Wear A Helmet

[Groovealufagus]

Had to lay down the rattler making a 20 mph left turn onto my street, 1 block from home tonight. No oncoming traffic, no moving vehicles on the block as I committed to the turn. First parked car, an SUV, abruptly pulled forward and out into the middle of the street to prepare to make a left. Guy never saw me... I'm guessing he checked his side mirror, saw nobody was coming and just pulled on out. I braked hard and swerved, did an endo, then came down on the right side of the bike. Quickly assessed that neither I nor the Rattler was broken, hopped back on and drove the block home.

I came down pretty hard on my right side... I bounced off my rib cage and hit the side of my head on the pavement, taboot. If not for my helmet, mesh jacket and gloves, I'd probably be in the trauma center. Instead...

Bruised right ribs, knee and ankle.
Broken bone in my left thumb and a fractured bone in my left wrist. (how, I have no idea)
Scuff on the end of the brake lever, 2 small scuffs on the slanted under edge of the carriage, and a shattered exhaust shield (the stock exhaust).

I've already got the Prima pipe on order, and the scuffs will go unnoticed under the Malossi decal I've been wondering where to place, so the damage to the bike is basically nil.

Won't be riding for a few weeks, though, and damn does my thumb hurt... and I play banjo, taboot, so there goes all of my recreation.

I see too many people here in Denver riding little 50cc's without helmets, or other protection (tonight I saw a woman with a helmet, in a flowing skirt and flip-flops for frak sake )as if a 20 mph accident like the one I had today couldn't change their lives forever.

Please wear a helmet, and something to protect that wonderful skin you were born with. You only get one skull and one skin suit.

[brimstone]

dang, glad to hear you weren't hurt any worse....although it sounds like you will have a few bruises for awhile. did you jump up and yell, "tadaaa"?