Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge blackdog vs. deer....and Flo comes through!

Just had to happen I guess. Just got the old America reassembled and dialed in, and was riding to work for the very first time this year today. Live kinda out in the country and right away saw a bunch of deer in a field. They all do the right thing and exit stage left when I approach. Thought it odd seeing that many deer this time of year but was happy they went the other direction. About 3 miles down the road I was enjoying the hum of the bike and the buzz of the road, paying close attention to my mechanics and technique since I hadn't ridden more than 20 miles since November. Crested a hill with a row of evergreens on the left and - POW - a flash of brown slams into my left foot and bounces off the rear fender. I recall looking up an instant after impact to see where I was going to land but then I managed to right myself and continue down the road. After a few hundred yards what had happened registered and I pulled into a driveway to assess the damage and to figuratively clean out my drawers. My left foot peg was gone (not stock, but 1/2 of a cool set of Rocket pegs), the fender was smashed, the taillight/license plate mount was dangling and the rear tire was hopelessly scored. Also there was a liberal application of deer, uh, waste on the back of the bike. Tried to pull the fender out enough to ride but since the tire was already damaged I went ahead and limped back to the garage, retrieved my 4 wheel security blanket and proceeded to work.

Not long after, the shock and adrenaline subsided and my left foot started aching in several places. Tied up a few loose ends at the plant and headed to the local X-ray studio. Lots of swelling, discoloration and tenderness but no obivious breaks yet. If things don't improve in a few days the next level of imaging may be employed to search for soft tissue or microfracture damage. Damn glad I was wearing boots.

Contacted my local sheriff's department and, hard to believe I know, the officer that showed up to create the report was huge Brit bike fan...Triumphs, BSAs, Notons, he loves em all. That was about the only highlight of the day. That and not dying.

I'm guessing the obvious damage to the bike to be in the $1000 range, so the next step is probably going to be dealing with the insurance guy. We'll see how that works out.

All things considered I realize it could have been much, much worse. Seemed too ironic that I had just gotten back of the road, and now I'd imagine it will take who-knows-how-long to get back on the road again.

Oh well, it does give this boring old fart something to talk about.

Holy Crap!! Wow, I hate to hear about your poor bike and well your foot also. But I got to say how very impressed that you managed to keep it upright. Man if that had been me I don't think it would have been figuratively. I'm pretty sure I would have had to toss my pants and cut some shorts outta fresh deer hide. Im glad you made it through alright and are able to tell this story, sound like it could have been much worse. Think it might be time for LOUDER pipes too.

I hate reading about this sort of thing, i am glad you are alive and as noted i am glad you were able to keep her upright, man would i be p*ssed off so i can only imagine how you felt. Fortunately i have only struck deers in cages and that was bad enough, hitting one on a bike.... man!

Sorry to hear about the bike, that sucks but pretty small part of the whole equation here, get well

Wow, I can't believe you kept it upright! Maybe you should have stopped for a lottery ticket on the way home!

Glad it didn't put you in the woods! Here is to a fast recovery...and hope you heal up fast too!

Wow man!Glad you're OK, and that neither you or your bike were too badly damaged.

And on top of that, you still went in to work

I'd have been too messed up for that

I'm impressed! How did you manage to keep her upright with an impact big enough to shatter your guard, shear a footrest bolt and maim a deer? You weren't meant to die that day!!!

Amazing combination of luck and skill.

Glad to hear it wasn't worse. Sounds like you had your guardian angels with you!

What every one else has said here, and lets hope your repairs are done quickly so you don't miss out on too much of your riding season up there, Doug!

(...btw, even though the subject matter of your post is unfortunate, I have to say the way you expressed your experience in it was very entertaining)

Ah, the lords of balance and skill have smiled upon you. Good deal, and good that you and bike will be okay. Somewhere out here on the internet is video footage from Sturgis, maybe 4 years ago, of a deer vaulting a rider and bike on the highway in the middle of a pack of riders.

Take it easy with that soft tissue damage, I'm still working out a knee after one of my giant breed dogs accidentally ran me down last fall...imagine a Great Pyrenees as a linebacker and you'll get the picture. Sure is a slow healing process after 50.

Deer Sturgis

Thanks for all the goodness guys. As I sit surrounded by ice, rum and painkillers, I do realize how much worse this could have been. Not to over-dramatize, but today I made sure I talked to my girls and contacted some of my best friends that I don't have the opportunity to see very often. Might sound a little corny but I certainly believe I had a brief but intense 'come to Jesus' moment and for some reason I was granted another pass. Guess I can live with that. And as far as that skill thing goes, I'll go with luck everytime.

Man o man !! Glad to know your here to tell the tale. Hoping you heal up soon and the insurance Nazi's do you right.

Incredible! I am amazed that you are still alive after that enounter, and even more that you kept the rubber side down at/after impact. Best wishes for your recovery, and hope the insurance guy doesn't hose you on what it'll take to get yer scoot repaired.

Just goes to show ya those gremlin bells do work..eh!

Cheers to you man, have a rum on me & call a few more buds

jh

STINKIN DEER! Sounds like you came out of it as well as could be expected. That's great! I think you'll come out of the insurance experience ok. I did. Good luck to ya!

Rich, aren't deer such majestic noble animals?

Kinda thinking that perhaps this encounter was retribution all of the brethren I've harvested and consumed in the past.
Whenst I get back to my place of employment I think I shall take in a venison sausage or two to share with my coworkers to celebrate my perseverance.

Just got off the phone with my oldest. Last night, a little too far into dark, he was bombing downhill on a mountain bike and t-boned a deer. Fortunately, despite bumps and bruises, everyone went about their business.

I suppose everyone knows about Lawrence Grodsky. He was probably a better rider than any of us.

sounds like to much excitment to early,hope you heal quickly and they are fast fixing your bike.Oh,and glad it's you who broke this news to us.

Damn, Doug, sorry to hear about your ride but glad you made it through okay. Hope you get it all fixed up quick and your insurance doesn't try to screw you around.

Go into work? That would have been a four roses day. Nice tale for the grandkids!

Hope you get everything fixed in time for good riding weather. Glad you are ok.

I'm glad you are okay, a reminder to remember the important stuff. Bikes can be fixed.

Hey Doug, glad to hear that you are relatively ok and on the mend.

Glad you're alive and talking about it. Hope the healing goes fast.

mike

Thanks again for all the well-wishing. Foot/leg is pretty much rainbow colored now but really just a bit stiff for the most part. Get to see the insurance guy this week. Not expecting to feel much love but we'll see.

'Flo' the Progressive guy stopped by today. Pretty pleased. Estimated the repairs at $1300 and left a check (minus the deductible) with no questions asked. Even adjusted the amount up $92 when I pointed out the snapped-off peg was from a Rocket. All in all pretty happy. Now the work begins.

I sure hope his name is Floyd...

Glad to hear it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Hope you're back on 2 wheels soon.

Having walked and ridden away from a deer strike unharmed I know how close a call it can be.

Everyone, these hooved cockroacheas can be deadly. PLEASE RIDE SAFE!

Crap! I gotta start wearing my glasses!

Yeah Doug, that MIGHT be a good idea, bro!!!

Saaaaay, you didn't forget to wear 'em when you were hit by that deer, now did ya???

(...'cause NOW I'm startin' to think that deer didn't just pop out o' nowhere, like ya said it did...MAYBE ya just didn't see him, THAT'S all?!!!)

Weelll, I saw that furry woodland creature just fine as he streaked into the side of the trusty steed.....and yes the glasses were on! But I didn't check close enough to see if it was wearing a behive and red lipstick either.

If the deer was Flo at least the beehive wasn't messed up by the impact.