| Author | Message | ||
     Brineusaf |
on the way home from base. So I'm driving home, 5am, down the single lane road leading to my house, and like usual there were birds, and other critters on the road. I was cruising along around 30-40mph watching the animals scurry out of the way while navigating around the debri (potholes, gravel, leaves, branches). When I notice the birds are waiting a little longer than normal to get out of my way; they eventually get airborne, flying the same course as I am following. Well, it seems one was a little slow on take-off. Anyways, from Flyscreen, to chest, and finally off the face of my helmet to the concrete...   Moral of the story is... be careful. I am happy that the bird didn't make any severe gouges in the plastics. Additionally I am very happy I had the shield down, or wearing a full-face for that matter. I knew it was going to happen one of these days, darn birds always testing the limits. Wish they'd just be satisfied they can fly! (Please no PETA postings) | ||
| Ulendo |
consider yourself Lucky!! many years ago, I was coming south out of calgary ( alberta) as I went under the Hwy 22 overpass, a seagull came down, and hit me just about dead on the visor as I accelerated up to hwy speeds ( 110 kph at the time) to the amazement of the cars behind me, I managed not to dump the bike, but unlike the starling (?) in your photo, the gull made a *&^*% mess. it made a considerable impression on me as a young rider, and to this day is at least part of the reason I insist on full gear, and full face helmet for me and any passengers.. glad you kept it dirty side down, and watch out for the wildlife! | ||
| Jon |
WOW...but nice pic! | ||
| Essthreetee |
Be careful...I was always told that hitting a bird was bad luck. but then again, maybe it was the hitting that was the bad luck...or did the bird have bad luck for getting hit...or perhaps I misunderstood what they said and it was something about a DUCK...what was I talking about???? I had a close call once, but mine was with a vulture that was busy eating roadkill...I didn't know I could hang off of a bike like that... Is that a crow?? If so, watch out...it's family will be after you. my dog killed a crow once, it was then continually dive bombed by the other crows for a week. It was the craziest thing...anyway, glad to hear all is ok (well except for the bird)... | ||
| Luvthemtorts |
I got whacked head on in the faceshield last week by a hummingbird. Surprisingly it didn't even scratch the shield and only left a smear of blood and a few feathers. The impact was quite loud and dramatic (big puff of feathers) but did not cause my head to snap back due to its' small size. I can only imagine what it would be like to hit one the size of yours and truly hope I never find out!! | ||
| Doon |
A friend of mine hit a pheasant on a back road one day. It basically flew into his radiator. Knocked him sideways, but he didn't go do down.We where picking feathers out of his bike for a while. My wife and I almost got hit by something big. I think it was an eagle. It was sitting in a tree by the side of the road, and it dropped down and started to fly away, missed us by about 2 feet. Scared the heck of of both of us as we ducked down as far as we could on the cruiser. | ||
| Brineusaf |
I don't think it is a crow, but it's nice size. Impact definately scared me, it hit my chest bounced a little bit, then I kinda head bunted it over me. Glad no vehicles were coming the opposite direction. After turning around there were like 2-3 other birds that flew down to check out their pal... but they QUICKLY flew away this time during my presence. Hope this isn't bad luck! Something related- I was riding with a friend a few months ago, and a deer came running at as from a field (2pm), turned parallel to us, and continued to run with us for a short distance. Of course... I stopped once I saw the stupid thing, I'm a little fearful of hitting anything, even another bird. | ||
| 12r |
I had the misfortune to hit a domestic cat several years ago, it was freakin' gruesome (animal lovers stop reading here) The poor creature exploded like a wet paper bag and although I'm not squeamish it made me retch. A guy I used to mountain bike with hit a deer while on his MTB and it was two years before he could walk properly, let alone a ride a bike. Nature bites hard. | ||
| Jerseybuell |
Heading down the Garden State Parkway around 65MPH. Went under an overpass just as a pigeon decided to leave it's perch under the beams supporting the bridge.. almost took my head off. Don't know how I managed to hang on but couldn't move my neck for a few days afterwards..rider:1 pigeon:0 | ||
| Doon |
If we want to go with Stuff I have hit or almost hit... Here goes. First real scare on bike, riding on back road from my place to my dads. Deer starts running parallel to me. She is close enough that I can smell her. I decided to drop it a gear and punch it. I do that and it crosses behind me. My brother and I riding around the Pepacton Reservoir, come around a turn and we both almost hit a set of bear cubs in the road. Got out of there before mommy could come and get us. I hit a skunk once, about the same as the cat mentioned above, but with added benefit of stink  Almost hit a cow, but got around him. A guy here died last year when he hit a cow. You may be wondering how one cannot avoid a cow in the road. In this case it was dark out, and it was a black angus that got out of the field and was standing in the road. | ||
| Sleez |
dr steve and i were tooling hwy 20 east at around sundown, at 80 mph or so???!!!! and a cow elk ran BETWEEN us!!! the doc didn't even see her. i only had time for a silent scream inside my helmet and never even had time to let off the gas, my heart doubled pace for awhile! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Holy friggin' crap! I have had many close calls with deer but usually, I see them and slow down to 20. If you see one, there are a DOZEN somewhere ready to jump on you. The closest call I had was one crossed the street behind me. I saw it in the mirror after I passed it. The loud pipes don't seem to scare them as much as I'd like. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Ok, well, one from me..it involves wildlife, but surprisingly not a bike.. Had a convertible Z-28 right up until my daughter was born... had the top down.... sitting at a stop light here in TX(5 or so years ago), nad CRASH/SPLAT...... Damn friggin bird dive bombed the windsheild...from behind(inside the car)..top was down, to the damn bird exploded all over teh front of my car(and freshly conditioned leather, and new carpet)...(my g/f at the time wasn't very amused...but her brother and my roommate thought it was funnierthan hell)... I hate birds....i wont even eat'em... Chase | ||
| Djkaplan |
I was on a country road in Georgia when I came upon some wild turkeys in midcorner. I was hoping they wouldn't be startled and run in front of me, when all of a sudden, one of them took off and hit me mid-flight as I went past the apex. It was scratching at the back and top of my helmet as it flapped ahead of me and back into the forrest. I got hit by a bird from behind. | ||
| Skyguy |
I once had a deer jump over my line in a fast leaned way over 85mph turn. I caught his back legs with my helmet. It nearly ripped my head off. Sadly it broke both of the deers legs and we had to put it down. Right after I stopped shaking................. The most painful hit was a gas cap in the chest from the oncoming lane on the freeway. Hit me at a combined speed of 140+ thankfully I had leathers on with some armor but oh man it hurt. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
The gas cap reminds me of a time when I was 17... I was blasting along on my KLR250 with a T-shirt and a dirtbike helmet on the highway going 70 or so. suddenly, I felt a sharp sting in my collarbone area and thought it was a hornet bite or something. I didn't stop since it didn't sting again. Well it wasn't a hornet. I found a small hole in my shirt an a little 3mm cube of safety glass embedded in my flesh. It's still one of the more weird things I've had happen to me. | ||
| Ginzero |
Buell 1 Birds 0 | ||
| Djkaplan |
Hmmm... I think it'd be a bit disconcerting if I was hit by a bird the same color as my bike. If I ever get hit by a metallic silver bird... I'm gonna freak! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
"If I ever get hit by a metallic silver bird... I'm gonna freak!"  | ||
| Sleez |
the second closest call was the black and white cat that ran between my wheels at about 85mph on a country back road! i saw it running down the hill toward the road and didn't want to make any sudden changes, zoom right under...and kept on going, probably still running to this day! it was not on the buell, on my 83 shadow 750 that i had at the time. | ||
| Brineusaf |
Cats are a pain as well. Though that silver metallic bird might inflict a little more damage... | ||
| Teddagreek |
I'll take this to a brighter note.. I found a baby wood pecker in the road last week he had a messed up wing.. I took my shirt off and wrapped him up put him in my tank bag and off I went to the local animal hospital. Would I have done this for any bird but wood peckers are kind of cool Mohawk and all. Last I heard he has a good chance to be rehabed and released... | ||
| Brineusaf |
Good job... it would indeed have to be an interesting bird, unless the animal hospital was at the end of a very windy road... then I'd be stopping for anything I see. | ||
| Tripp |
anyone remember the story of the attack squirrel? that was hilarious! i'll do a search at home if i ever get there tonite! | ||
| Brineusaf |
I am not sure what you're talking about Tripp, but I recall having watched a program showcasing squirrel's attacking people. Gosh.. imagine riding and having one leap at your neck from a low hanging branch. Headline - Local Motorcyclist Killed By Savage Squirrel | ||
| U4euh |
OK off topic, what kinda road is that to be only as wide as your bike is long? Back to the thread, oh yea, I hit a Blue Jay this morning, poor fella just fluttered on the ground then gave up. | ||
| Brineusaf |
German Road...It leads however to my house, and about 4-5 other homes, and a little private lake type deal. The lake is very nice...but trying to get 2-way traffic going on the road (just 1-2 cars sometimes) is a pain. Brine- This road isn't big enough for the two of us. Bird- Thunk...Smack...Crack....Slam | ||
| Rafartist |
Someone has got to refresh the squirrel attack, that is the funniest thing I have EVER read. | ||
| Buellfighter |
A few years back while racing cross-country (dirt) I was running second and couldn't catch Wes who was running first. At the end of the race my friends came up to me congratulating me on the win and I said "no, I think I finished second" and then was told that Wes was topped out in fourth and a deer ran out in front of him and Wes plowed him. A broken arm for the season was not how I wanted to win. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Neighborhood Hazard (or: Why the Cops Won't Patrol Brice Street) I never dreamed slowly cruising through a residential neighborhood could be so incredibly dangerous! Studies have shown that motorcycling requires more decisions per second, and more sheer data processing than nearly any other common activity or sport. The reactions and accurate decision making abilities needed have been likened to the reactions of fighter pilots! The consequences of bad decisions or poor situational awareness are pretty much the same for both groups too. Occasionally, as a rider I have caught myself starting to make bad or late decisions while riding. In flight training, my instructors called this being "behind the power curve". It is a mark of experience that when this begins to happen, the rider recognizes the situation, and more importantly, does something about it. A short break, a meal, or even a gas stop can set things right again as it gives the brain a chance to catch up. Good, accurate, and timely decisions are essential when riding a motorcycle...at least if you want to remain among the living. In short, the brain needs to keep up with the machine. I had been banging around the roads of east Texas and as I headed back into Dallas, found myself in very heavy, high-speed traffic on the freeways. Normally, this is not a problem, I commute in these conditions daily, but suddenly I was nearly run down by a cage that decided it needed my lane more than I did. This is not normally a big deal either, as it happens around here often, but usually I can accurately predict which drivers are not paying attention and avoid them before we are even close. This one I missed seeing until it was nearly too late, and as I took evasive action I nearly broadsided another car that I was not even aware was there! Two bad decisions and insufficient situational awareness...all within seconds. I was behind the power curve. Time to get off the freeway. I hit the next exit, and as I was in an area I knew pretty well, headed through a few big residential neighborhoods as a new route home. As I turned onto the nearly empty streets I opened the visor on my full-face helmet to help get some air. I figured some slow riding through the quiet surface streets would give me time to relax, think, and regain that "edge" so frequently required when riding. Little did I suspect... As I passed an oncoming car, a brown furry missile shot out from under it and tumbled to a stop immediately in front of me. It was a squirrel, and must have been trying to run across the road when it encountered the car. I really was not going very fast, but there was no time to brake or avoid it-it was that close. I hate to run over animals...and I really hate it on a motorcycle, but a squirrel should pose no danger to me. I barely had time to brace for the impact. Animal lovers, never fear. Squirrels can take care of themselves! Inches before impact, the squirrel flipped to his feet. He was standing on his hind legs and facing the oncoming Valkyrie with steadfast resolve in his little beady eyes. His mouth opened, and at the last possible second, he screamed and leapt! I am pretty sure the scream was squirrel for, "Banzai!" or maybe, "Die you gravy-sucking, heathen scum!" as the leap was spectacular and he flew over the windshield and impacted me squarely in the chest. Instantly he set upon me. If I did not know better I would have sworn he brought twenty of his little buddies along for the attack. Snarling, hissing, and tearing at my clothes, he was a frenzy of activity. As I was dressed only in a light t-shirt, summer riding gloves, and jeans this was a bit of a cause for concern. This furry little tornado was doing some damage! Picture a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and leather gloves puttering maybe 25mph down a quiet residential street...and in the fight of his life with a squirrel. And losing. I grabbed for him with my left hand and managed to snag his tail. With all my strength I flung the evil rodent off the left of the bike, almost running into the right curb as I recoiled from the throw. That should have done it. The matter should have ended right there. It really should have. The squirrel could have sailed into one of the pristinely kept yards and gone on about his business, and I could have headed home. No one would have been the wiser. But this was no ordinary squirrel. This was not even an ordinary pissed-off squirrel. This was an evil attack squirrel of death! Somehow he caught my gloved finger with one of his little hands, and with the force of the throw swung around and with a resounding thump and an amazing impact he landed square on my back and resumed his rather anti-social and extremely distracting activities. He also managed to take my left glove with him! The situation was not improved. Not improved at all. His attacks were continuing, and now I could not reach him. I was startled to say the least. The combination of the force of the throw, only having one hand (the throttle hand) on the handlebars, and my jerking back unfortunately put a healthy twist through my right hand and into the throttle. A healthy twist on the throttle of a Valkyrie can only have one result. Torque. This is what the Valkyrie is made for, and she is very, very good at it. The engine roared as the front wheel left the pavement. The squirrel screamed in anger. The Valkyrie screamed in ecstasy. I screamed in...well...I just plain screamed. Now picture a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a slightly squirrel torn t-shirt, and only one leather glove roaring at maybe 70mph and rapidly accelerating down a quiet residential street...on one wheel and with a demonic squirrel on his back. The man and the squirrel are both screaming bloody murder. With the sudden acceleration I was forced to put my other hand back on the handlebars and try to get control of the bike. This was leaving the mutant squirrel to his own devices, but I really did not want to crash into somebody's tree, house, or parked car. Also, I had not yet figured out how to release the throttle...my brain was just simply overloaded. I did manage to mash the back brake, but it had little affect against the massive power of the big cruiser. About this time the squirrel decided that I was not paying sufficient attention to this very serious battle (maybe he is a Scottish attack squirrel of death), and he came around my neck and got IN my full-face helmet with me. As the faceplate closed partway and he began hissing in my face I am quite sure my screaming changed tone and intensity. It seemed to have little affect on the squirrel however. The rpm's on The Dragon maxed out (I was not concerned about shifting at the moment) and her front end started to drop. Now picture the large man on the huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a very ragged torn t-shirt, and wearing one leather glove, roaring at probably 80mph, still on one wheel, with a large puffy squirrel's tail sticking out his mostly closed full-face helmet. By now the screams are probably getting a little hoarse. Finally I got the upper hand...I managed to grab his tail again, pulled him out of my helmet, and slung him to the left as hard as I could. This time it worked...sort-of. Spectacularly sort-of, so to speak. Picture the scene. You are a cop. You and your partner have pulled off on a quiet residential street and parked with your windows down to do some paperwork. Suddenly a large man on a huge black and chrome cruiser, dressed in jeans, a torn t-shirt flapping in the breeze, and wearing one leather glove, moving at probably 80mph on one wheel, and screaming bloody murder roars by and with all his strength throws a live squirrel grenade directly into your police car. I heard screams. They weren't mine... I managed to get the big motorcycle under directional control and dropped the front wheel to the ground. I then used maximum braking and skidded to a stop in a cloud of tire smoke at the stop sign at a busy cross street. I would have returned to fess up (and to get my glove back). I really would have. Really. But for two things. First, the cops did not seem interested or the slightest bit concerned about me at the moment. One of them was on his back in the front yard of the house they had been parked in front of and was rapidly crabbing backwards away from the patrol car. The other was standing in the street and was training a riot shotgun on the police cruiser. So the cops were not interested in me. They often insist to "let the professionals handle it" anyway. That was one thing. The other? Well, I swear I could see the squirrel, standing in the back window of the patrol car among shredded and flying pieces of foam and upholstery, and shaking his little fist at me. I think he was shooting me the finger... That is one dangerous squirrel. And now he has a patrol car... I took a deep breath, turned on my turn-signal, made an easy right turn, and sedately left the neighborhood. As for my easy and slow drive home? Screw it. Faced with a choice of 80mph cars and inattentive drivers, or the evil, demonic, attack squirrel of death...I'll take my chances with the freeway. Every time. And I'll buy myself a new pair of gloves. | ||
| Brineusaf |
Very Nice... kept me chuckling the entire time, and a short-while there afterwards. Thanks! | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Hmm, we're getting a bit Hitchcockian here, think I'll go close the windows. |
