Monday, August 3, 2009

2009 Road Trip Day 5

We had breakfast at the hotel to get a early start to beat the heat in Death Valley.

Just outside of Indian Springs, NV I could not shift up, so I turned around and headed back to Indian Springs and stopped at the local gas station.
My hill shifter came loose, I tighten it and we were back on our way.

About 15 minutes before arriving to the East entrance of the Death Valley National Park. We heard a loud pop, Crystal said I think we have a flat. I already knew that we did and I was fighting to keep the bike up. We were traveling around 55 MPH and the bike rear end was swaying back and fourth on it rear rim. I was not able to keep the bike up and told Crystal to hang on. We hit the ground hard and slid with the bike to the opposite side of the road. I laid there on the road face up trying to catch my breath. When I got up I saw crystal picking things up in the middle of the road and moving our stuff closer to the motorcycle.
After looked for my Spot, which I found in the ditch, I pressed the 911 button and we waited.

A French guy stopped and ask if we need help, I said yes and that he could go get us help, but I don't think he understood us, he went on his way.

After about 30 minutes a California Highway Patrol (Chris) arrived and then about 45 minutes later the Park service ambulance arrive. Crystal and I were transported to the hospital.

Both Crystal had road rash on our arms, Crystal also had road rash on right leg, right and left fingers and her stomach. My shoulder had some pain, the xray show no broken bones.

This is my first accident on a road bike, I had a couple of blowout on other bikes and was able to keep them up.

I have many mix feeling, I'm glad our injuries were not worse, I'm mad and disappointed I will not be able to finish my trip, and I'm sad that my bike is in bad shape.

I'm not sure what will happen in the next few days, but I'll let you know.

We are staying in the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Pahrump, NV for the night.

Just a note, my Spot Satellite Messenger worked as advertised!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about this incident, but very glad it was not worse. I'm sure without your experience and finesse it could have been much worse. Keep us informed.

Ride on,
Torch

Boringo said...

Rex - so sorry to hear about this accident. Looks like you guys are keeping your spirits up, at least if Crystal's wry smile in the pic is any indication.

Glad you guys are relatively ok. Sounds like you are going to get some great stories out of this one.

Cap'n said...

Rex, my friend! I was shocked when I read the post but relieved when I finished it! I am very happy Crystal and you are no worse than you are! Good luck and let me know how you are doing. I am leaving on Thursday morning for Colorado myself! I have my spirit bell shining!!!
Mike

lonestarkat said...

Rex
Sorry to hear about the accident. I hope you and Crystal are recovering well.
Cheers to you and Crystal.

Kat