Topic: AK went down........... (Read 12757 times)

JCZ · « **on:** December 05, 2005, 10:11:59 AM »

A very good friend of mine and a long time member of this board, AK (Andy) was out on a ride up to San Francisco Sat. and he went down. He's not hurt bad......just a little sore and the bike is just cosmetic stuff.....he rode it home.

As I understand it, him and some four or five others were riding up 280 when all of a sudden the freeway was stopped. The first couple started to lane split and made it O.K. the third guy locked up, high sided and slammed into the back of a car.......died immediatly. 24 years old and the son of the first guy, Andy's long time friend and riding buddy. Everybody locked up and bikes were going everywhich way. Andy was the last bike and was doing fine until one of the other bikes cut right in front of him...........down he went.

Like I said, he's doing fine, just a little sore and the bike can be repaired. It is tough when anybody in your group goes down but it's really tough when one dies.....especially if you knew him! I'm saying my prayers for this kid, who I don't know and that doesn't matter.

An interesting side note. After my accident in 04 I went from a beanie helmet to a full face helmet (due to the shattered jaw). A week or two ago, Andy was riding back from San Diego and stopped at a truck stop, where his beannie helmet got ran over. Several times, since my accident, I tried suggesting to Andy the benefits of a full face (flip face, Nolan N-100) helmet. Sat. was the first time he'd ever wore one. Yes, he hit his head on the ground and said he can remember it and the helmet took the beating and saved his noggin. Just an interesting side note.

I'd been down three times previously to my 04 accident and all three times my beanie flew off, from the impact however, I never hit my head. Had I taken those clues as a warning, and bought the full face earlier, I may have never had a shattered jaw in my 04 accident. JMHO and thoughts.

Andy, I'm so glad that you're O.K. and that we'll ride again! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

naitram · « **Reply #1 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:15:32 AM »

man sorry to hear bout that kid that didnt make it, glad to here AK is ok

The Mysterious Q! · « **Reply #2 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:24:58 AM »

My prayers go out to the family of the kid who passed. And also I'm glad AK didn't get to hurt ,even though I never met the man he is part of the brotherhood of this site and now is a brother of mine. Its things like this that make you realize how fragile life really is.. Q

RedFXR2 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:25:05 AM »

I hate heariing stories like this, but we all need to from time to time to remind us all of what can happen out there.

I am so sorry for the tragic death of the young man. I remember being 24 and riding my Triumph and all the close calls I had. Could have been me back then.

I am very glad that AK will be OK (no rhyme intended). And I know helmets are constantly debated but he's obviously gald he was wearing one, as apparently you are now, yourself. I was wearing one from the beginning so it's just habit with me. Got me thinking again about upgrading from my 3/4 to a full-face model.

Maybe when AK recovers some he can break down this event into a slow-motion lessons learned story for us all to benefit from. Somewhere in there ther's bound to be a "if only..." thing that would/could have prevented or at least minimized the accident.

Again, my prayers for the death and praises for AK's survival.

hd-dude · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:33:15 AM »

Andy,
My condolences, and my prayers go out to the family. Any thing you need don't hesitate to ask. Glad your OK.

Take care

VANAMAL · « **Reply #5 on:** December 05, 2005, 11:04:35 AM »

wow! what a shame for the father and son.im glad andy tried that new helmet out. the beanie helmets are ok for looking cool but the full face really provides good protection. please take a moment and say that prayer

Twolanerider · « **Reply #6 on:** December 05, 2005, 11:50:17 AM »

Best of wishes and recovery for everyone involved. With luck and grace the holidays will help speed the emotional recovery for the family and the friends. Be safe and be there for one another.

grc · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2005, 11:59:09 AM »

Very happy to hear that AK is alright. The news about the youngster is a real bummer, and I hope that all of our prayers would go out to his family. This will not be a holiday season they wish to remember.

I know that this is a very emotional subject, but this incident indicates why wearing good head protection is so important. I hate to think what may have happened to AK if he had hit his head without the helmet. BTW - that helmet now needs to be retired and replaced. The foam that absorbs the shock becomes compressed, and is only good for one impact.

Jerry

hdhiwayman · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2005, 12:01:04 PM »

Best of wishes for eveyone involved. Sincere condolences to family of the young man.

HUBBARD · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2005, 12:18:25 PM »

Yeah, 'er 'uh, JCZ,
Man, I'm sorry to hear that! Prayers for the Family of the young Man, and speedy recovery for AK. I wear an inferior "Brain Bucket", and have for years. OTIS has told me several times, "Man, you better get you a Helmet!" I've always been of the opinion, if I go down, it won't matter what type of Helmet I have on! Stupid remark. I will get one, immediately. Later--HUBBARD

spydglide · « **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2005, 12:39:13 PM »

I'm sorry for all involved. Too many bikers get slain/seriously injured on our hwys.....and a lot of the time it shouldn't have happened if only..... I'm equally glad that AK survived. My prayers are for all of them. spyder

CVOJOE · « **Reply #11 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:12:03 PM »

JC,
So sorry to hear about this being one of ours, I heard about it on the traffic report and cringed being bikes were involved. If AK is in the hospital for long, let us know and we 'locals' can go by and visit.

Joe

110tHunDer · « **Reply #12 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:16:06 PM »

I'm really sorry to hear about this accident. Glad AK's alright, for sure, but really sorry to hear of the death of one of his riding buddies. Condolences to his family on their tragic loss.

JC, I hear comments all the time about a full face helmet doesn't fit the Harley image. We're not even a helmet law state here in Illinois, but I wear one just about every time I get on the bike. Glad to see others getting past this stigma, learning from what's happened to others, and doing something that can save their life or at least keep them from some serious cosmetic surgery.

JCZ · « **Reply #13 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:33:27 PM »

Guys, Andy is O.K. just bruised up a little. He's home.......rode his bike home.

I'm sorry if I led to somebody to think otherwise. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] He'll probably be along here sometime today.

Rebel · « **Reply #14 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:35:49 PM »

Condolences to the young man's family. I'm glad AK and everyone else is ok.
One of my best friends went down back in April of this year and spent 5 weeks in ICU. We were really scared we were gonna lose him. I've known a few guys that have been down, never to get back up. It really makes you think. I've only been down once, and it was about 24 years ago. Our prayers go out to AK for a quick recovery and to the young man's family for their loss.

Later-
Rebel

ccr · « **Reply #15 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:09:16 PM »

AK I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I am so glad you survived, as we all know the bruises will heal much faster than the heart. Hubbard, glad to hear you are on your way to buy a real helmet. Otis is right. Even though I weat a DOT helmet, it usually is only a half helmet. I have seen many a person loose a lot of their face during an accident. I have the full face but keep it mainly for hard rain and extreme cold. I might have to rethink what I am doing too. AK, let us know how you are holding up and if there is anything we can do. Our prayer for you and your friends and family in this time of pain and sorrow.

WFP · « **Reply #16 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:34:19 PM »

I echo all the above sentiments from those who speak more eloquently than me.

/Bill

Laker · « **Reply #17 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:59:10 PM »

AK - my condolences for the loss of your friend and I wish you a speedy recovery.

erniezap · « **Reply #18 on:** December 05, 2005, 05:47:17 PM »

Andy,

I echo everybody's sentiments and I'll call you in a little while

MJZ · « **Reply #19 on:** December 05, 2005, 08:03:24 PM »

AK, my condolences to you and especialy for your friend. It is a sorry beyond belief to loose a son. My prayers are with you and your friend. And to you a speedy recovery.

MJZ

JR · « **Reply #20 on:** December 05, 2005, 08:54:57 PM »

My prayers are out for the family of this young man. I recently started wearing my N100 full face due to the weather. I believe I will retire my skid helmet. Blessings to you Andy and prayers of wisdom in supporting your best friends loss. If anything I can do please let me know! God Bless!

JR

Grover · « **Reply #21 on:** December 05, 2005, 09:29:10 PM »

Sorry to hear about this tragedy, how sad...
My prayers go out to the young man, family and friends for his loss...

Andy keep your head up!!! Glad you're ok. But sorry you had to go through this tragec event.

GOD BLESS!

CVO-RIDER · « **Reply #22 on:** December 05, 2005, 09:55:06 PM »

AK, My condolences, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. That's a real rough thing to go through. Especially for the father. Pleased to hear that your allright. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys family. Doug

SEUC-OCD · « **Reply #23 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:45:41 PM »

AK,

I can only imagine what it is like to experience such a tragedy. I am glad to hear you are not injured seriously. I hope you will be able to get back on the horse soon. Please express all of our condolences to the family.

Also, keep your friends and family close during this time. It is the best way to endure.

Take care,
Wayne

txbear55 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 05, 2005, 10:56:42 PM »

Sad reality check...prayers to the young man's family. Side note: when are HD riders gonna make enough noise and the MOCO listen and supply ABS (anti-lock brakes) on our bikes!!! The technology has been there for years, yet unavailable to HD riders. I understand that police bikes are now offered with ABS. Could be they know something about safety? Notice in the crash narrative that all bikes "locked up" and went down. The fatality locked up, high-sided and went down. When the s--t hits the fan, you too will lock them up! I'm coming off of a Goldwing with ABS and have experienced an emergency stop on a road surface sprinkled with gravel. Maximum braking with minimal skid and kept her upright! Try that on a HD! Hey MOCO! WE want ABS!!!

LETS_ROLL · « **Reply #25 on:** December 05, 2005, 11:40:05 PM »

Andy, hope you're feeling better and glad your ok. Thoughts and prayers for your buds. God bless. Let's Roll

Tonys · « **Reply #26 on:** December 05, 2005, 11:47:54 PM »

Andy, I am very sorry to hear about your accident and the loss of your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the young mans family.

Tony

ak · « **Reply #27 on:** December 06, 2005, 07:49:23 PM »

Thanks for the well wishes-AK

Hotrodracer · « **Reply #28 on:** December 06, 2005, 08:26:56 PM »

It's hard to express ones feelings at a time like this. All I can sa is that my prayers are with you & the family of the lost one.

mr_magoo · « **Reply #29 on:** December 07, 2005, 08:31:45 AM »

Ak glad to hear you are ok. It always scares me when I ride in a big pack.

MYCVO · « **Reply #30 on:** December 09, 2005, 08:21:18 AM »

AK,
My prayers go out for your friend, the father of the 24yr old son, I hope that he does not blame himself for what he may think he should have or should not have done. I feel so bad for him, I hope that he can find some peace in the fact that he and his son were spending time together doing what they loved. We all will die, at least the young man went out having fun with his dad, and not at war overseas, or on the job.
My son and I ride alot, and I ride 2up with my wife, we are always smiling when we watch our son riding and smiling and having a ball out on the roads with us. At the same time we are always watching and caring for him like he's still in a car seat.
Nothing will take back what went wrong that day. My heart is heavy for him a brother I've never met, find peace bro, god bless.

Jock · « **Reply #31 on:** December 10, 2005, 08:36:16 PM »

Thoughts and prayers to all involved...

Nasty Habit · « **Reply #32 on:** December 10, 2005, 09:22:25 PM »

God Bless the man who died. I am s-o-o-o sorry to hear this. I will pray for him and his family. Andy, you too. Glad as heck that you are "ok". I know this doesn't help much, but I am affected by what happened to you. As of recent times, I have been a strong supporter of A.B.A.T.E. 's lobbying to get the helmet bill passed. I STILL feel that it should be our choice, rather than mandatory. Like others who've written here today, my attitude has been that it won't matter what (if any) helmet I am wearing, because if I go down, I just as sure would rather be dead, because I'll be pretty messed up. Bet Andy will have stearn words opposing that foolishness. I think I'll reflect upon the cool factor vs. the sensible alternative. I am a big boy now, and need to preserve myself. My wife just might have a different opinion of my existence, should I go down, and become something of a vegatable for her to look after. I did work for a emmergency room surgeon who told me that a helmet is useless after 30 mph or faster, and that sometimes they add to the injury when parts shatter, and become spears to penetrate our skull. BUT you know, I think that my opinion just shifted a bit. I will ALWAYS wear a helmet. I have a 3/4 one (painted to match my SERK of course), and it is pretty kool!
God bless us all, every one of us.

JCZ · « **Reply #33 on:** December 11, 2005, 09:15:26 PM »

Quote

As of recent times, I have been a strong supporter of A.B.A.T.E. 's lobbying to get the helmet bill passed.

Uhhh.......I think he meant the Helmet Repeal Bill. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

FastFreddie · « **Reply #34 on:** December 12, 2005, 10:05:42 AM »

Not sure this is really the place, and I am glad AK is ok, Thank the good Lord above. Very sorry to hear about the young man who died and the loss it has brought to his family. But, A helmet will aways, Always make a difference. I say this as a fellow biker, a former racer, and a medical professional. I am a paramedic, former ER nurse and now a flight nurse on a helicopter service in rural West Virginia and I have seen first hand many times where a helmet has made a difference and saved a life. I have also seen many cases where someone died with only an isolated head injury and no other marks what so ever on them. I have also never seen a helmet come apart and become a impaled object into the skull, they are designed to delaminate thereby absorbing the impact energy. You must remember to take what many healthcare professional say about motorcycle-atv riders and especially the use of safety equipment they have poor views of us already if they are not one of us and there outlooks become colored. As a side note, I also am a ATV safety instructor and a Bystander Assistance Instructor for motorcycle riders to provide assistance to fellow riders when they crash. Thanks and Good luck AK and God Bless young mans family and friends.

yellowsedeuce · « **Reply #35 on:** December 13, 2005, 01:48:29 AM »

Sorry to hear about the tragic accident. Please drive and ride safely this holiday season! My thoughts and prayers are with the young man's family & friends.

Yellowsedeuce

SAC · « **Reply #36 on:** December 13, 2005, 06:07:58 PM »

I also heard about the accident locally.
I am saddened to hear about the tradgedy of the rider who lost his life and for the pain his Father and all his friends and family are experiencing.
AK, I am sorry for your loss. I too am glad that you are okay and will recover from any physical effects from the accident however, I am sure that the emotional scars will be with you for ever as with everyone else riding with your group that day.
Prayers for you and all those in your group and especially for his Father and Family.
SAC

Author Topic: AK went down........... (Read 12757 times)

RedFXR2