On Sunday the 7th, my wife & I went on a ride along the Delaware on NY97 (the Hawks Nest). It was 2pm. We were in the middle of a well separated group of six mc's traveling about 45mph. Our first full day in NY for an intended week of MC trips with friends.
Because it was hot, and I was stupid, I did not wear my CE rated jacket, nor did I make my wife wear hers as I normally do; this I admit was my error.
With about 100ft between us and the 3 front riders I watched 2 doe leap out of the poorly trimmed brush over a guard rail after the rider in front of me passed their location. I started to brake, they ran diagonally toward us.
I was able to avoid the first, but struck the second, the last thing I distinctly remember before realizing I was on the road and I could not breathe was that the bike was skidding. The rider behind us said I hit the deer in her chest area as I slid to the right.
We high sided off, my wife rolled about 15 feet onto the side of the road, I was deposited directly onto the pavement. my right shoulder and the right rear of my $500 Shoei helmet took the initial hit. I must have performed a half flip. I did not slide much.
My wife has some road abrasion on her arms & back, two stitched up fingers. I have 5 broken ribs and some minor abrasions on my shoulder, back and knees. All of my wife's injury would have been avoided with her armor, much of mine.
First words out of my mouth once I was able to catch a breath was F&^king Deer! (Friends had been telling me my wife was alright as I struggled to get some air into my lungs in case you're wondering about my priorities.)
I guess I did the best I could, BUTTHOONOSE?
Classic mistake with our Armored Jackets. never again.
Anti-lock brakes might have allowed me to steer behind the 2nd deer BUTTHOONOSE? ( A good reason to look at a new bike
)
Looks like about $1000 damage to my 2003 Vulcan if I do the repair work myself. No frame problems are apparent but I will need to check it over well.
Deer at 2 in the afternoon, weird. Forest ranger who called 911 said the heat was making the deer act odd.
Thanks to all who helped and transported us to the hospital in Port Jervis NY.
Glad I was not stuck in the traffic jam I caused.
Good to have family at times like this, My son & son-in-law drove to NY from the Raleigh NC area, loaded my two bikes back on the truck & trailer and drove us back to Matthews NC.
It could have been a lot worse had the harry bags of stupid came over the rail a few seconds later; leaving me no time to brake.
