DRAGON does it again -Saturday 8-26-2006

[TNZX14]

I was on my normal run thru the CHEROHALA SKYWAY then over to eat at DealsGap and final leg thru the TAIL OF THE DRAGON. I had my lady friend on the back of the ZX14 so was in no big hurry. On the way thru I had an ambulance blow past me as it was heading back toward Deals Gap. I knew someone was down but knew not who. So as I proceeded my run thru the Dragon and made my way back to the flatland along 129 by the lake, I noticed other riders approaching and either flashing their lights or motioning me ( palms down ) to slow down. But seeing as I was just running 40 in a 40 I saw no reason too. As I came into the 50 MPH section still heading away from the Dragon on 129 people were still indicating to slow down. I was still doing 40 mph. As I rounded a slow sweeping curve near the dam I could see what the issue was. A small crowd had gathered on the right side of the road where maybe 15 foot off the road was a uprising limestop bluff. As I slowly passed I could see their was a bike on the right side of the road and knew someone was down. As I got near the crowd I noticed a body up against the straight up wall of limestone and a lady was performing CPR on this person. I knew I could be of no help other than making for a bigger crowd of onlookers so I proceeded down the road. I passed a Police man on his way to the scene maybe 2 miles from the accident.
I could see no probable cause for the accidnet since it was not in a curve but on a fairly straight section of the road. I know there were other bikers there, as well as a few automobiles also. Even though this accident happened well off the Dragon I am sure it will be attributed to it.

I have no idea who this guy is whether or not he was revived. I hope they got to him in time and ask that everyone please think about what they are doing out there. I ride the dragon and it has always been good to me. Not because I fear it or my bike but because I respect it, as much as I do my bike and my fellow riders. I know my limitations and they are a little lower than the limitations of my bike so I do not ride wheelies nor do I stunt. I do speed in places and at tiimes when I should not. I am never worried about what I am going to do and am always on guard of the other guy.

I guess what I am trying to say is if you visit the Dragon, or anytime you ride, be prepared, Mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you or your bike are not at 100% do not ride like you are. If the Dragon senses you are even a little off it can and will bite you. Sometimes there is no cure for these bites but plenty have survived.

Peace be with the rider I saw and to those who did stop to help him. I also hope you noticed I slowed even more and dropped my head in sorrow as I saw a fellow motorcyclist down. I hope all ends up well. Please remember to RESPECT the road, the ride, the bike, fellow riders and even more yourselves.

[JaiBird]

Nice post and very accurate on imput to conditions you'll face. That thing has bit alot of people, myself being one, and some will never recover from their encounter. RIP fallen riders, there had been at least one a couple days prior to our arrival the weekend of the 19th, and we saw many go downs while there.

[bumblebee]

Good words...great advice...

[ZZRrocket]

I totally agree with what you have said in your post. I just hope and wish some of the younger riders on the roads today felt the same way. I posted my opinion about what I consider to be irresponsible behavior on a motorcyle and basically got flamed by bunch of 20 something year old kids. That IMO don't respect the road, the ride, the bike, fellow riders and even more themselves. Possibly I approached this in the wrong manner when I posted on another thread in this forum. Maybe you could shed a little light on the thread I'm refering to. Thanks for your help. Anything you have to offer here is has allot of repect from me personally. I can tell what kind of person you are just from the words you have typed. A kind and decent person with good morals and values. Bless the rider and there family. Ride Safe brother

wheelies

[TNZX14]

Here is the story of this accident from Tail of the Dragon website.

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Motorcyclist critically injured in accident on US 129
2006-08-27
by Jessica Stith of The Daily Times Staff

A Blount County man was in critical condition after he crashed his motorcycle into a telephone pole on U.S. 129 Saturday.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Ron McDonald, John C. Evans, 26, 6633 Calderwood Highway, Tallassee, was driving south on U.S. 129 (Calderwood Highway) near Chilhowee Dam at about 5:15 p.m.

Evans passed another vehicle on the highway, began losing control of his motorcycle, slid off the road and hit a telephone pole, McDonald said.

The impact caused Evan's blue 2006 Suzuki GSX-R750 motorcycle to slide about 300 feet away from the crash site leaving Evans at the pole, McDonald said. He said he believed speed was the cause of the accident and did not think drugs or alcohol were involved.

When Rural/Metro Ambulance Service arrived, Evans had a faint pulse. Blount County Volunteer Rescue Squad and Blount County Sheriff's deputies also responded at about 5:23 p.m. to assist at the scene.

Rural/Metro Ambulance Service secured Evans and rushed him to a landing zone near the intersection of Foothills Parkway and U.S. 129. Lifestar airlifted Evans and took him to University of Tennessee Medical Center.

According to a University of Tennessee Medical Center spokesperson, Evans was in critical condition Saturday night.

[Iceman_954rr]

Damn...

Hope the rider pulls through.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the rider.

[jk750]

Hope the rider makes a full recovery. A telephone pole could put a serious hurt on you. No telephone poles at the track.