Biker Down

As I have always said, riding on the I-17 at rush hour here in Phoenix is not exactly what I call a joy ride!

About 3 weeks ago I was riding back home during the 5pm rush hour. Heading north on I-17 to our 101 loop has a stretch that is filled with chaos right before you exit to the 101. To many entering and exiting lanes.

On this particular day it was the same old pattern for me. Get in the right lane and stay and keep your eyes peeled for everything and anything even though your only going 5 mph / stop and go. On my left, I had two crotch rockets riding in tandem that passed by slowing down rapidly. I knew their intention was to get into my lane but yet pass several cars before doing so. They must have realized that their luck would run out and so they made their entry.

No more did they do it and all brake lights lit up like a Christmas tree! All of a sudden I seen a guy jump out of his red pick up truck and scurry around to the front. At this point I was probably 5 cars back. Traffic amazingly still kept proceeding.

As I came up to the red pick up truck I followed the rest of the vehicles swerving to the left. I then saw the man trying to pick up one of the crotch rockets to get it off the highway! I then noticed that the rider of the crotch rocket was not there. I seen him getting up off the pavement very slowly and dizzy like trying to figure out what happened. His buddy had turned around and was heading back in our direction to help out.

Thank GOD he was wearing full gear!!!! This day he was able to walk away. All I could think was how STUPID they were for riding side by side and making an entry like that. My conclusion was that his buddy who was on the right sped up and made the entry first. The unfortunate ride on the left was to far back and followed suit to late. No one seen him coming in and he got clipped.

Here is the worst part of all - a Phoenix Highway Patrolman had a car pulled over not even 15 yards from where this all occurred. He was writing a ticket. Do you think he bothered to drop everything and run over to check on the fallen biker? NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! He stayed put still writing the ticket while everyone else was tending to the bike and fallen biker....

NICE!!!!!

Rubber Side Down!!!!!
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