Three words that no motorcyclist wants to hear!!
A few months ago, I was out for a mid-afternoon scoot. I was out riding with Joe and we were headed to Devine Wines in Manitou (they make fabulous wines). He was leading. We were waiting to make a right turn and he saw that it was clear so he went. I did not go, since I couldn't see and had a niggling feeling to "wait". So I did.
As I waited, I looked down the lane. White car, then go. The car went by and I pulled out. As I pulled out--out of nowhere a humongo Chevrolet pickup appeared. I caught the bed of the truck and heard a loud "bang". The first thing I thought was "darn (you can use a different and appropriate word), my gas tank is dented"!
I think I was pushed over about three feet or so and managed to not go over. Fortunately, the collision was on the left hand side. What I think happened was that the bed of the truck pushed my clutch lever in and disengaged the engine. Had it been the other side, it could have been a pretty nasty incident.
The driver of the truck pulled over and I pulled in behind her. She was pretty mad and yelling "why did you pull out". I calmly stated that I looked down the lane and it was clear so I went. The road was a five lane road--there are two lanes in each direction and a turn lane in the middle. I then asked if she changed lanes when I pulled out. She yelled at me for a few more minutes and then called the police.
Aside from a bruise on my lower leg, I did not sustain any injury. The loud bang was not a dent in my fuel tank, but rather, my floorboard cut the sidewall of her rear tire causing a blow out. She was ranting and raving that I scared her and she just replaced that tire just moments ago. I understand her reaction--I certainly hope I never hit a motorcyclist!
The police officer arrived and was amazed that there was no serious injury. She was arguing with the officer that I pulled out as she was going by and I stated that I looked down the lane and it was clear, so I thought she changed lanes as I was pulling out. The officer was amazed that I was unhurt--he asked me three times if I was okay and was I sure if my bike was okay. I'm fine and the bike is fine.
Fortunately, there was no citation--he just stated since there was no injury, we would just exchange insurance information and be done.
Once that was taken care of, I started my bike and went home. My excursion to the winery was not to be since I had to get home in time for Alex to get home from school. If that isn't a time to have a little wine!!
Of course, now when I'm riding, I simply will not go if both lanes are not clear. I've always known that I shouldn't pull out just in case, but now I just will not do it. I was lucky and I'm not interested in tempting fate!
Keep the shiny side up!
~The Rainbow Wahine