Wow, what a story! I think you were amazingly lucky, found the one spot off that cliff that didn't kill you, and of course were wearing the proper gear for the adventure. It's not always comfy wearing heavy gear in the desert, but that's what it's for. I've done a lot of solo riding in my life and never gave it a second thought, but as I get older I think more about the SPOT and how it is the smart thing to have. What an amazing response from the passers-by and professional rescue folks! I grew up riding motocross, trials, enduros, etc. in the desert of New Mexico and have experienced sudden turns and drops like shown in your video. To those folks who were second-guessing your riding style and reaction times - it's easy to arm-chair the event, but when you've been riding that rough stuff for days/miles and are tired, the first reaction is to just hang on. That shite happens so fast it's hard to fathom. One second things are fine, the next you're a bird, then a splat. Ever done the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP? One rock bumping your wheel to the wrong side and GONE; you'd have time to pull the rip cord on your parachute on some of those drops... I am not surprised your DR held up so well, they are tough bikes. I put mine through hell and it never flinched. I hope you've healed and gotten the bike sorted out again and are back to riding! Doug
Listening to you groan is painful from a stand point of having been whacked myself, hard in a crash before and hurting ribs. One of the toughest things was trying to sit up from a lying position. Entire core hurts and flat is where it likes to be. I watched your video several times of the moments just before you go over the edge. I was trying to see if you snagged your luggage on something. If you had, it pulls the bike right making you compensate hard left to keep from falling. There is a video somewhere that has a guy on a streetbike with bags riding through a marina and he catches his left saddlebag on a post and it causes a right turn to compensate and he goes over a ledge and into a sailboat. found it: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dtXFThyr764" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> So glad you're OK. Can you give Lat/Long co-ords so we can zoom in on Google maps.
Thanks for sharing Joe. Scarry video, glad things didn't turn out worse. All those rocks, and you managed to hit the "soft" stuff. Count your blessings!
Wow! All I can say is Wow! Sure am glad to see that you're ok considering just how bad it looked from the video. I also can't believe, but surely do applaud your strength of character, to attempt to get back on the trail so soon after the crash. In the end though, I think you made the right decision. I sure your buddy Darrel regaled you with exactly what to expect from the TAT post Eagle Canyon, but having been there myself, I know that it's no joke. So your decision not to tackle it at that moment in time, given your condition and that of your bike, was the right one. So, are you planning on getting back on the TAT and completing the crossing some time this year!?
WOW! I hope your well! Things can get out of control very quickly! Although the trip ended on a sour note for you, I'd like to hear how Darrel did. I can only image what his thoughts where not finding you! Just crawling up on the road was huge. Just that may have saved you life. You probably not that visible where you landed. The what if's are never ending! Hope you've repaired the damage to yourself and the DR.
Dude. You made the right choice. Riding all busted up is just no fun. Not to mention the mental state it puts you in. Live to ride another day!
BTW, I got my shop re-wired, which means I'm back in the fabrication business. If you need help straightening your bike out -- stuff like bent brackets, damaged luggage rack, etc. -- give me a holla. If you have ideas about custom racks, bring it, we'll make it bigger, stronger, better! a
Joe, so glad it all worked out. Showed it to my wife and she said, "I'm buying you a spot". I tend to ride alone sometimes, not a good Idea. Shared this with my other motorcycle forum as there is a message for all there!
Thanks for sharing!!! DAMN>>> your' a badass Sir!!! I think I was hurt more than you from just watching the vid. So happy you are ok.
Glad you are OK. I am still trying to figure out how the GoPro survived on the top of your helmet. Safe(r) riding,
Eagle Canyon is not easy. And when your in, your in for awhile. Your guardian angle was over you that day. Glad your ok.
Glad you're OK, that was painful to watch. Pardon if this has been mentioned but I see a Tosh.0 web redemption in your future. I wonder what it pays?
"OH F*CK!!! Where the f*ck? Where the f*ck is the bike? Oh, ya gotta be shittin' me! Where the f*ck is the road?" My new siggie.
While watching you slip in and out of consciousness, all I kept thinking was, "What beautiful scenery!" Glad you're OK and rolling again.
Frightening crash, thanks for posting. You are one tough and resilient sob. Very glad you are going to be ok. It has been common for me to carry spot on the bike. Those days are now over. Mike
It's only a flesh wound! 'Tis not! You just rode off a cliff! No seriously, that was a really freaky crash. Glad you didn't really get hurt, that could have been so much worse.