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 On July 2 2005, my husband
and I were invited to a family party in Clarkston, MI. Since it was a casual
event and the weather was beautiful, we decided that it would be a nice day
to take the bikes. I have just started riding my own bike last summer after
taking the Basic Riders Course at Schoolcraft College. The ride out there
was uneventful. We stayed all afternoon, visiting with family and had a
great meal. We left there around 9:00 pm, so we wouldn’t have to ride the
country roads where they live in the dark. All was well until we were on
Merriman Road and a dog (who we believe was frighten by all the fireworks
going off) broke its leash and ran into the road. The dog bolted so quickly
into the road, that by the time my husband saw it, he thought it was going
to run into the back of his bike. He didn’t have time to put his finger on
the CB button to yell “dog” to me when he heard the rubber and metal
scraping sounds coming from behind him. The dog ran right into my bike
between the front tire and crash guard. The bike immediately went down on
its left side. It all happened so fast, that I didn’t even realize I was
down until I opened my eyes again and just hoped that the bike wasn’t going
to end up on top of me. As soon as I stopped and realized that nothing was
broken, I got up and looked down the road to see oncoming traffic. I headed
for the side of the road. After a few scary moments for my husband when he
got back to my bike and didn’t find me, I let him know where I was.
I wasn’t seriously injured,
I believe, due to the fact that I was wearing proper riding gear. I always
wear my riding boots and full finger leather gloves. I was wearing my mesh
riding jacket that night that took the brunt of the accident. I did not have
a scratch on my upper body. I know it was because I was wearing that jacket.
I had scrapes on both knees and a lot of bruising on both legs. I had the
mesh riding pants, but did not put them on for the ride home. I know if I
had been wearing them, I would not have the scrapes and bruising that I had.
Attending the BRC and ERC classes have been very helpful to me to learn what
the proper riding attire is. I will not leave home on the bike without the
riding jacket and pants!
Sincerely,
Nancy Natter
GWRRA #174206-01 – MI
Chapter B |
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