Sunday, October 5, 2008

Man Versus Deer

Last night I was heading south at just before dusk on Colin's motorcycle. The road was narrow and straight, with corn stalks framing it in on both sides close enough to limit visibility. I was riding at about 55 mph and had just down-shifted to slow for a coming intersection, when a deer jolted out in front of my headlight. It missed, but as I applied the breaks another one ran into my front wheel. I was maybe going 50.

So there I am in the gravel, gasping for breath, with a streak of light running through my vision. I moved my feet and hands to make sure they were still with me. I listened for the bike. There was no sound. I couldn't find it from where I was laying. After a minute or two I regained my breath, and called Colin to let him know his bike was trashed, whereever it was.

That suit I bought saved my life. I had steel-toe boots, gloves, a gortex and kevlar riding suit, and helmet.

I didn't exactly walk away from it; I was carried out on a gurney, but I am fine today, with no broken bones, a little whiplash in my neck, and a sore and swollen foot. I learned a lot. I am so glad I invested so heavily into safety gear. All told, the gear was more than the bike. I can buy another bike, but not another body, right?

What a weekend!

10 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! Glad you had the saftey gear as well. And maybe welcome back to Indiana :) Be careful and let me know if you need anything.

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  2. Oh my! I gasped the whole time I was reading this! I am glad that your outfit (and God) protected you...obviously, he's got some plans for you!! :)

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  3. Holy snikey's dude! I am glad you are here with us. Those deer can be deadly. Hope you get better soon.
    I second Addi's statement. God has some plans for you. I can only imagine what Ali is thinking.

    Hang in there!

    Kimberly, Craig, Madi & Kenzie

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  4. WOW!! Saw and knew a guy who was on our annual ride two years ago this fall, decided to ride a sweet and quite valuable Indian he'd completely restored. And as we were going thru corners in the Wisconsin wilderness, out of the woods pranced (no other way to put it) two deer and then another two out into the road. Two riders manuvered their way around,we went thru the gravel shoulder thankfully w/o crashing, but Bruce, the Indian and the deer did the dance. The Indian was gone, but Bruce and his gear were alive and well scratched, but alive. The deer didn't fare so well. Two ran off, the other two tangled in the mess of the bike. The gear, which he'd hemmed and hawed about spending so much on, saved his skin, literally. I am thankful to hear you were smart to buy what you bought and I'm sorry to hear Craigs bike is gone. Yes, you are valuable and we are all thankful that you were blessed to be safe. Keep riding, tho. Deer up here, are a dime a dozen at this time of year. Hopefully not in Indiana.

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  5. Glad to hear you are ok!!

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  6. Woah! Thank God and your gear you're alright, even if it does come at the expense of Colin's bike.

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  7. Did you get a look at the guardian angel? She was there I am sure.

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  8. You crazy guy! We are so glad to hear you are OK! Thank God for guardian angels...lots of love to you!

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  9. I am glad you are a smart rider, dressed from head to toes and a helmet on your head! Kudos to you Tom Kline! I am glad you are alright minus the whiplash and hurt foot. I agree with your mom :)

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  10. I went out and got the CS Lewis book you mentioned. Heavy stuff. It's good though and I think, helpful ...

    He says everything we WANT to say

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