Bennington Triumph Bash

Guess the header says it all. Was having a great time with two friends up in the Smokies. Rode through Deal's Gap without incident and, yes, bought the T-shirt. Just having a great time out on the road again. Then up on the BRP near Mt. Pisgah I wrecked the bike on a gentle left hander. Really weird too. Wasn't going particularly fast approaching the turn but decided to apply a little front brake. The front end locked up and shook back and forth violently a couple times. Next thing I knew I was lying in the dirt and the bike was into a wooden guard rail. This was braking in a straight line mind you. I had this happen with this bike once before when I frist bought it. So, I changed out the brake pads and fork springs (to reduce dive) and thought I had solved the problem. In 35 yrs. of riding this has only happened twice. Both times with this bike. If I was doing something stupid or was on the edge of control, I'd be blaming myself. But, that wasn't the case. I am pretty beaten up with bruises all over and ribs hurting like a bitch but thank God for my Suomy helmet and full leathers. Fortunately I have a friend in Asheville, NC which is right there where I crashed. She's an RN and her husband is a doctor. Stayed with them over night and then took a rental car back to CT yesterday. Sucks really. The bike is at a Triumph/Ducati dealer in Asheville for a damage estimate. But, I can tell you I won't be owning it again. I have heard some people say that the stock brakes on the Sprint are too grabby but I don't know if that's a design issue or just my bike.

Bruce!


I am glad you are ok. I know accidents caused by the motorcycle itself are freaky. No need to blame yourself, I am glad you were wearing your gear and I know you have great riding skills. Don't worry about that crazy bike, they make new ones everyday, but there is only one Bruce!


Take care my friend and heal quickly!


Tito


Ton Up!

in the long run, ice packs will make you feel better than heating pads.
glad that you're ok.

Damn. Glad your O.K.

They make new bikes every day they only made one of you so glad your not injured.

Jimmy

Bruce -- That sucks! How are you doing mentally? Things okay? Looking forward to riding again?

Pete

Geeezzzusss, I just find someone else to ride with and the MC gods go fukin with him! Bruce, so glad you weren't seriously hurt and I hope it won't be long before your in the saddle again. No matter how you hit the tar it sucks but mechanical failure really bites especially when it's no fault of your own. Take care and mend fast, Touko

Thanks. So many people are glad they only made one of me.

I really appreciate all the good wishes. Thank you. I didn't go to the hospital but I'm pretty sure I have some badly bruised or fractured ribs and maybe a mild concussion. If it weren't for my Suomy Extreme helmet (or some helmet) I'm sure I'd have sustained at least brain damage. Although I've always been a guy who wears his gear, I will never ride without all my gear. Thank God I was wearing all the right stuff when I wrecked. And, FWIW, I'll be back on my Ducati this week I'm sure even if it hurts. I'll be looking for another 2-up bike because Vicki says she still wants to ride with me.

Bruce! Damn, I'm glad you're OK, and hopefully feeling better with each passing day. You warned me about those front brakes! Glad to hear your getting back in the saddle.

Heal up quick, my friend.

Bruce - sorry to hear about this but I'm glad your, for all intents and purposes, OK. Robin is right, keep icing as much as possible. I just had my rotator cuff fixed and I'm on my 3rd day hooked up to an icy water pump contraption that has sped up my recovery 10 fold. Think of a cooler that holds a six pack and it has a little motor pump in it. You fill it with ice and water and it pumps the icy water through 2 tubes that go up to a bladder that is all velcroed around my shoulder. It is super comfortable and very thorough!. BTW - people, today is day one with no pain killers. I was able to shower and pulled off all the bandages. There were 3 small holes where the scope went in and each has a stitch or 2.

Bruce - it was so nice meeting you and Vickey. I wish you a speedy recovery and lets plan a ride soon with the Rockers and Dr Lapo and anyone else in the CT area. I saw all the equipment you both wore up at BTB and I was impressed, especially with the leather pants with pucks. I have them as well but never where them. I guess I will have to learn the hard way.
John

Hedge- hope you heal quickly. No fun having youir daily routines filled with pain. Vicki and I had a great time in Bennington and enjoyed meeting you too. FWIW, we are having a cookout on Sunday, June 29th and you and the Rockers are welcomed to attend. Directions available by posting here or e-mailing me.

I checked my calander and I'm wide-open except for that one little thing called the wife which I will hanve to check with.
Thx - John

So, bring her along.

Bruce, glad to hear you're okay!

--mark