3rd Annual Dying Leaf Rally (full frontal nudity)

[donroger1]

I got an invitation from my grandsons to attend their school veterans program.
I headed out Thursday evening for Broken Bow, OK. (it was night so no photos)

The program was refreshing and the school served a free lunch for hungry veterans.


After the meal, I said my goodbyes and headed up US259

This business of taking pictures with highway signs and motorcycles is hard work.

The weather Friday was hazy at best. Every time I saw a beautiful shot, the clouds would roll in.

Ride Central was the Days Inn in Russellville, AR

Saturday Morning the temps were around 40 degrees and views were better.

[more to come]

 

[donroger1]

A stroll around the parking lot revealed

There were quite a few riders so we broke up into a number of small groups.

Ours headed out and about 30 minutes later stopped to top off tanks.

Sadly, it was too cold to try any photos while moving. All my shots were at the stops.

[Next up is lunch]

 

[donroger1]

Our route took us to Yellville, AR for lunch.

Hungry riders heading into the Front Porch.

Inside we were seated in the back. (still close to the food though)

This lovely couple were discussing their soccer careers.

Luckily we found a steeds still resting in the parking lot.

[The fun begins]

 

[donroger1]

Somewhere along our return route, a dreaded decreasing radius turn became unmanagable.

More of the gore

The Impaler of Steeds

Amazingly, the steed was able to fire up and limp back to the motel.

[A sad day of travel ensues]

 

[donroger1]

"Fortunately" I called the right U-Haul number after returning to Russellville.
The guy drove over and picked me up, hooked me up with a truck and pointed me to an auto parts store to purchase tie downs.

Here is the Ambulance/Hearse safely back home.

Notice the "square" notch where the sign post centered on the fairing.

Progressive has already been here today and assessed the repair at $8700.
It's official. It is totaled.

Since that patient died, let's discuss me.

When the wheels came off, I was slammed to the roadbed on my left side.
The helmet did it's job nicely. (it's done)
The Tourmaster Intake jacket performed admirably. (it's done too)
The FirstGear Overpants also saved my hide. (adios to them too)

I slid about 40' before leaving the road for the ditch.
The bike slammed into the sign and then flipped over enough to tear up all sides.
I ended up about 60' farther down the ditch flat on my back.

I took a quick survey of digits and limbs and then rolled over.
WOW that hurt.

Since I could move and breathe, I got up and took in the horror.

The bike would run, so after contacting the local LEO (free to go, no one available to come)
I was escorted back to Russellville by my fellow riders.
Great Bunch of Guys.

I spent Sunday on the Oklahoma Interstate highways (some need some serious work) to get home.

Just to be safe, I went to the ER here in Denton.

Looks like I have a broken rib from my arm jamming into the ribs on impact.

I'm taking vacation this week to help recover.

Progressive has already "bought" my gear. They are paying for the truck rental and gas.
They are paying off the balance on the bike and will send me check for the difference.

When I can raise my arm (or reach forward to the grips) I'll start shopping again.

Life is Still Good.

 

[Tourmeister]

Thank God you did not hit that sign post instead of the bike...!!

I am very glad the injuries were not worse. Do you know which highway it was? On 27 maybe?

Glad the insurance is taking care of it!

 

[donroger1]

Thank God you did not hit that sign post instead of the bike...!!

Amen

I am very glad the injuries were not worse. Do you know which highway it was? On 27 maybe?

It was southbound on Hwy 123 North of Lurton just after the 10 mph switchbacks.

Glad the insurance is taking care of it!

If all goes well, I already have another Concours in mind.

 

[Knobby]

Whew! What a story. It all started out so well. Sorry about the bike, but I'm glad you're OK. Every time I've been to Arkansas on the street, there's a surprise somewhere along the route. Usually on the Pig Trail somewhere. Also, sounds like a great ad for Progressive and full coverage.

 

[Gilk51]

Wow, didn't expect this. Sorry about the take-down.
The pictures were good up to that point...

Hope your recovery goes well. I imagine some additional sore places will appear during your week off.

 

[cdc]

Glad you are OK.
Must say, an unusual (creative) way to report a wreck!

 

[NX2000]

Glad you're ok.

ummm, you do know the new Connie is coming?

 

[donroger1]

Glad you're ok.

ummm, you do know the new Connie is coming?

Yes Sir I do.
I'm just trying to be responsible with my finances.
The dead Connie wasn't completely paid for but if I can swing the next one, it will be.

Here's hoping........

 

[el_chupo_]

Sorry to hear about this. I dont know if you want a new or used Connie, but the local Honda dealer had an 03 (I think) black one for sale a few months ago. I can swing by and see if its still there if you want. I have my camera with me, I maybe could even get pics if you are interested.

Matt

 

[donroger1]

Sorry to hear about this. I dont know if you want a new or used Connie, but the local Honda dealer had an 03 (I think) black one for sale a few months ago. I can swing by and see if its still there if you want. I have my camera with me, I maybe could even get pics if you are interested.

Matt

Thanks Matt,
If it's black, it's probably an '04.
The one I'm interested in is older, hence affordable.
I can't even reach forward right now so it will be a while before I look seriously.

 

[1TallTXn]

WOW! sorry to hear you went down Don!

Really glad you didn't hit that sign post! that would have really hurt.

oh and thanks for crash testing my Intake jacket for me

As for the Connie that Matt is referring to. it wasn't there as of last Tuesday. I'm swinging by to pick up parts today so I'll double check.
IIRC it was a '03 per the sign on it, but it was black. rather nice looking bike actually, well for a Connie

 

[scratch]

Enough of us have dropped our bikes in Arkansas that we could have our own section here: we could call ourselves the Arkansas Fall Riders, or maybe the Arkansas Ride Fallers or something to that effect - you get the idea.

All jokes aside, glad to hear you're injuries are fairly minor and that you have good insurance!

NW Arkansas and SW Missouri has some of the most enjoyable and technically challenging roads in the country, but along with that comes the fact that those same roads often don't provide a lot of room for error/bad luck/karma. Like you, I got lucky when I went down on AR 21 last year - my bike was totalled on impact with a small tree, whereas I tumbled into some dirt and weeds and walked (O.K., limped) away.

 

[donroger1]

Enough of us have dropped our bikes in Arkansas that we could have our own section here: we could call ourselves the Arkansas Fall Riders, or maybe the Arkansas Ride Fallers or something to that effect - you get the idea.

All jokes aside, glad to hear you're injuries are fairly minor and that you have good insurance!

NW Arkansas and SW Missouri has some of the most enjoyable and technically challenging roads in the country, but along with that comes the fact that those same roads often don't provide a lot of room for error/bad luck/karma. Like you, I got lucky when I went down on AR 21 last year - my bike was totalled on impact with a small tree, whereas I tumbled into some dirt and weeds and walked (O.K., limped) away.

Exactly.
I was trying to think of a thread title about a "Group You Really Don't Want To Belong"

This was my first trip to Arkansas.

The Owner of the bike I am interested in purchasing commented, that during their group trip to Arkansas last month, several riders noticed loose gravel on the roadbed for the first time ever.

I would have made the turn if the gravel had be confined to the shoulder.
Oh Well.........

Life is Good!

 

[Doons]

Geez Don.... glad you are intact. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to do that? Take care and heal well.

Randy.....

 

[1TallTXn]

Just came from Honda, they do not have the Connie any more. They do have a '06 GW in a pretty pearl white

 

[Tourmeister]

While standing in a gas station in Arkansas a few years back talking with a local, he commented that, "Arkansas is where Texans come to crash their bikes..." Having crashed my VFR there a year or so before, I could not help but bust out laughing at his observation. Oh how the Truth hurts sometimes

 

[donroger1]

... a local commented that, "Arkansas is where Texans come to crash their bikes..." Oh how the Truth hurts sometimes

Yeah. The truth does hurt.
The good news is that not every Texan crashes their bike. Just the inattentive ones.

 

[donroger1]

Geez Don.... glad you are intact. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to do that? Take care and heal well.
Randy.....

Thanks Randy, now that you mention it, I don't think anyone ever actually told me not to act the fool. It's a painful lesson to learn.

thanks for crash testing my Intake jacket for me

Not a problem, glad to help out.

As for the Connie that Matt is referring to. it wasn't there as of last Tuesday. I'm swinging by to pick up parts today so I'll double check.
IIRC it was a '03 per the sign on it, but it was black. rather nice looking bike actually, well for a Connie

For a Connie?....
The '03 was factory red like mine, the '04 is factory black. Could have been repainted.

I'm still working out whether or not I want to borrow money for the next one.

I'll have to heal up before I can shop seriously....

 

[1TallTXn]

Hope you heal up quick! and just cause your in a cage doesn't mean you can't come to the M&Gs, so You really don't have an exucse. and it makes it easier to bring your better half

if you've got pics of how your jacket faired, I'd be interested in seeing them.

 

[donroger1]

if you've got pics of how your jacket faired, I'd be interested in seeing them.

Never took any pictures of the gear.
I hit on my shoulder, forearm and hip.
Both the shoulder and forearm were noticably worn but not completely through to the armor. An excellent jacket with perfect placement.

I will cage to the M&Gs once I feel well enough to drive.

 

[1TallTXn]

I do like how the elbow armor comes down to cover half the forearm.

Glad it did its job and kept you mostly intact.