Black Forest Rider Down... Hard!!!

[Mac020]

Last Saturday 1/7/05 my good friend and riding partner went down hard trying to avoid a dog!

I didn't actually see him crash as I was in front but I know It was caused by a dog. I had to manuver to avoid it myself about 30 seconds earlier.

We had just left our houses and were still basically warming up the bikes and tires. Nothing crazy or different than a normal Saturday morning ride.

After stopping at an intersection, I continued ahead while he waited for the next car. He was a couple hundred yards behind as I crested this hill about 45mph. I kicked up to about 65-70 when I saw a dog start across the road in front of me. I hit the binders and tried to flash my brake light and stuck out my leg. I guess he didn't see anything.

By the time I got to the next intersection (1/4 mi) Matt was gone. I turned around and rode back. There he was lying in the road not moving. Meanwhile a car had stopped and were checking him out and trying to call 911. I was sure there was no cell service, but the firehouse was just down the road.

I told the people not to move him! And leave his helmet on! I turned around and went to the station. The paramedics got to him within 5 minutes. He still hadn't moved!

It looks like he grabbed too much front brake and flipped the bike (2003 999) over on top of himself.

He is pretty messed up. Broken neck (C2) exploded pelvis (Seven places), broken rib, and both hands are broken across the knuckles.

Thank God Matt always wears his gear. 1 piece leathers, Arai Helmet, back protector, gloves, and boots. I'm convinced he'd be dead if not for that. Good quality stuff also made a difference.

He is still in ICU and goes to the operating room today to repair his pelvis. Please give him a thought and or a prayer for a speedy recovery.

I don't blame the dog for the accident, It's the owners that are responsible for this one. People need to control their animals!

[King Nothing]

Prayers for a quick and full recovery!

[jermag24]

I was one of the Black Forest guys dispatched to that call, but we were diverted to another call on the way. That's really too bad, I'm really nervous about riding in such a wooded area myself. I had ridden my '04 GSXR750 to the station that day, so of course I got a rash of crap about "donor cycles".

I'll say a prayer for him, I hope he doesn't stop riding!

[Mac020]

First words out of his mouth: "How's the bike?"

[Cleveland]

Best wishes for your friend.

[Jenny]

I wish your friend a quick and full recovery.

[sprtbkbabe]

I hope your friend gets better!

[McVaaahhh]

I hope your friend has a quick and healthy recovery.

You said he had a broken C2, is their any concern about paralysis, or is he out of the woods on that?

Good thing nobody moved him, or took his helmet off!

[Mac020]

He has feeling and movement. Biggest problem is his pelvis.

[Priller_Nate]

Dang..I ride through BF all the time! My prayers are with your friend for a speedy and healthy recovery.

Nathan

[T-byrd]

Hate to hear about any rider going down. Good luck to your buddy, I hope he has a speedy and full recovery.

Tanya

[Mac020]

Matt just got out of surgery! Doc said things went well, but will need a hip replacement in a year or so.

He's still got a long road ahead of him. I'm just glad he's still alive and not paralized! He will get through this and I'm sure he'll ride again.

Looks like they will be able to fix his Duc and He has a couple of other bikes he needs to wear out.

[NZ Darren]

Glad he is ok, sounds like some very painful injuries for him to deal with

[rforsythe]

Glad your friend will be ok, that's a lot of broken bone to deal with. Hopefully he recovers 100%!

Also, good job on leaving him still with the lid on!

[Dave]

Damn! Very sorry to learn about this Mac, I also hope for a full and speedy recovery. You really played it cool concerning the helmet and location of the emergency personnel.
Were you guys on the way to Pueblo for the track day?

[KooLaid]

Saw it in the news. I was wondering who it was....... I wish him a speedy recovery.

Seeing the bike in the back of the dodge dakota, it looks TOO bad from the side shots. They also mention something... not sure what... but some how I got the impression this guy is in late 50's? like 56?

[Mista Black]

this sucks. i agree with you Mac that the owners of the dog should be held 100% responsible for this!!

BUT if any of you get in a situation like this with any animal smaller than a moose, please just hit the thing and kill it. you'll be a lot better off. I know people who've hit moose, elk, deer, etc and lived. most havent even fallen. so scrub off all the speed you can then get off the brakes and just hit it.

my .02... your milage my vary.

Get well soon Matt.

[Bat]

Best of luck to your friend - I too hope for a full recovery for him.

[Suz]

Sorry to hear about your friend Mac, thoughts and prayers are with him. Thanks for the update, too.. so glad that his surgery went well. Did anyone find out who the owners of the dog are? I totally agree, they should be held responsible for allowing their dog to roam around.

[Lee]

What a bad accident. Thanks, Mac020, for posting about it. I am glad to read that Matt is alive, but personally distressed about the severity of his injuries.

My wife and I sincerely wish him a speedy and full recovery.

Lee

[Mac020]

Damn! Very sorry to learn about this Mac, I also hope for a full and speedy recovery. You really played it cool concerning the helmet and location of the emergency personnel.
Were you guys on the way to Pueblo for the track day?

As a matter of fact we discussed going to the track that very morning. I was ready to load-up the bikes and go. Matt said he didn't want to spend all day at the track. I'm sure we would have had a better time! It woulda been cool seeing him blow by a few guys. Matt races vintage and is pretty fast especially on the 999.

[S2RGRL]

Sorry to hear about your friend I wish him a full recovery.

[~Barn~]

I'm happy to hear about the good news from the Doc's. Wish your friend our best, for a complete recovery.

[Nick_Ninja]

What a bad accident. Thanks, Mac020, for posting about it. I am glad to read that Matt is alive, but personally distressed about the severity of his injuries.

My wife and I sincerely wish him a speedy and full recovery.

Lee

Hope he gets back at it soon.