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Hi gang
We are traveling in our motorhome in the Southwest trying to make all the classic climbs and mountain passes wherever we go. (Michelle likes to climb if you didn't know) ;D
We are in Silver City, NM right now (Tour of the Gila this week). BTW. New Mexican drivers around here are real friendly. Everyone waves including drivers in pickup trucks and motorcycles
Yesterday we climbed the beautiful Emory pass (8400?).
About half way up the climb I just rounded a blind corner when I heard a car come up from behind obviously going way to fast for the conditions. Apparently he saw me too late, locked up his breaks and went into the dreaded out of control skid right behind me. Not seeing (but hearing ) how close he was to wiping me out I put the bike down in the brush on the side of the road. The car did a 180 and stalled going in the opposite direction.
So I picked myself out of the brush waiting for the guy to drive past and offer his apology and ask if I was OK. I was going to suggest that he be more careful and slow down.
But he didn?t stop. He drove by me real slow with all 4 wheels on the opposite side of the road, smiled and waved at me.
When we came back down the pass we visited the scene. We measured the skid marks at 50 feet (on a 5% uphill grade!) and was obvious that he was sideways. I could tell where I went down in the brush. He missed me by 5 feet!
Alive to ride again today.
Dan
My heart was pounding just reading that! We had a kid die up here in the VC, last October, with a similar situation. His buddy was screaming for him to get off the road. He saw the whole set up going on behind the rider. Glad to hear that you knew how to handle that situation. Have fun, but be safe!
Thanks Lee.
I started wearing a St Christopher medal a few months ago. Not sure it helped. But certainly didn't hurt. ;)
We have done a number of classic climbs so far on this trip that I know you would love.( if you haven't done them yet).
Mt Lemon and Kitt Peak in Tucson. And Emory pass in Silver City are the best so far.
We are headed to down town now for the Tour of the Gila (stage race) crit. We voluteered to be course marshalls.
The pros/cat1 riders are from a different planet.
Dan