Folks who have been around the forum a long time know about my Close Encounter of the Bambi Kind, back in 2001. After that, my old bike got the name Deerslayer.
This year, I signed up for Hyder Seek. I left home on Monday, the 1st. I arrived safely in Prince Georgle, BC late last night. Got up this morning for the last stretch to Hyder. Filled up this morning, and I recored 1757 bikes miles so far on the trip.
I got about 20 miles outside Prince George and stopped at a gas station to get some fresh water. Got back on the road and wicked up to around 110 Kph when *&%#@^*) BAMBI decided to cross the road right in front of me. I was cussing the (*%# f**cking forest rat as I T-boned it. Managed to brake, but was still doing around 50-60 Kph when I hit. Bike went one way, I went another. I rolled down the Trans Canada Highway about six times before I could stop rolling. As I was rolling I saw my bike sliding down the road, and ending up on the shoulder. I could see that I was laying almost on the center line, so to keep from becoming roadkill myself, I rolled over towards the shoulder. I knew then that there was no major damage, but my ribs hurt like hell. So I laid there on my back, staring up at the sun, until folks started gathering. Lots of very helpful people, making sure I did not move my head (after I had just rolled myself over several times). Some one called the Mounties and the ambulance.
When the police arrived, I was able to give him all the information he needed at that time, and he said he would come to hospital and talk to me more. He was also the only one that could follow my directions on how to get my cell phone out of the fairing pocket. And I was able to show him which pocket on my riding pants held my wallet and passport.
The medics arrived, and did the preliminary checks, got me onto a backboard, and loaded into the ambulance. While I was laying there, the medics were able to ease my jacket off me, which saved it. But in the ambulance, my T-shirt got cut open so they could do more checks. I did not even rate red lights and siren on the way to hospital. At least they got my tank bag off the bike.
At the emergency room, they wound up cutting off my shirt (one of my favorite $10 WalMart shirts). But they eased off my riding pants and jeans, so they did not have to cut them, too. It took forever for them to take me to X-ray so they could look at my neck, back, and hips, plus the chest. About an hour later, they decided that the neck brace could come off, and I could sit up.
The Mountie had been to see me once. I was able to direct him to find my Canadian proof on insurance in my wallet. That saved me a lot of trouble. The only thing that never showed up was my reading glasses that were in my shirt pocket. The Mountie asked if there were any other things I needed, so I told him how to open the saddle bags and get my bag with my underwear, and to open the trunk and get my laptop. But he did not bring my trunk bag which had clothes, so he went back to the storage lot where my bike had been towed, and got the bag. I have to say this guy was one of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met. He said that he just did not want to leave me at hospital with nothing and no help. I will be sending a letter of thanks when I get home.
Anyway, after several more hours and another set of chest x-rays, they decided that I could leave. There was a very nice social worker who assisted me with some information. However, they don't do as much for you in Canada as in the US. When I was able to get up, there were no little booties for me to wear, and I had to walk to the rest room in my bare feet. Twice. The doc decided that the only injury was bruised ribs (plus a coulple skinned knuckles). However it was over an hour later before I could get someone to pull the IV needle. And no one asked if I need help getting dressed. Try bending over with bruised ribs. Yes, I needed help.
Once I got dressed, I got someone to bring a wheel chair to carry all my stuff out to get a cab. I had my laptop bag, my trunk bag, and two plasic bags with all my riding gear. The cabby took me back to the motel where I stayed last night. Not the Ritz, but cheap.
Talked to the tow yard from hospital. He said he thought the forks were bent, and the handle bars, plus tupperware. I had talked to the Honda dealer earlier, so they know the bike is coming over. Was going to try to arrange for AAA coverage of the tows, but the tow yard guy said I should call my insurane company, since I have comprehensive coverage, and they should cover towing. Called my insurance company, and the ditz I talked to had a hard time understanding that I was in Canada. Said she would send the report over to the claims adjuster, who would call me.
It looks like I am in Prince George for a few days. Will be going to the tow yard tomorrow to look at the bike.
And I will say this loud and clear. If I had not been wearing full protective gear I would still be in hospital. Don't matter if you are only going around the block, you never know when disaster will strike. Road rash hurts. Bad. Think if you would push your face onto a running belt sander, or your arms. I walked away. The Mountie was telling me about the last several bike accidents. Folks not wearing gear did not walk away.
I am currently staying at the Economy Inn, in Prince George.
Thanks for cross posting, Jake.
The deer was dead by the time the Mountie got there. He said he was glad, as otherwise he would have had to put him down.
Looks like I won't be at the start line for the MN1K, unless I ressurect DS1, or my Wing gets fixed in a hurry.
Dave, glad to hear you are mobile. That heading game me quite a scare. If I was there I'd be hooking up the aerostich straps and starting the long tow home!
Dave...Sorry to hear about your encounter with the forest rat. At least you were able to "walk" away, kind of...Hope you get the bike put back together real soon...IBR is only 80 days away.
Dave - you need to start counting coup on these deer you kill. Maybe if you accumulate enough deer ears or tails or whatever on your bike the rest of the herd will take notice and stand aside for safe passage.
It is no longer the trip you were planning, but it is still an adventure, heal up and make the most of it!
Sure glad to hear it wasn't worse. That's easy to say when you aren't hurting, but I just happen to be able to say it after having done a number on the ribs myself a couple weeks ago during a trials event.
I've never found anything better for rib pain than ibuprofen.
I'm glad you and the bike will have time to heal before your next big adventure later this summer.
Glad you didn't get anything worse. You may want to get another lookover when you get to the states. I always found getting wrapped in those elastic bands helped with the discomfort of cracked ribs. No laughing.
Glad you got out of it as well as you did. Wayne Koppa and I were on our way to Hyder on 16 May. I hit a deer south of Winnepeg. Was doing speed limit of 110 kph when she came from my right side out of a ditch and hit the front wheel on the side. Took front out from under me. She was cut it half. I high sided off the right and seemed to roll for two days. Ambulance to MINUTE and the to Grand Forks ND. Have two broken feet/ankles and two broken hands/arm. I look like a cartoon character. Will be in hosp about 4 more weeks. But, it could have been SO worse. So, I too will miss the MN1K thia year. Will also miss the GS. Only had it a few months and now it sits in a salvage yard in Canada. But the damned deer was cut cleanly in half so her days of terrorizing us US riders are over!!!!
Take good care of yourself.
Howard, sorry to read about your encounter with Bambi. Looks like they were really out to spoil Hyder Seek this year.
I think I have a bike lined up for the MN1K.
Been out of the loop this spring, so I just saw this post. Glad to know that you and Howard are going to be okay. I am not riding the MN1K this year, but will be at the start to wish you and the rest of the group good luck.
Donna
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. ~~ Helen Keller
Those are rough days, but you did alright and will live to ride another day. Man, 2 deer! Makes me want to figure out this whole bow-hunting thing. No one likes my idea of re-introducing wolves to all parts of North America. So we are left with hunters, vehicles, and disease to keep the deer population in-check.
Re: Glad you were able to walk away from this one!
June 14 2009, 3:50 PM
Dave,
So sorry to hear of your get-off with that damn Canadian deer.
I wish I knew then what had happened; we went through Prince George that Thursday evening. Damnit.
Glad to hear you didn't take more injury. There're still making bikes.
Not so sure about making more Strangers.
Heal well, see you on the road again soon.
Dave S.
Note to self: get more phone numbers of LD rally riders before leaving home.
So we are left with hunters, vehicles, and disease to keep the deer population in-check.