A week ago, TheIrishGuy (know as Eric to his parents) died in a single vehicle motorcycle accident. I’d just met him the week prior on a “n00b ride” that was set up to help beginning riders get more experience without the pressure of keeping up with more experienced riders. I went along just to have some folks to ride with, so as a more experienced rider I ran sweep. He was maybe a bike or two in front of me but at no time did he seem like he had a mindset that would get him in trouble. I guess he just made a mistake. The good to come out of it is his donated organs saved five lives that day.
Eric’s death marks the second of a rider I’ve been on rides with. While I wouldn’t consider these guys friends, I’ve found that it effects me more than I would have thought. Like most people, the only real death I’ve had to deal with is that of elders, like grandparents. When someone your age dies doing something you do, especially so close after you’ve done it with them, it becomes very real. You can get hurt or killed and it’s your responsibility 100% of the time to minimize your risk.
The rider that was following him saw everything and I can’t imagine being that guy. I recently saw riders go down but nothing as serious as what he describes. It’s probably no where close to being in a war but I have to think it would leave you shell-shocked for quite awhile. Ironically, I just restocked my car’s first aid kit from that incident and bought a smaller one for my bike in case I’m on a ride where someone goes down. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear anything would have helped Eric. He did two tours in Iraq and ended up dying on an exit ramp. What a shame.
No, I’m not considering giving it up.