Goldwing will make her re-evaluate what comfort really is on 2 wheels.

We departed the motel and headed up to meet HWY-85. I've road this route several time with the wild bunch, a great ride with minor sweepers, and a section with 5 switchback in a row. A route that would take a few hours, and get us back in time to attend the fine festivities in Mac & Elna's honor for the evening.

The ride started out great, I stopped about 20 miles in to check on my co-pilot sitting behind me. When I was able to see her face behind my helmet, it was a grin from ear to ear, as if I didn't even need to ask the question "How you doing back there?"

We proceeded to weave up Hwy 85, not much traffic, just us and the rural beauty of middle Tennessee. I came upon a straightaway in the road, as far off in the distance was a blinking yellow light signaling an intersection. As we came closer to the blinking light, I begin to see a few vehicles turning onto the main road, which automatically signaled m mind to reduce some MPH upon approach. There was a white F-150 yielding in the opposite lane waiting for a vehicle that was about 70 yards in front of us to pass so a left handed turn could be made. I witness the vehicle in front of us pass by, (The truck continues to yield with his left blinker on.)

My automatic assumption with the white trucks decision to stay paused before initiating the turn is that he is stopped, and waiting for us to pass by. "He's gotta see me" "He's still stopped"

As we approach closer, (I'm sure you all know already what happens) He begins to initiate his left turn. I remember the butterfly feeling that almost forced a nauseating sickness to me in those micro-seconds of reaction time I had. In those micro seconds, I notice he has something in tow behind his truck, so an immediate jerk to opposite lane is out of the question, as other cars were in waiting behind him to make a left turn as well. At this point, I knew I was out of options, so the engineer in me quickly embraces F=ma. It's time to brake and brake F*n hard.

I remember initiating the brace for impact, and the thought in mind of my partner behind me and the feeling of embrace as her arms tightened around my upper waste.

The sounds of Goldwing tupperwear shattering and bouncing across the highway, my $2000 custom stereo was jamming AC/DC in distorted fashion as I tumbled in the air like a rag doll.

To my surprise, when the hurling (ground, sky... ground, sky, ground sky..) vision came to a stop and I was in a static state staring up at the sky. Adrenaline pumping, I jumped to my feet like a ninja with the only thought in mind to find my partner. I didn't have to go far as she was laying closely beside me, then the painful scream came out of her helmet.

I quickly crawled to her to check on her well being. She was still intact, no blood, cuts, gashes or wounds were present. She quickly let me know something was not right with her leg. Her exact word "It hurts like a (m*therF*cker)". With those words coming out of her mouth, as shocking as it sounds, I got a very good sense of relief that she was going to be ok.

At this time, locals were running to our aid, and my adrenaline had poured into steaming anger as I heard the words "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you."

I couldn't tell you what the driver of the white truck looked like. My anger had poured over to where I didn't want to even look in his direction, for I felt like reaching over to my conceal pouch and dropping the SOB on the spot.

Regardless, locals had already dialed 911 and EMS was on there way from Livingston TN. I continued to stay at my partners side until the paramedics arrived. Once the EMS folks were on location, I knew she would be in better hands then mine under the current circumstances. It was time to talk to police and get the hoopla over with the driver.

I was in a state of confusion as to what I needed to do first, The paramedics were strapping Niki down on a stretcher for transportation, and briefly trying to evaluate my condition of health at the scene. I ran to Niki to get her ID out of her jacket pocket and collect what immediate valuables that were scattered across the highway. The one item of concern to call for help was missing... (My cell phone)

It was mounted to my handlebars with a ram mount X-grip, I figured is was flung into oblivion somewhere to never be found again. A good Samaritan was gracious enough to initiate the search in my sted, as I tended to more pressing matters at the time. The ambulance drivers asks me if I needed to go to the hospital, "I'm fine, but I'm going wherever she's going"

The same good Samaritan then offered me a ride to the hospital if I wanted to stay behind to assist in providing information to the police, I was gracious for the offer, but didn't want to leave her side at any time. Luckily, Overton County police took all my information and quickly took snapshots of our ID's and insurance information and gave me the ok to take a ride in the ambulance.

At this time, a team of EMS personal were lifting Niki off the ground on a stretcher, to my surprise, there was my lost cellular device underneath where she was laying.

I grabbed all I could carry of our valuables and tossed them into the passenger side of the ambulance. Niki was getting evaluated in the back and my next thought came to mind.... GET PICTURES NOW!!!!

Although not the best quality or quantity. I took what fast snaps I could before hearing the sirens of the ambulance fire up, It was time to go!


She felt good enough to send me some selfies while sitting in the X-ray room




And to the ugly!!!








In short,
We are both doing fine, the circumstances turned out to be in our favor. No broken bones or immediate damage, just soreness and severe bruising. I just got the police report today, no insurance worries as the driver atleast was covered, and ticketed for failure to yield to right away.

I cannot thank enough the folks and members who were so quick to come to our aid. Phil & Becky, Tom & Joyce, Mac & Elna, Mitch & Laura, Dennis & Brother Daryl, Jimmy & Steph, Kieth "3Valks" and everyone that attended the VDR.... From the bottom of our hearts!!! thanks you!!!

[JimmyG]

Just happy there was no serious injuries. I was worried about ya'll and told Steph to keep me updated, which she did.  Everyone was concerned and relieved when we heard you both were being released soon and heading back to the hotel. Thank God you two are ok. 
Heal up friends and we hope to see you down the road.

[Jess from VA]

I am so sorry to read this story.

Glad it was not worse on either of you.

A failure to yield sounds so trivial of a punishment for what could have been much worse mayhem or double death.

Besides the bike (coverage on the blind man's insurance), make sure you double check both of your physical condition and lay claim for any medical or any other out of pocket expense he caused.  Don't get in a hurry to settle if there is any question at all about medical (or anything else).  

What sounds fair to me is, since you can't shoot him, you ought to be able to wreck his truck for him (with him in it) .... just to make things even and square.      

[old2soon]

          Reb-Happy You and yer LADY have No serious damage. Damn Bro! You can Always git another motor. Were it not fer the fact I will be in a wall at a Veterans Cemetery when I pass I had planned to have on my head stone-sorry dude didn't see ya! Again-HAPPY both of y'all are good to go. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

Very happy to read your (and her) injuries were no more than stated.

I hope to be back on two wheels in the Spring.   Only time and rehab will tell.

Rams

[Bighead]

Reb sorry to hear of this......we all have been very close to the same situation at one point or another....glad y'all are ok.

[hubcapsc]

Carolyn showed me your crashed bike from Facebook and told
me you were OK... I didn't know Niki  was on back at the time!
Hope y'all are both 100% asap...

EDIT: I haven't thought about F=ma in a long time, so I read its wiki page, so
now I see that m is a constant, a is how Reb has fun and getting F as close to
zero as possible is what brakes are for when the * hits the fan  ...

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Reb, I'm sure you don't need to be told how lucky the both of you are. But, a lot of that luck was enhanced by your preparedness and reactions. Good on you ! On a side note, I'm very impressed that you are dating Fiona from "Shameless" 

[Jersey mike]

Hey Reb,

I was enjoying your post until I got to the part about the accident. It’s good to hear you guys are going to be ok. It’s never a good feeling when that car decides to pull out and options are limited and the concern for your passenger goes into high gear. I hope Niki’s recovery goes smoothly and there aren’t any long term effects keeping her out of the saddle.

Hope you have zero issues with the insurance company about medical bills and coverage of your bike.

[Chrisj CMA]

Glad you both survived with all your parts in tact.  Could have been way worse, of course you know that.

[robin]

Glad you guy's are alright and i hope you and your friend heal up well and get right back on and ride again!!!!

[henry 008]

so sorry to hear you were in an accident, but very glad there were no serious injuries. I hope to share the wind with you again someday soon!

[Reb]

At least the police report's generic illustration of the incident has similarities to a Goldwing and not a HD 

[Ice]

Preston,
Petra had showed me the Facebook post the other day. Sorry to hear. Glad you and your lady friend will be Ok.
Hope the soreness goes away soon, and as Jess said, keep an eye on the soreness as underlying issues can arise days later.

[Reb]

Just happy there was no serious injuries. I was worried about ya'll and told Steph to keep me updated, which she did.  Everyone was concerned and relieved when we heard you both were being released soon and heading back to the hotel. Thank God you two are ok.  
Heal up friends and we hope to see you down the road.

Jimmy,

The support of friends, and members with far more birthdays than Niki and I came in clutch with offered pain medication and moral support to alleviate our symptoms  

It's that kind of friendship and embrace that takes the toll of the day away from a traumatic experience. God willing, I hope I never have to assert the same support to other members that may fall into similar circumstances as you and Steph did for us. However, as stated by Bruce (DDT), our adventuress love of the motorcycle hobby comes with that potential risk. The ability to have support to fall back on means so much when times get turbulent.  

We are forever grateful.

[Reb]

I am so sorry to read this story.

Glad it was not worse on either of you.

A failure to yield sounds so trivial of a punishment for what could have been much worse mayhem or double death.

Besides the bike (coverage on the blind man's insurance), make sure you double check both of your physical condition and lay claim for any medical or any other out of pocket expense he caused.  Don't get in a hurry to settle if there is any question at all about medical (or anything else).  

What sounds fair to me is, since you can't shoot him, you ought to be able to wreck his truck for him (with him in it) .... just to make things even and square.      

Thanks for the support Jess,

I had to call the drivers insurance company to file a claim yesterday, as no claim had been filed against his policy number yet. I assume we would be in no hurry to communicate with his insurance, has he was able to drive his vehicle away from the scene.

I was told from the Progressive representative that someone should be getting in contact with me today.

My soreness has started to succeed, except some pain all around my neck area from the whiplash effect. I received an MRI at the hospital just to check to make sure everything upstairs was intact while the adrenaline was still pumping.

[Reb]

          Reb-Happy You and yer LADY have No serious damage. Damn Bro! You can Always git another motor. Were it not fer the fact I will be in a wall at a Veterans Cemetery when I pass I had planned to have on my head stone-sorry dude didn't see ya! Again-HAPPY both of y'all are good to go. RIDE SAFE.

That phrase is always the first admission of guilt

[f6john]

It looks like your young catlike reflexes allowed you to bleed off a lot of speed before impact. Really glad you guys came out as well as you did.

[Reb]

Carolyn showed me your crashed bike from Facebook and told
me you were OK... I didn't know Niki  was on back at the time!
Hope y'all are both 100% asap...

EDIT: I haven't thought about F=ma in a long time, so I read its wiki page, so
now I see that m is a constant, a is how Reb has fun and getting F as close to
zero as possible is what brakes are for when the * hits the fan  ...

-Mike

I really appreciate that analogy of F=MA Mike

[Jess from VA]

I am so sorry to read this story.

Glad it was not worse on either of you.

A failure to yield sounds so trivial of a punishment for what could have been much worse mayhem or double death.

Besides the bike (coverage on the blind man's insurance), make sure you double check both of your physical condition and lay claim for any medical or any other out of pocket expense he caused.  Don't get in a hurry to settle if there is any question at all about medical (or anything else).  

What sounds fair to me is, since you can't shoot him, you ought to be able to wreck his truck for him (with him in it) .... just to make things even and square.      

Thanks for the support Jess,

I had to call the drivers insurance company to file a claim yesterday, as no claim had been filed against his policy number yet. I assume we would be in no hurry to communicate with his insurance, has he was able to drive his vehicle away from the scene.

I was told from the Progressive representative that someone should be getting in contact with me today.

My soreness has started to succeed, except some pain all around my neck area from the whiplash effect. I received an MRI at the hospital just to check to make sure everything upstairs was intact while the adrenaline was still pumping.

Reb (Preston?), don't hesitate to call on me for any help or assistance.  I never practiced liability law, but have some experience with this crap.

Think of your claim in two parts:  1) The bike, and 2) medical and anything else (out of pocket) (like bike transport/storage/estimates/yada.  Start a file with all paperwork, medical bills, co-pays, contact points/names/phone numbers, and write down questions to yourself as they come to mind (to remember).  Progressive may want to rush to judgement on a complete settlement quickly.  Take the time you need. The bike may be easy, the medical may need some time to be sure.  It's just business.

IF you need to go back to the Dr, do it.  It should all be on their dime.

It's possible, if you used your own heath insurance (in any of this), that your health ins company may want to subrogate claims (stand in your shoes) against his auto policy (to recoup any of their costs which are his fault).  That's their business, but I would help them if they ask for it.

BTW nice way to treat a new wife buddy.  

The first time my wife got on the back of my new/used Hog dresser ('80-something), on-base coming home from the club after a few beers, I rubbed the curb after a real tight Uturn, and dumped her in the grass, and tore her leather mini.  She had no sense of humor about it at all.  I paid to get the mini fixed (it was a nice one).

[Reb]

Reb, I'm sure you don't need to be told how lucky the both of you are. But, a lot of that luck was enhanced by your preparedness and reactions. Good on you ! On a side note, I'm very impressed that you are dating Fiona from "Shameless" 

Meathead,

I've never watch Shameless, but Niki mentioned this is not the first time that comparison has been made  

I am lucky to have acquired such a fine person to spend time with. We joked around the night of the incident,

-Niki
"If you wanted to start seeing other people, you could have just told me." "I don't appreciate your intent to kill me to rid yourself of the matter."

-Reb
-"Sorry Love," "I'll try arsenic next time."

[Bighead]

 

Reb, I'm sure you don't need to be told how lucky the both of you are. But, a lot of that luck was enhanced by your preparedness and reactions. Good on you ! On a side note, I'm very impressed that you are dating Fiona from "Shameless" 

Meathead,

I've never watch Shameless, but Niki mentioned this is not the first time that comparison has been made  

I am lucky to have acquired such a fine person to spend time with. We joked around the night of the incident,

-Niki
"If you wanted to start seeing other people, you could have just told me." "I don't appreciate your intent to kill me to rid yourself of the matter."

-Reb
-"Sorry Love," "I'll try arsenic next time."

glad to see you both can find humor in this it will go a long way in your next first ride toghether.

[Mr Whiskey]

Glad you're still here to tell the tale Brother!
God's speed heal quick, holla if y'all need anything.
Love Whiskey & Sugar

[J.Mencalice]

If that white truck pulling the log splitter in your pictures is the one that you hit, it begs the question as to whether or not it is legal to pull a splitter on a roadway?  If not, should the driver be fined for that as well as a failure to yield?

[Reb]

If that white truck pulling the log splitter in your pictures is the one that you hit, it begs the question as to whether or not it is legal to pull a splitter on a roadway?  If not, should the driver be fined for that as well as a failure to yield?

TN doesn't require plates on trailers if driven in state, so I would assume you could pull anything and still be within bounds of the law   It's still some BS

[larue]

Reb I first saw this yesterday on DDT's report, I'm just glad you both are here to talk about it. Everything else is replaceable.

[Michvalk]

Ah, yes, those brown eyed girls. Glad you and her weren't left with any lasting injuries. I wonder what the guy was looking at to not see a full dress Goldwing, with the lights on, coming head on to him, with him at a stop? Phone? Picking his nose? Impaired driving? I'd go after him in every way I could, short of shooting his ass. People like that piss me off. Heal fast!

[..]

In a perverse way it was good it was cold. It had you wearing full face etc.

Did your helmets make contact with the ground?

[Farside]

  YIKES! Well you got my attention with the title.  Loved all the C. Eastwood Westerns. However this is a serious post and I'm sure glad it turned out as well as it did. I hope you 2 heal with god's speed and comfort. 

[Reb]

In a perverse way it was good it was cold. It had you wearing full face etc.

Did your helmets make contact with the ground?

There were no visual signs our helmets made contact with anything. I had the visor up on my modular, I believe it snagged something as I had a lump in my throat form after the adrenaline wore off. Felt like a golf stuck right above my Adam’s apple, A bruise has formed from what I guess would be the strap of my helmet giving my jugular a tight pull for a moment in time.

[cookiedough]

Hang in there Reb,   good news you escaped more serious injury, both of you.  Am sure your HARD braking slowing down a lot helped a ton in the lack of injuries.

Say,  I still have your 1998 valkyrie if interested in it, just turned over 80K a little bit ago.....

[Punisher]

Glad you and your lady are still here to talk about it.    Get her back on a horse quick or she may never ride again.

I would want to know if he was on a phone, have his phone logs checked.   If he was that was not an accident but downright negligence.   I'd be way more likely to hang it to someone's Burro in the case of negligence.

Even though your helmets don't show damage make them replace it all; your clothing, your gear, your boots, everything.    Don't take their first offer either.    Take Jess up on his offer to talk about this, he can give you information for negotiation with the insurance company, maybe even be your advocate in discussions.    Lawyers are like insurance, nobody likes them until you really need them.

[Jopson]

Sorry to read this Reb, glad you’re both ok though!

[Jess from VA]

From my reading of the initial post, it sounded to me like he (white truck) was waiting for close/immediate traffic to clear, to make his turn.  People get target fixated on the closest (and easiest) obstacle(s) to their desired maneuver.... as soon as that guy goes by, I can turn.  They've already made their decision.  While they wait for that to happen, they fail to keep scanning farther out, to see if something new has come into the picture.  I've seen it happen plenty of times at intersections.  They are called bad drivers.

At a four way stop, you look all three ways right to left, then you look back right again before you go.  At least I do.  

It could have been a phone or some other distraction.  The report is issued and the case is over as far as LE is concerned.  If people died (or were more seriously mangled), there might have been more inquiry.  Everyone did remarkably well (injury-wise), white truck got a fail to yield ticket (and is thus at fault), and it's a done deal.  

Beyond that, it's all speculation.

I stand ready to discuss, answer questions and help.  I do not represent people (anymore) however.   And I never had a license to practice in TN.  

[old2soon]

          Jess-just curious But the  made me ask-didja spend the night at a holiday inn express?  RIDE SAFE.

[T-Bird]

Reb,
 I'm glad you both are ok. It sure could of been worse.
As Whiskey said, anything I can do just let me know.
( I do have a dirt bike fender for that wing)
T-Bird

[Forge]

Glad you guys are ok.

[Reb]

Reb,
 I'm glad you both are ok. It sure could of been worse.
As Whiskey said, anything I can do just let me know.
( I do have a dirt bike fender for that wing)
T-Bird

 
I appreciate the support and the offering to retro into an XR1800 - Herby would be proud

I may hold off on the needed fender and save it for the replacement Goldwing, I think ole blue is fubar

[..]

From my reading of the initial post, it sounded to me like he (white truck) was waiting for close/immediate traffic to clear, to make his turn.  People get target fixated on the closest (and easiest) obstacle(s) to their desired maneuver.... as soon as that guy goes by, I can turn.  They've already made their decision.  While they wait for that to happen, they fail to keep scanning farther out, to see if something new has come into the picture.  I've seen it happen plenty of times at intersections.  They are called bad drivers.

At a four way stop, you look all three ways right to left, then you look back right again before you go.  At least I do.  

It could have been a phone or some other distraction.  The report is issued and the case is over as far as LE is concerned.  If people died (or were more seriously mangled), there might have been more inquiry.  Everyone did remarkably well (injury-wise), white truck got a fail to yield ticket (and is thus at fault), and it's a done deal.  

Beyond that, it's all speculation.

I stand ready to discuss, answer questions and help.  I do not represent people (anymore) however.   And I never had a license to practice in TN.  

Sometimes road position can make a bike "invisible". If you are close behind another vehicle and in the center of lane or to the right of lane it's possible the waiting turner may not be able to see you until the vehicle ahead of you has passed the turner at which point the turner may already be committed to making the left turn with disastrous consequences.

Same principle applies on long straightaways. If there is a long line of traffic approaching I will keep to the right of lane making the angle of view larger for oncoming vehicles who may want to overtake.

[3fan4life]

Reb, I'm really sorry to hear that you and your lady friend had an unplanned get off.

But, I'm really glad to hear that both of you are doing so well.

BTW: She sounds like a keeper for sure!


Don`t worry about the bike, there are plenty of Goldwings to be found.

Don't let them low ball you on it, the longer you hold out the closer they will get to what you want out of it.