The crash happened around 4:15 p.m. at 2405 South Hopkins Ave., the address of Miracle City Harley-Davidson. The man was test-driving a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle within the confines of the Titus Landing parking area, lost control, and crashed into the back wall of an unoccupied shopping center, police said.
Drawing his last breath, he was heard whispering:
ReplyDeleteGet your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
I'm 68 years old. Same age as that guy.
ReplyDeleteFinally got the finances to get that Harley I've always wanted but could never afford.
The missus says you'll get killed by some moron motorist.
This is like the kid in Christmas Story being told "you'll shoot your eye out".
I had six Harleys and went on many tours. I was not a ride around town kind of guy. I strongly support Motorcycle Safety Courses. I took the first course and then every five years or so would take an advanced course just to stay sharp. I'd take the course before I bought the bike. They supply helmets and small bikes. You have to show up with long sleeves, pants and boots above the ankle. Once completed, at least in Virginia, you do not have to take a drivers test at DMV. The information and skill you will leave with is unsurpassed. I never rode on holidays or at rush hours. Also, I worked a lot in Nursing Homes. The one thing I heard over and over was, "I wish I had." When I'm old and drooling I'll be able to say, "I did." I've been fortunate. I've had a life of adventure and today have no bucket list. By the way, Trikes are mighty nice. The are not a hard frame anymore. Not dangerous like they were back in the day.
DeleteSadly your Mrs is maybe right. The average American driver would probably be refused a license in most of the world. I have been driving for 54 years and have never had to prove to the state that I can actually control a motor vehicle.
DeleteI briefly raced motorcycles in the early '90s. The biggest surprise was how many of the racers refused to drive on roads due to how dangerous car drivers were.
DeleteAl_in_Ottawa
Sonny came to Daytona Bike Week years ago wearing his colors. Rookie cop was going to arrest him, called his supervisor & read his ID as Ralph Barger from Oakland, CA. Supervisor said, "Sonny, welcome to Daytona & enjoy yourself."
ReplyDeleteI had a buddy in the Army whose dad was a cop in San Bernardino. He had to serve a warrant on Sonny Barger once. He called ahead of time so there would be no misunderstandings, so to speak.
DeleteI’ve been riding for more than 50 years, closer to 55 counting mini- bikes and small dirt bikes. Done some pretty stupid shit on bikes and had some pretty stupid shit done to me while riding. Got the scars to prove it. Owned a Harley of one kind or another since the mid eighties. World’s fastest tractors. I would not recommend any older person start out riding on an 800 pound slow bike or a 400 pound two wheeled rice rocket. Riding today is much more hazardous than any time I can remember due to more people on the road and more distracted drivers. Take lessons from professional cyclists and practice away from heavily traffic areas. Just my two cents. Eod1sg Ret
ReplyDeleteEOD I agree with all you say. It sounds like he is dead set to ride. That is why the subtle suggestion of a trike. I see lots of folks my age on trikes in central Florida. Most are Vets and I'm sure rode two wheelers just a few years ago.
DeleteUnfortunately after motorcycle safety class doesn't mean you should go out and get the biggest most beautiful bike. Start with something you can handle then move up to your dream bike. Dumping your big bike at a gas station isn't impressive speaking for a friend.
ReplyDeleteWe had a guy so something similar at our local dealer during bike night. He had gotten motor work done and was " testing it " when he shot out the parking lot, across 4 lanes of traffic and into a large drainage ditch..., We laughed our asses off at him once we knew he was ok
ReplyDeleteJD
High school buddy of mine was riding about 10 years ago in rural Montana mountains with his 16-yo son on the back. Came around a bend, and ran into a bighorn sheep standing in the middle of the road, went flying ass over elbows over the front of his bike. Kid was fine, but had to walk about a mile to get signal to call for a life flight. Friend spent several weeks in ICU - would not have survived if he hadn't been armored up with the best outfit he could find. He's medically retired now, and no longer rides.
ReplyDeleteNurses call them donorcycles for a reason.
That's gonna cost HD a fortune on gay pirate wardrobe merchandise...
ReplyDeleteI bought a new bicycle in '04. The salesman made sure I knew how to ride before he let me try it out. And even then he rode with me. I don't think it was theft prevention, he'd have had my s-10.
ReplyDeleteI'm going with whiskey throttle or "medical emergency", vaxx related.
ReplyDeleteBiggest bike I owned was a 82 Suzuki GS450. I always suspected it was a rebuilt frame; something felt off with how it tracked. Ran like a champ, though. I sold it after I was on a road trip and the back tire started to slip on a ramp up the 101. But I pulled it out and didn't go down. And that was my last ride.
ReplyDeleteScrew that, nobody cares about him. What was the damage to the bike?
ReplyDelete