Tragic News

Today we heard that a couple we knew but had not seen for years was killed in a motorcycle accident. It's always disturbing to hear about tragedies like this but when they actually happen to someone you know it seems so much more shocking.

I remember when I first met Rod, Ed Rensch always seemed to be there in the background, making funny sound effects and cracking jokes. I thought he was so hilarious. I only met his wife, Diane a few times but she was one of those lovely, super friendly smiley people that you love to be around.

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Rod had an accident on his motorcycle on April 22, 2009. I witnessed it from across the street where I was waiting to make a right hand turn. I sat there helplessly as I saw him turn onto the street and then just as he was straightening out to drive down the road, an SUV turned right in front of him. He managed to swerve to miss colliding with the SUV but he was thrown off his bike which continued sliding down the road several feet.

Meanwhile, I was frantically trying to make a u-turn to get to him. I was screaming hysterically and honking for people to get out of my way. Of course other drivers just thought I was a freak and a lot of them just honked back at me, shaking their fists, heads and lifting middle fingers.

When I finally got over to the street where he was, I jumped out of my car and started running full-speed towards Rod who was lying on the road with a person bent over him. I was screaming "my husband, my husband!!!" as I ran.

Just as I got to him, he lifted his head and said, "I'm okay honey...I'm okay!!!"

That was the worst thing that I have ever experienced and I was so thankful that he was basically okay (except for bad bruises, sprained ankle, cracked ribs and a totalled motorcycle...)

His main concern was me, his bike, and his shoe lace which the paramedics cut to get his shoe off.

It was a long time before I felt comfortable letting him ride again (which he did after buying back his motorcycle from the insurance company, rebuilding it and having it certified as safe to ride).

Motorcycling is exciting, fun and a great way to view the scenery; and I have to say that I love it. But I've been reminded often that it's also dangerous - mostly because other drivers don't always see you. The girl who was driving the SUV that almost hit Rod kept repeating "I didn't see him" over and over.

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I was devastated to hear about Ed and Diane....and I can only imagine how difficult this is for their families.....I will keep them in my prayers because that's all I can do...

First Ride of the Season...

Last week my husband and I went in to Vancouver on his motorcycle (Yamaha V-Star 1100 with custom pipes that rumble).

I always have to psych myself up for a trip longer than 10 minutes. Psyching myself up includes praying that God will put some extra angels on shift for us. (I like to picture angels floating along beside us wearing motorcycle gear)

As I sit on the back of the bike I'm always reminded how vulnerable we are and I realize how easily we could be squished like bugs - especially when we are riding between a semi-truck and cement barriers on the freeway. I also think about how our kids would feel if we were killed or maimed while riding so carefree along the road. Then I think we really shouldn't be doing this dangerous activity. We should be doing safe stuff like lawn bowling or kite flying, or playing bingo. But this is a problem with having an adventurous husband. I either go along with his schemes and activities or I stay home alone.

When we first got together about 37 years ago he told me that one day he would be getting a motorcycle. I stared blankly at him, not knowing how he wanted me to respond. Every few years he would mention again that one day he would have a motorcycle. When he turned 50 I thought it would be the end of his silly motorcycle threat but suddenly he not only brought up the subject again, he actually went out and took a motorcycle riding class and then he bought one.

That was 4 years ago. Since then I went from not wanting anything to do with it to actually looking forward to little spring and fall rides (summer is too hot for me).

I have learned a few things that may be helpful for some:

Sitting on the back of a motorcycle is not as easy as it looks. You can't just sit there like a blob. You must always watch the road ahead for bumps and potholes, and be prepared to use your abs and thighs as shocks for your body. Nothing is worse than being surprised by a huge bump in the road and almost being hurled off the bike into on-coming traffic. I always worry about bursting a tire so I try to keep my weight down (which brings me to....)

A couple of weeks before motorcycle season I start speed walking on the treadmill because I think if I can drop a few pounds it will be less stress not only on the bike, but also on my husband. I can't help but think that having me on the back must feel like dragging around a 200 lb sack of potatoes...this is a rough estimate of course. I know that my helmet probably weighs about 5 lbs, my leather jacket possibly 10 and of course my boots 2 to 3 lbs each - so do the math and what does that add up to (oh wait a minute - you might want to add a few more to that estimate).