No one sets out on a ride expecting that a motorcycle will go down.  As the author of ” A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” I often offer to run the back of group rides since I have training and supplies. There were several of us that were placed in various positions to be of help if needed whether the help that was needed might be medical or mechanical. Susan, Jean, and I took up the rear.  It was a cool morning which meant my bike was running good. It had rained that morning but good fortune prevailed, the rain stopped and the breeze dried the pavement.

I like riding the back of the pack because that’s where all the action is! 70 mph one minute and 10 mph the next.  You need to stay on your toes. We were about 15 miles into the group ride when we came to a stop. Susan waited a minute and then we looked at each other, I nodded, and off she went to see what was happening. Two minutes later there was still no movement so I also passed the line of bikes. When I got to the intersection, I could see a bike with damage and someone being tended to by Susan. The group had made a left turn and the pavement was gnarly with a drop off and gravel.

As I was documenting the scene, one of my students who took training 6 months prior, Joyce, came up to me to say she was first on the scene.  She was still wearing her gloves as she gave me a report of what happened and how she had the rider all bandaged up already and with the help of a neighbor had her sitting in a chair with an ice pack on her leg. 911 had been called, an officer was there controlling traffic, and my help was not needed.  As I left two ambulances, a fire truck, and a police car were arriving (15 minutes after the incident).  She was going to be sore but ultimately chose not to go to the hospital.

I am so grateful for my students and to all of you Good Samaritans out there making a difference.  Road Guardians in action. Things could have been worse and more out of control but our Accident Scene Management trained student remembered what to do, had supplies with her, and made a difference.

Do you know what to do??? Do you know what PACT and ABCSS of Trauma are? How long has it been since you have taken your class? Is it time for a refresher? The more people we get trained (and equipped), the better off we will all be. Tell your friends. It’s a brotherhood/sisterhood thing that we do for each other…?

Safe riding!