John and Kim.
The ride home for John and Kim got bad when their bike got a flat tire right at Hwy-50's I-5 off ramp. This is the spot where Blazo and Jerry n Barb continued west on 50 and John n Kim and I were to exit to I-5 South. John n Kim were having a bike issue and I was going to ride with them since we were both going South.
John n Kim and I were maneuvering to exit when John n Kim quickly slowed down and moved into the I-5 North lane. I shot right past them and moved into the I-5 South lane and I kept going with the exiting traffic wondering WTF? why are they going North. I kept looking to see if they went to the shoulder but didn't see them anywhere. I assumed they had a direction they were going that I didn't know about. I slowed and waited and they never showed. My assumptions were wrong and I continued South on I-5 not realizing they had gotten a flat. I knew the original issue with the bike should not have disabled the bike. I knew they were going to Hwy-12 but didn't know where Hwy-12 was.
The nearest exit off I-5 was 1.5 miles and I questioned whether to get off and go back to Hwy-50 to make sure they were okay. I second guessed myself by replaying their moving over to the I-5 Northbound lane and I continued on. In hindsight I can replay the events and reevaluate the whole situation. John n Kim's strange actions (moving abruptly into the I-5 North lane) should have raised a flag to me that they were having a problem. I couldn't stop and back up but I could have taken the nearest exit and backtracked to Hwy-50 until I either located them or at least been assured they weren't stranded on the road. Even if I could do nothing to help I should have located them and let them tell me they were okay or not okay. A person riding with others who doesn't do this basic expectation is either a selfish or ignorant azzhole.
I keep questioning myself as to why I did this because I don't like being an azzhole.
John n Kim, I want to sincerely apologize for not being there for you two. I hope to someday prove to you that I am not normally inconsiderate and I owe it to myself and others to work harder to pay it forward for other's in need.
After getting home I called JC to let him know I made it okay and told him about the incident. That is how I found out that John n Kim had gotten a flat. JC and Terrie came to John n Kim's aid. They trailered them home and were on their way to dinner when I called. At least we all agreed to what an ass I was for not coming back. Good job JC and Terrie for helping them home!
Let me just say no one really knew what happened to Kim and I when it happened. Who would have thought to top off the day I would get a rear tire flat on the interstate in 5 lanes of traffic. Thought my day hit a low point when I lost my rear brake and HD didn't have the replacement part for the brake line. All that after riding the bike down off those hills and twisters with just a front brake and clutch control.
Not a good day for us but luck was on our side. However we got outstanding support from JC, Terrie and Mike that helped us out and got us home!!! Can't thank you guys enough, owe you big time. There is not much anyone could have done because of where we broke down - no shoulders etc... That said all is good, bike will be back up and running by the weekend and I will probably be off to another ride somewhere Saturday for a few hours to chill.
BTW - Kim and I have some pictures to post, but I must say it is a pretty painful process. looks like we need to compress them before posting, then do it individually. This site only works for friendly uses, since it is surely not user friendly. I may post a thread to find out if anyone else sees this issue. can't believe it is that tough to do.
Look forward to more rides with the NoCal group.
BTW - don't beat yourself up too bad leave a little for us when we see you next!!
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Topic: Mosquito Ridge Rd. 7/10/10 (Read 27741 times)