Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Get Home Itis
#1
While riding to East Texas for the weekend, I came across a pair of RT riders that were in the process of getting one of the bikes out of a ditch. After we got the bike upright and out of harms way, I got to talking to the rider and found out that he was returning home from a local club ride. The rider was fine and so was the bike due to crash bars over the Jugs. The accident bike began loosing air in the rear tire about Two mile prior and they had 2 more miles to make it home. As he limped the bike home, The rear tire came off of the rim and all control was lost and he wound up in the ditch. His buddy rode to the house and returned with a truck and trailer for transport back to the house.

When I finally got to my destination and was unwinding on the front porch with a wee dram of the Single Malt, I got to thinking of the chain of events that led to the accident and the simple, common sense, measures that would have prevented it.

-Always carry a tire kit and any other emergency supplies that you think that you’ll need.
-Only 4 miles from house when leak was discovered, Get off the road and get the trailer.

All ended well for this guy and his bike. However, I just wanted to remind everyone that even though you are “Close to home” when things start going South, Don’t succumb to a case of Get-Home-Itis.
Reply
#2
Very good advice, Mike and nice post - thanks for sharing.

I too think of all that can happen when one is so close to home ... how many times have we heard of this or that mishap " ... and s/he was only x miles from home ... " (as if that makes a difference ... fate does not step up and say , "oh crap s/he almost made it back and nothing happened yet ... butter kick it up a notch...") Big Grin

I hate my top box but it has 3 main functions that I cannot get away from - (1) it is a secure place to store the da*ned helmet when I get where I am going, (2) I always have my rain gear with me, and (3) I always have mu puncture repair kit with me. There is actually a 4th - I always have a first aid kit with me.

You are right ... he took an unnecessary chance because he figured it was a safe gamble since he was so close to home, and he was lucky.
Regards,
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 3 Guest(s)