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We were reminded of how critically important rider safety is when Mike Day reached out to us to tell us his story. Mike was riding the Virginia BDR and had a run in with a deer around a gravel filled corner when he hit a berm and went flying 227 feet. Mike would later learn he had 5 fractured ribs, a punctured kidney and had a hematoma.
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and exhilarating experience unlike anything else. But it also comes with significant risks that need to be considered every time you ride. Riders are much more vulnerable to serious injury or death in the event of an accident. This is why it is important for all riders to understand the importance of motorcycle safety and to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risks associated with riding.
One of the most important aspects of motorcycle safety is wearing the right gear, every time you ride. Mike was wearing a helmet, riding jacket, gloves and proper riding boots – and without it he might have had a different outcome.
Mike Day initially reached out to us to tell us that after his bike went tumbling down a ravine “the bike was in, surprisingly, great shape. I owe it all to the front crash bars I ordered from you” he wrote to us. His AltRider crash bars saved his Tenere 700, and he said he only had to replace a few insignificant parts on his T7. In fact, the reason he knows he flew 227 feet is because the tow truck driver had to put an extension on to wench his bike out of the ravine.
We’re just glad you’re okay Mike!
Mike did have some advice to give to our other riders. He’s a very experienced street bike rider, but was fairly new to ADV bikes. He talked about how ADV bikes have a different center of balance and a totally different feeling. Fatigue and inexperience played a role in my accident he said. He also added the importance of proper education, he wants to take some off road courses to ensure he has effective muscle memory. The margin for error is very small he commented.
We can help protect your motorcycle, but please don’t ever forget to protect yourself.
Two very sobering statistics:
- In 2020, motorcycle accidents resulted in over 5,500 deaths in the United States alone.
- Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars.
Mike's Tenere 700 after being pulled from the ravine 227 feet away. He's still riding it today.
