The Dragon...A good ride gone bad

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 20:26:46

Just got in spent about 7 hours on The Dragon today...This will be a first that I posted a " Money Shot " to start a ride report.Bike below belong's to my ridin' bud Greg.

I took the picture above about 5 minutes before we pulled out of the over-look on US 129. This next picture was taken about 10 minutes later

Greg's bike has had the kick-stand switch by-passed for as long as he's had the bike to the best of my knowledge. Today it cost him dearly when he pulled out from the overlook and made the first right hander with no problem but as he set-up for the left-hander that followed his kick-stand hit the road and threw his bike into a speed limit sign then down over a very steep embankment.If not for the trees catching it , it might have made it to the lake 125 yards down the gorge.Greg's a very lucky man today he did'nt get hurt kinda landed on his ass as he jumped from the bike before it went off

I wish I had got a better shot showing how steep it was.Picture below show's Big Al checking out the damage after hunting for Greg's gun down in the woods.

Can't say enough about how cool these two law enforcement officer's was . We was on the road with them about 2 1/2 hours waiting on the wreaker just shootin' the s**t.

Gotta give the wreaker driver a

as well he did his best not to destory Gregs bike anymore than it already was . The huge tree that was down could have caused lots more damage. Big Al took the saddlebags off to keep them from getting busted.

After the crash I rode back to the Hwy 129 / 72 junction before getting a cell phone signal. Gordon was fishing today and I called him off the lake to come get Gregs bike....Good friends are good to have don't tell Gordon I said this but he's one of the best.

Willow · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 20:31:52

Really hate to hear that report.

I'm glad the damage was mainly to the equipment.

old2soon · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 20:37:48

Glad Greg is o-k.

The bike can be repaired.

Thank GOD everybody be fine.

RIDE SAFE.

Michael K (Az.) · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 20:46:33

WHEW!! $:-\$

RoadKill · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 20:52:41

Greg and friends are much better Valkyrie doctors than Valkyrie's are at repairing Greg. The most important pieces are still intact!

olddog1946 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:02:10

Never good to hear about a biker going down, especially a Valk rider..Glad to hear he is ok, though I can guarantee he'll be sore as all get out tomorrow..the bike can be repaired or replaced, he can't.

hal47 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:12:30

Sorry to here this report ,glad he wasn't hurt bad,quick thinking of Al to save the bags.

BonS · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:22:20

I can't count the times that i flipped up a kickstand that I left down. Never did it again after the first time that it took me down. I don't believe in helmet laws but I do believe in kickstand switches!! I'm sorry that it had to bite Greg in the butt. Glad to hear that he's okay.

T-Bird · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35

Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.

Tim H · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:27:51

I think everyone that saw the first picture, waited to scroll down, cause we knew what was coming... then gasped still. I'm really glad everyone made it out okay. It's good that there was plenty of help available when you needed it.

RoadKill · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:32:21

A piece at a time...options are open now! Batwing? ,Woody's ? , Tourer ? Valkyrie is one tough maiden!

Chrome · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:35:07

I am really glad that Greg is OK and hope that things work out but why?

QuoteGreg's bike has had the kick-stand switch by-passed for as long as he's had the bike to the best of my knowledge

Adrian

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:45:14

Quote from: Chrome on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:35:07
I am really glad that Greg is OK and hope that things work out but why?
QuoteGreg's bike has had the kick-stand switch by-passed for as long as he's had the bike to the best of my knowledge

Adrian

DAMNIFIKNOW $:-\$ I bet he wishes he had fixed it now.

.. · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:07:36

A kickstand will bite yer ass.

I can't remember how may riders I chased down when I was a bike messenger in London in the early/mid 80's with a short length of cast metal waiting to kill them. A flailing left leg made many realize that they were close to a catastrophic spin.

Greg is lucky.

Karen · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:24:00

Could have been so much worse, glad the bike took the serious punishment. Some of the later shots showed the steepness. Scary.

HayHauler · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:29:20

Glad it wasn't worse than it was. Bike can be replaced, Greg cannot.
Thanks for taking care of him. You and Big Al are good people.

Hay

Jimmyt

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53

Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.

Good seeing you again Terry

Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:36:04

Quote from: Britman on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:07:36
A kickstand will bite yer ass.

I can't remember how may riders I chased down when I was a bike messenger in London in the early/mid 80's with a short length of cast metal waiting to kill them. A flailing left leg made many realize that they were close to a catastrophic spin.

Greg is lucky.

I agree very lucky.... He said " Gordon ( Lucky13 ) told me that kick-stand would get me one day " .

eric in md · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:40:17

Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

what fine looking guys right there,,,

there hands in there pockets now just what are they searching for???

Chattanooga Mark · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:48:18

I usually love your pictures Joe. But these ones of a once beautiful but now wrecked Valkyrie Interstate are hard to look at. Sure am glad Gordon is OK (physcally) though. Your reputation as one of the best riding partners ever, is well deserved.

Mark

eric in md · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:53:38

Quote from: Chicago Mark on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:48:18
I usually love your pictures Joe. But these ones of a once beautiful but now wrecked Valkyrie Interstate are hard to look at. Sure am glad Gordon is OK (physcally) though. Your reputation as one of the best riding partners ever, is well deserved.

Mark

gorden was driving the rescue truck ... greg aka smoothrider was riding the bike before he hit the eject switch .. glad greg is ok ..

Hook#3287 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:59:06

Nice looking bike before, hope it wasn't banged up to bad and Greg can get it back together soon. Why would he not fix the stand shut off? It's saved me a number of times when I've put her in gear and she shut down, only to look down and see the stand down.

t-man403 · Fri 06, Jan 2012, 23:45:42

This very unfortunate experience, is a serious lesson for all of us.
Very glad he is relatively unscathed .......

Flask · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 07:15:15

Sorry to hear and SEE this happen.

Hope Greg heals well and fast !!!!!

I am sure that if the bike can be fixed - Gordon will have a hand in it.

It is great to have GOOD FRIENDS - And you my friend have them !!!

It has been my pleasure in meeting and riding with the Wild Bunch - Even though you guys are all excellent riders - goes to show that SH---T happens when you least expect it.

I am sure every one out there is checking there kickstand safety switch !!!

I do have some parts left from my CRASH - Will be waiting to hear that it is repairable and what parts are needed.

Popcorn · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 07:39:06

Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

Sorry to hear about this. seems like everytime i'am around something bad happens, thats why I don't ride with you guys much anymore. I have some extra parts if Greg needs anything just let me know what it is.

Highbinder · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 07:41:25

Not a good day for sure, if I have any parts that will help repair his bike I will gladly contribute....too bad, because with a simple repair it could have been avoided...fast thinking to get off that machine before it went down the hill, I've always said what determines a good rider is what he does in a emergency situation....tell Greg we're glad he's all right.

DDT (12) · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 09:09:08

Dang!!! Like everyone else, I sure hate to see this. Greg is indeed a good guy and a very good rider! Just goes to show that none of us are imune from Murphy's Law at some point in our riding careers... Sure am glad he appears OK, and that he was even able to clown around afterward... Let me know if ya need me for anything...

Another point... good friends and good riding buds are usually taken for granted by all of us, but when the chips are down... well... they come through and disaster can be eased considerably by their efforts. It's good that Greg has plenty of both in you guys... Thanks for helping a bud out!!! Y'all rock!

DDT

Strider · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 09:52:43

Man, sorry to hear this. Glad that Greg is OK - that is the main (and only) thing. Glad the Wild Bunch was there to help him through it. Don't get no better friends.....

Couldn't place the name until I saw the picture of Greg posted by Big Al - then knew him. GOOD MAN and yes, a good rider! Sure am glad he is OK. Gonna be sore today - please let us know how he makes out.....

Like everyone else, I know there can be help for parts for him. Looking at the close ups of the front - I am afraid that I don't have anything to help but I am sure others will. Hey, wait a minute....I think I still have the OEM IS Windshield up in the attic that I took off a few years ago. Has some wear and tear on it but he is welcome to it (free) if he stays with the IS and doesn't Tourer it (like Crash from Texas did). I think it is up in the attic. If so, Greg is welcome to it.

Dubsvalk · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 10:18:56

I'm so glad Greg is OK! I rode to Cumberland Falls yesterday and was wondering ig you (SmokinJoe) was off work and riding with the Wild Bunch. I listed parts I have if he wants to go Tourer in Big Al's post.
Dubs

SANDMAN5 · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 11:56:22

Glad it wasn't worse...and it coulda been MUCH worse!!
Hope he's back to riding soon.

R J · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 13:47:19

Quote from: "The KID" aka eric in md on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:40:17
Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

what fine looking guys right there,,, there hands in there pockets now just what are they searching for???

Not searching for a thing. They is a playin pocket pool. 8 ball in the side pocket, 2 cushion bank.

T-Bird · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:09:35

Quote from: "The KID" aka eric in md on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:40:17
Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

what fine looking guys right there,,, there hands in there pockets now just what are they searching for???

Hey Eric...All I can say is mine was easy to find, that's why I'm smiling

eric in md · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:19:33

Quote from: T-Bird on Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:09:35
Quote from: "The KID" aka eric in md on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:40:17
Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

what fine looking guys right there,,, there hands in there pockets now just what are they searching for???

Hey Eric...All I can say is mine was easy to find, that's why I'm smiling

shawnee says amen bother.

love it sure made us laugh.

Stanley Steamer · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:21:06

Quote from: T-Bird on Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:09:35
Quote from: "The KID" aka eric in md on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:40:17
Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

what fine looking guys right there,,, there hands in there pockets now just what are they searching for???

Hey Eric...All I can say is mine was easy to find, that's why I'm smiling

I'd have to check my SOCK to find mine!!!......

Popcorn · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:32:33

Quote from: Stanley Steamer on Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:21:06
Quote from: T-Bird on Sat 07, Jan 2012, 15:09:35
Quote from: "The KID" aka eric in md on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:40:17
Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 22:32:53
Quote from: T-Bird on Fri 06, Jan 2012, 21:23:35
Popcorn & I just left the group....couldn't have been 2 hundred yards away. I really hate this has happened to Greg (smoothrider) he is a good guy and a great rider. I hope to hear a report from Smokin'Joe,Big Al or Gorden (lucky 13) on what the damage is. I know Greg didn't have full coverage,
so I know he will need some help with parts to get him back riding. May have to make a standard out of it.
Good seeing you again Terry Wish we would hook up more and ride Popcorn ( Don ) use to come ride with us all the time.

what fine looking guys right there,,, there hands in there pockets now just what are they searching for???

Hey Eric...All I can say is mine was easy to find, that's why I'm smiling

I'd have to check my SOCK to find mine!!!......

Easy there guys.

Detn8er · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 16:05:09

Well damitalltohell.....Greg is one of the best riders I have ever ridden with and seems to have some of the worst luck around. I'm sure I don't have any parts that will help but I will check and see.
Let me know if I can do anything to help out.

BradValk48237 · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 16:17:29

Damn Greg....

you were in front or beside me most of the ride last September to the Tree house and Devils triangle so I know it wasn't "Rider Error"

Sorry you pretty girl is all busted up you aren't!!!

But they go back together pretty easy..........

All will be well with the Ole' girl in no time!

Best wishes

Brad

Daniel Meyer · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 17:06:45

Yikes!

Scary pictures. Glad Greg made it! Wow!

thumper · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 18:02:34

Damn I hate to hear that. Greg's a good guy that I've always enjoyed riding with.

That's his second serious accident no? Seems like he had one just before I met him the first time.

I can contribute two sets of completely ground down foot pegs

We had a rider go down on our club ride today. Dude on a Harley that ran wide off a turn....I don't think he was comfortable on the damp pavement, got on the brakes, and got a bad case of target fixation. He went down about an eight foot embankment but both rider and bike survived pretty much in tact.

Oh well....

Tundra · Sat 07, Jan 2012, 18:11:28

Sad ride report...I'm truly sorry to hear this. Thank God Greg's alive, the bike sure was pretty but can be fixed with the friends you all have.

News:

The Dragon...A good ride gone bad