Last night I was riding my Hawk GT around 1:30am. I was on my way back from going to the store for some milk and Oreos. I was going uphill about 20-25 mph there was a car in a side street to my right. The kid pulled out in front of me when I was about 15 feet away from him. I braked and tried to steer right and pass behind him but there was NO way. I hit the door and flew through the air, I'm not sure how far or high but I landed on my back, helmet and shoulders first. I was wearing my helmet, a crash jacket with back, elbow, and shoulder pads. I also had gloves, jeans and heavy steel toed boots.
My right hand has a 1/2" long laceration on the back. My right knee hurts like a b@@@h, my left hip is about the same. The cops came and I think the kid was sited but they barely paid attetntion to me other than to check my wounds. The squad was there but I refused the ride and had my brother take me to the ER. I was thoroughly checked out, xrayed, cat scanned, blood work etc etc.
If I hadn't had my helmet on it would have meant a terrible or fatal head injury. Without the jacket I would have gotten road rash and possibly worse injuries. The gloves saved the palms of my hands from road rash.
Wear your gear, it really will save your life. I'm a very lucky guy, I'll get another bike out and ride it, and hopefully the other guys insurance will pay for the medical bills and my bike.
God bless all of you.
