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Sportbike accident.  I was on a ride with my best friend. We were riding in uncharted territory for us; I was also on a bike I wasn’t very familiar with. I had the bike a couple of months but had only taken it out a few times. So we’re off, we head up into the hills and up the curvy canyon. Most of the corners were labeled for speed (15mph, 25mph, etc)… We reach a corner that was not labeled so didn’t think much of it. Well, turned out to be a pretty sharp corner! Good thing we were not going to fast - or I would not be here today typing this!

Starting into the corner I realize I wasn’t over far enough and nothing to do but slow down or drop down. While slowing down I ended up in the other lane and seconds later off the opposite shoulder of the road here my bike hit the gravel. By this time I had slowed way down but the bike locked up and high sided…. I flew over the handle bars landing on my stomach, bouncing and flipping over onto my back and sliding feet  first… Here’s the problem I was sliding feet first to the edge of the corner of the road where there was NO guard rail and a cliff which dropped straight down hundreds of feet to rocks! Fortunately for me the first 6 feet of the drop off were a very steep but slight angle. My left foot planted on a very small but luckily for me sturdy rock sticking out of the mountain. With my back against the mountain I tried grabbing anything I could to the left or right - but nothing but loose dirt and rock which kept falling and sliding. My right foot kept slipping as well. (This is why I always recommend riding with friends)… Lucky for my best friend was following me and was quickly off his bike and over to help. With adrenaline pumping and fear of his best friend dying he reached over the side and pulled me up with one hand! Yes, with one hand he pulled my 205lbs up and out of harm’s way. Adrenaline - powerful stuff!

I use to brag about never going down, dropping a bike, any accidents, etc…. That day was more of a pride   rusher than anything else, but opened my eyes as well. My advice is always leave plenty of room to   compensate for error or the unforeseen and whenever possible ride with friends. Have fun but be safe out there!