Triumphrat

Trophy4 · 06-10-2009, 04:44 PM

Well, it had to happen sometime, I suppose. Tuesday evening (2June09) I was on my way to Barber's Vintage Motorcycle Museum on via one of the non-Interstate roads between my house and BVMM. I slowed to make a left turn off the state highway onto a city street, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground, unable to stand. The Trophy was on its left side, dripping a bit of antifreeze out of the poorly located overflow tank, and the seat had popped off somehow!

I couldn't believe how nice & considerate people were. The driver of the pickup truck at the corner where I was turning lifted the bike up by the handlebars (no small feat on a Trophy), pushed it to the gas station parking lot and put it up on the center stand. Another gentleman who was at the gas station filling up immediately called 911. A cyclist stopped by to see if I needed help w/my bike (I'd already called my friends at the museum). The EMT's were there within 3-5 minutes, taking notes, checking my vital signs (all normal -- no shock or concussion), and waited until my wife arrived (I'd called her as soon as I had relocated my cell phone). Since 2 of the EMT's rode motorcycles, I didn't get anyone telling me how dangerous bikes were to ride these days.

The ER X-rays didn't show any broken bones, and I didn't have any road rash or bruises pop up, either. Still can't put any weight on my left hip, but it does seem to be getting stronger. I did have an MRI, and should know the results of that on Friday. Hopefully the prognosis will be just for more rest and "Keep the weight off of it for xx days!"

My friends from BVMM rode my Trophy back to my house yesterday, and I got a chance to look it over. Looks like a broken left lower fairing panel (I think I scored a brand new BRG -- the correct color -- one from E-bay today! What luck!), a broken turn signal, and a bent left front footpeg. There's a few minor scratches on the nose cone that I think I can buff out/tough up, and a small scratch on the left pannier. I didn't scratch/bend the handlebars, mirrors, bar weights, or clutch/brake levers. I think the bike came through exceptionally well.

Now, what happened? I've been back to the crash site, and I think I hit a sand/gravel-filled pothole right where the state highway/city street meet. I was most likely leaned over for a low speed turn when the front wheel hit the sand/gravel, and I probably had my hand on the front brake lever. I'm betting that I locked the front wheel, and it immediately washed out, dumping me on the low side. I probably tried to do the 600-lb leg press with my left leg, and it just wasn't up to it that night. I think I dislocated/strained my hip, with no major injuries/no broken bones. I'll know more on Friday (12June09).

Keep the rubber side down. It only takes a second and an unseen hazard, and you can be down, too!

flybiker251 · 06-10-2009, 07:17 PM

Glad both you and your Trophy made it through without long term difficulties. Sand in a corner is what I fear most. It can happen so fast. Keep the faith.
Flybiker

joe tabler · 06-10-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trophy4

Well, it had to happen sometime, I suppose. Tuesday evening (2June09) I was on my way to Barber's Vintage Motorcycle Museum on via one of the non-Interstate roads between my house and BVMM. I slowed to make a left turn off the state highway onto a city street, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground, unable to stand. The Trophy was on its left side, dripping a bit of antifreeze out of the poorly located overflow tank, and the seat had popped off somehow!

I couldn't believe how nice & considerate people were. The driver of the pickup truck at the corner where I was turning lifted the bike up by the handlebars (no small feat on a Trophy), pushed it to the gas station parking lot and put it up on the center stand. Another gentleman who was at the gas station filling up immediately called 911. A cyclist stopped by to see if I needed help w/my bike (I'd already called my friends at the museum). The EMT's were there within 3-5 minutes, taking notes, checking my vital signs (all normal -- no shock or concussion), and waited until my wife arrived (I'd called her as soon as I had relocated my cell phone). Since 2 of the EMT's rode motorcycles, I didn't get anyone telling me how dangerous bikes were to ride these days.

The ER X-rays didn't show any broken bones, and I didn't have any road rash or bruises pop up, either. Still can't put any weight on my left hip, but it does seem to be getting stronger. I did have an MRI, and should know the results of that on Friday. Hopefully the prognosis will be just for more rest and "Keep the weight off of it for xx days!"

My friends from BVMM rode my Trophy back to my house yesterday, and I got a chance to look it over. Looks like a broken left lower fairing panel (I think I scored a brand new BRG -- the correct color -- one from E-bay today! What luck!), a broken turn signal, and a bent left front footpeg. There's a few minor scratches on the nose cone that I think I can buff out/tough up, and a small scratch on the left pannier. I didn't scratch/bend the handlebars, mirrors, bar weights, or clutch/brake levers. I think the bike came through exceptionally well.

Now, what happened? I've been back to the crash site, and I think I hit a sand/gravel-filled pothole right where the state highway/city street meet. I was most likely leaned over for a low speed turn when the front wheel hit the sand/gravel, and I probably had my hand on the front brake lever. I'm betting that I locked the front wheel, and it immediately washed out, dumping me on the low side. I probably tried to do the 600-lb leg press with my left leg, and it just wasn't up to it that night. I think I dislocated/strained my hip, with no major injuries/no broken bones. I'll know more on Friday (12June09).

Keep the rubber side down. It only takes a second and an unseen hazard, and you can be down, too!

Glad your alright. You weren't flying faster than your angel.. Live to ride another day. Heal up and get back on. Joe

brolane · 06-11-2009, 11:38 AM

Jack, glad you are OK. I dropped my Speedmaster twice, boh at intersections while making a left turn, and both because I didn't see the puddles of oil. The older I get, the harder the pavement seems to be.

Get you bike back up and running, and I plan to see you at Barbers his fall.
Lane

Trophy4 · 06-12-2009, 09:49 PM

Got the results of the MRI -- not quite so good as I'd hoped. Dr said there were some small cracks in the hip socket, but fortunately none in the femur or the hip cradle. I'm scheduled for a CT scan on Monday a.m., and I'm confined to crutches for a few more weeks, tho' the Dr did say I could start pedaling on a stationery bike w/o pressure on the pedals, but to stop if the pain became excruciating. That's some improvement, I guess.

Crutches/wheelchairs ain't any fun!

Catenaccio · 06-12-2009, 11:52 PM

Glad you're OK, even if a bit bruised and broken. Heal quickly!

Trophymick · 06-13-2009, 04:37 AM

Take your time to heal properly. Always sad to hear of someone going down.
I recognize your name, haven't seen you on the Yahoo Trophy group lately, I've been on there about seven years, time goes to quickly these days!!!!!

Trophymick

Trophy4 · 06-16-2009, 02:35 PM

Update: 2 weeks after my accident, the orthopod determined that I had indeed broken my pelvis in two places. The fractures are in place, and are apparently healing nicely (another appointment on Wednesday), and the only cure is staying on crutches or wheelchair for a total of 6 weeks to let it heal. So, if you visit Barber's Vintage Motorsports Museum on a Friday within the next month, stop and say "Hi" to the volunteer guy rolling around in the wheelchair.

Hope the bikes will start after a 6-week layoff!

brolane · 06-16-2009, 03:55 PM

Jack,
I'm truly sorry that you will be confined to a wheelchair or be on crutches for a while, but heck, If it will help, I'll ride down to Birmingham and ride your bikes for you. I was planning a trip to Florida anyway. After all, what are friends for.

Seriously, get well soon
Lane

Netmaker · 06-16-2009, 09:30 PM

Hmmm? wheelchair ? is it powered? 3 or 4 wheels ? lucky you as I did the asphalt thing after hitting a dog and fractured left ankle and several other minor injuries and the doc prescribed crutches for 8 weeks and let me say that is the most restrictive medication for a biker. The worst was after the bike repairs were completed and the repairer asked if I would test ride !!! to be sure his work had returned the bike back to normal. I feel for your restriction and hope it is the powered version with 3 wheels.