Hey Bikers,

It's been a while since we've talked, so I thought I would share my
latest adventure. I sent the following post to the CIVRA, our local
chapter:

"Those of you watching the traffic news reports on Channel 6
yesterday probably saw a familiar gold Drifter at the front of a five
mile backup on I70. I was involved in a nasty accident while riding
in to work yesterday morning.

Aggressive driving by commuters caused a sudden stop situation around
Emerson Avenue at 7:30 yesterday morning. Cars jumped onto the
shoulder and onto the dotted lines, blocking all escape routes. I
had about 6 lengths in front of me and was forced to just lay on the
brakes and try to get stopped as quickly as possible.

We were moving at about 75 mph before the mayhem. I maybe got slowed
down to between 40 and 50 mph at the point of my impact. I hit a
vehicle in front of me and went over the handlebars and that vehicle,
flipping in midair and landing first on my hands and arms and finally
on my hip. That left me sitting spread-eagled in the middle of the
fast lane facing forwards with my back to oncoming traffic.

While sitting there I could hear tires screeching behind me and
shattering glass as the pile-up continued. I just wrapped my arms
around my head and waited for someone to run over me... which,
thankfully, never happened. It seems now that I may have hit the car
in front of me first, and then the truck behind me also hit the same
car after my wreckage was ejected sideways out into the interstate.
That would have made a nice sandwich out of me.

I was bundled up and taken to Wishard where I was treated and
released for minor injuries. I nearly walked away from the wreck
unscathed, with only minor abrasions on my hands and a sore hip.

And no, I was not wearing my helmet, though I probably will from now
on!

The bike may be totalled - I have not seen it yet. We'll just have
to wait and see what the final disposition of the accident is and who
gets the blame. You can bet that the car that started the whole
shebang drove away without a scratch and we'll never see him again.
I'm now playing the insurance game and may be in the market for a new
ride soon.

You suckers haven't gotten rid of me yet!"


Since I sent this, I have seen the bike and the other vehicles
involved. First, it was a Lexus SUV I ran into and flew over, so I
got some serious air! And after I hit the SUV, that work truck DID
slam into it in the same place... smashing out all the windows and
caving in the rear. I would have died in that exchange had I managed
to get the Drifter stopped.

I saw the bike at the impound lot. The front accessories are gone -
headlamp, spots, mirrors, air horns, fender, and the forks are
pinched. The crash bar saved the frame (and my leg, I'm sure). I
jumped on her and hit the ignition and she roared to life on the
first crank, ready to go again. I do believe I could ride her off
that lot.

If nothing else, we know those Vulcans are built to take a punch.

Keep the Rubber Side Down,
Ice Man
'00 Drifter 1500 Modified