I just found out today that a good friend of mine died on Sunday in a motorcycle accident. His name was Maurice Sutono, and he rode a CBR RR 1000. The incident happened on Montezuma Grade in Borrego Springs, CA, Feb. 25. I'm more in shock because I didn't find out sooner, I had just ridden with him and the rest of our group the day before at the very same mountain. Unfortunately I had only began riding with this group about 2-3 months ago and Maurice was the one who brought me in, so I had never actually exchanged numbers or e-mail with any of the other 3 guys we mainly rode with. Here is a link to an original post made by Chris Caines, one of the other riders from the group. The picture shown in this post shows us all on the weekend before this tragic incident, when ironically I low sided my bike for the first time, and luckily walked away with nothing more than a bruised ego. I am shown next to Maurice in the picture in the blue Alpinestars jacket reffered to as "Young Chris", a nickname the group gave me, Maurice is in the black Alpinestars jacket.
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/s...d.php?t=108090
I am not well known on these forums or any others for that matter, but I wanted to leave this post on all of the forums I do check regularly for various information and post on occassionaly. I'll personally say that I hadn't even been riding with these guys for very long, and I only have had my R6 for about 4 months now or so, but luckily after meeting Maurice I was allowed into a truly skilled and great group of riders who wanted to teach me the right way to ride, and the safe way. While they rode with many people, these four were particularly close, Maurice, Henry, Mark, and Chris. I was honored to be allowed into such a tight knit group of older more experienced riders who were very selective about who they let ride with them. Ever since I bought my bike I was hoping to stumble upon a group that I actually felt safe with, that would teach me how to really use the bike without being stupid, who were humble and didn't push it beyond their own limits, and who showed a true skill and knowledge of riding. I found that all and more in this group.
Maurice was killed in a collission at the fault of another rider who apparently lost control coming into a turn faster than he could handle. The other rider was taken to the hospital and I've gotten various bits of information saying he died in the hospital and also that he was still in critical condition, but I just hope he can at least make it out of this if he is still alive, nobody deserves death in a situation like this. Maurice died at the scene. For a more detailed version of what happened, check the link.
More than anything I wanted to remind everyone that this can happen to anyone so quickly you don't realize it. I've only been riding street bikes for 4 months and now I am sadly already part of a group who has tragically lost one of our friends and fellow riders in an accident that he had no control over. As much as we get online and joke with one another, or exchange information, or go out riding and come home fine the majority of the time, we need to be reminded that this is a very serious sport, and sometimes taking it back a notch or two can never hurt just to be safe. Always be mindful of your surroundings and do your best to keep yourself and those around you safe, I'm still learning a good deal and I'm not very experienced on the street, but I've rapidly learned this and I know I will never push beyond my comfort level. Maurice always told me in this sport you don't inch your way through it, you millimeter your way through it. Getting better happens with repetition, consistency, safety, time, and practice. Maurice was a great rider, very impressive to watch, and so enthusiastic about the sport, and always put safety before anything else. Please always keep yourself in check if you see that you are starting to get over confident, or careless, because even being safe and cautious you can still be dead in a second whether its your fault or not.
A service will be held for Maurice tomorrow Friday, March 2 at 10:00 AM.
Oceanside Mortuary
602 S. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA (San Diego)
Anyone is welcome to come, passing on this information from the original post linked above. I encourage you all to read through all of the pages of the post if you want all of the information, and to really get a feel for the situation. At this point I think all of us who were close to him are questionable on how long it will be before we seriously go ride again, or if we ever will in light of the situation. This man was a truly exceptional individual, kind hearted, fun loving, hilarious, humble, dedicated, intelligent, and so much more. Please always keep him and the others tragically lost to this sport in the back of your mind, and stay safe out there, we all want to make it home safe at the end of the day.
RIP Maurice... I hope you're looking down on us and smiling, you always had a contagious smile. I'll miss you my friend.
I did see there was a post made about this already, but I wanted to give some more info and let everyone know to be safe. No intention of cluttering the boards more.
My good friend died on Sunday riding
was the other rider going the other way im guessing?
-Official Member of the G-Town Squid Squad-
