Yesterday I took off work for a bit of twisty fun. Left the house around noon or so, headed out on SR14 through the Columbia River Gorge to Carson. There was an electronic info sign just east of Washougal which said, collision ahead, both lanes blocked. It didn't say where, or how far, so I thought I'd just ride until I had to turn around.
I saw nothing until I was almost to the Carson turnoff, and then warnings of flaggers, one lane, etc. The collision had happened right at the turnoff to Carson. I came upon the spectre of a HD or Cruiser with no forks; the forks and wheel were several feet away. The wheel looked like it had been put in a press brake, it was so flattened and mangled. When I saw the type of bike, I especially feared for the rider, since many Cruiser riders choose to wear inadequate helmets.
Apparently the rider was westbound on SR14 and an eastbound pickup turned left in front of the biker's path. I crossed my fingers hoping the rider hadn't been hurt too bad. I hadn't heard any sirens or helicopters, but then it had happened at least an hour prior to my arrival.
When I got to the Wind River store I always stopped at, I could've done without the description from the store clerk. I mentioned I'd seen the aftermath of the accident, and said I hoped the rider would be okay. He shook his head, and said, "I saw her." It was a woman, and when he was on the scene the tarp covering her body blew off momentarily. He wasn't sure whether her helmet came off or cracked apart, but he said she'd hit head first and slid on the front of her head/face. This description haunted my thoughts for the next couple of hours. I'm so glad I didn't witness that....damn. It pretty much put a damper on my ride but I continued up through the National Forest to meet Kevin at Pine Creek/Eagle Crest campground/store.
RIP to the unfortunate woman. I hope the truck driver gets prosecuted to the full extent of the law. How much do you want to bet he told the State Troopers on the scene, "I didn't see her."
Very sad. My thoughts go out to her family.
I"m sitting here today, not riding right now, but not because of that. My usual cramps every month. But still the unknown woman hasn't left my thoughts that much. I think I just need to stay off SR14 on a bike. It's the same road my ex died on, too. I can access the best parts of Wind River highway and Curly Creek road from the Pine Creek Side, which is a lot more fun ride anyway. The last two times I rode that road before this, I had a psycho semi-truck driver dog me @ 80+ mph before finally passing me @ about 100+. Never any cops out that way. They camp out in the twisty section and write tickets for 54 in a 50 (bikes only). The previous time, I almost passed out from heat exhaustion.
But on a happier note, I should be useful to anyone who ever has the chance to travel this way on a bike. Here's a link to what I feel are the finest motorcycle roads in the state.
Rider magazine's latest issue has the top 5 in WA, and the Windy Ridge ride was rated #1. Damn, it'll get that much more crowded now....sigh.
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/04maps/ima...alweb-2007.jpg
I didn't know her...but it still bothers me
