This is just very sad.......

[BigSkyRider]

The owner of a Harley dealership in North Carolina was killed this week on Highway 12 (Lolo Pass)

Visit: http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?s=8752898

[Fritzc]

The video made a pretty good impression on me! When you look at the damaged car and the Harley laying on its side all busted up, it tells of a very sad ending to what should have been a really happy event. The tragedy is not just for the fallen biker but the friends and family as well. The loading of the biker being put on the helicopter was a dramatic scene. All there looked quite professional and caring. Its nice to know when on the road that skilled rescue workers can be on the scene in scant minutes and that they take pride in their jobs. Impressive damage shows what happens when steel meets steel. Very very sad all the way around.
God Bless the family for their loss.

[gfspencer]

He was not wearing a helmet. I just don't get it.

[glurkus]

Why would anyone try to pass a car on the left as the car is turning left?
I remember a few years ago being stuck behind a van that was going 10 MPH below the limit, waiting for a place to pass. As soon as I pulled out to pass, he decided to make a left turn without signaling. I had to brake then swerve back into the right lane, and missed him by about 2 feet. Now I do not pass people at any place where a car can suddenly turn left.

[jdmetzger]

Why would anyone try to pass a car on the left as the car is turning left?
I remember a few years ago being stuck behind a van that was going 10 MPH below the limit, waiting for a place to pass. As soon as I pulled out to pass, he decided to make a left turn without signaling. I had to brake then swerve back into the right lane, and missed him by about 2 feet. Now I do not pass people at any place where a car can suddenly turn left.

Due to the fact that people seem to be buying their vehicles without the turn signal option, I've become very mindful of passing people. If there is a driveway or anything, I generally wait. I always wait if there is a turn for a state park or scenic pull-off, as some people don't know exactly where they are going and make sudden moves at the last minute.

I don't like to see anyone die; not sure a helmet would have helped, but it couldn't have hurt. Bad all around, either way.

[BigSkyRider]

I was in the military and a good friend of mine flew the F-16 Falcon.
I always remember something he said to me and I repeat it in my mind everytime I get on my bike to go for a ride.

He told me that "Just befored I pull the belts tight and close the canopy, I think about the fine line between life and death. I consider the danger and the risk and it humbles me, not in fear but in respect. It put's me in a perfect frame of mind for the dangerous and incredibly amazing thing I'm about to do".

Mike

[Fritzc]

Why would anyone try to pass a car on the left as the car is turning left?
I remember a few years ago being stuck behind a van that was going 10 MPH below the limit, waiting for a place to pass. As soon as I pulled out to pass, he decided to make a left turn without signaling. I had to brake then swerve back into the right lane, and missed him by about 2 feet. Now I do not pass people at any place where a car can suddenly turn left.
I rode 275 miles today through northern Ohio and southern Michigan! At least a dozen times on that ride, a car in front of me would suddenly slow down then signal just before or while turning into a drive or street on either the left or right. Or often not signal at all! The law requires one to signal BEFORE turning or changing lanes. I wish drivers would communicate a little better. Passing on a solid yellow line??? You are on your own! Anything happens, You are to blame. Speaking of helmets, Ohio and Indiana bikers have an obvious disdain for helmets. The only bikers I saw in Ohio wearing helmets had out of state license plates. I guess Hoosiers and Buckeyes have harder heads than us Michiganders.

[rbertalotto]

I had an accident in Washington State in 06 where the driver pulled off the road to the right, I thought to let me pass, as I accelerated, she pulled a U-Turn right in front of me! There was no where for her to turn into on the left so I though I was in the clear. She said she was reversing direction to go back to a yard sale! Local police found me at fault.................

When I pass cars I always check to see if there is a possible turnout where the driver might make a sudden left turn. And I always signal with my air horn......

This "left turning car with no signal while passing" has happened to a half dozen friends of mine in the last few years..............not good

Prayers and thoughts to the Harley fellows family and friends.

[jdmetzger]

I rode 275 miles today through northern Ohio and southern Michigan! At least a dozen times on that ride, a car in front of me would suddenly slow down then signal just before or while turning into a drive or street on either the left or right. Or often not signal at all! The law requires one to signal BEFORE turning or changing lanes. I wish drivers would communicate a little better. Passing on a solid yellow line??? You are on your own! Anything happens, You are to blame. Speaking of helmets, Ohio and Indiana bikers have an obvious disdain for helmets. The only bikers I saw in Ohio wearing helmets had out of state license plates. I guess Hoosiers and Buckeyes have harder heads than us Michiganders.

Well, some of us Buckeyes wear helmets. Sadly, the majority do not. Many of them appear to wrapped up in "cool". I have always found it interesting that when I wear my silver and black Rev'It jacket, they wave at me (even though I wear a helmet). If I have my high-viz Olympia (most of the time) the percentage of wavers drops to maybe 10% or less. I still wave anyhow.

I had an accident in Washington State in 06 where the driver pulled off the road to the right, I thought to let me pass, as I accelerated, she pulled a U-Turn right in front of me! There was no where for her to turn into on the left so I though I was in the clear. She said she was reversing direction to go back to a yard sale! Local police found me at fault.................


They found you at fault?! I hope you fought that one - unless it's legal to make a U-turn in Washington? Maybe a "yard sale U-turns are OK" clause? :dunno Glad you're still with us after that one!