Sunday Bloody Sunday - i'm not talking about the U2 song

Turns out that the saying, "History repeats itself", is quite true. And this time it repeated in all its glory. And it also turns out this blog has become a place for me to put down the stories of my accidents ;) . So without further ado let me jump right in to what exactly happened on this fateful Sunday, 23rd November 2008.

I set off from home at around 11:30 am on the 15 km journey to my college in Hebbal to meet up with a few friends. Was all decked up in a pair of jeans and the T-shirt that Capgemini gave me to attend the SAP TechEd (where i failed to clear the BI exam by some 8 %, yes it still hurts, more than what is to follow here). Was also wearing something that probably saved my limbs, if not my life, the helmet, the Cramster touring jacket and gloves. It might seem a little over the top when i wear this slightly heavy protective gear every single day to office, but boy was i glad i had them on today.

I was making my way to the Bellary road and you have to pass by the Golf course and Le Meridien if you are coming through M G Road. There is a sweeping right turn just before Le Meridien. I've taken that like a dozen times before, but this time was special, because there were a lot more things thrown into the mix than just the road and me. Not much traffic, i must have been doing around 50kmph while taking this corner. It has never happened to me before that i ran wide at a turn. But it happened this time, there must have been a good 4 ft between the sidewall of the footpath on the left side of the road and me. "Oh look, a lovely looking 2 foot high mud pile in the shape of an ant hill" courtesy our friends from BESCOM trying to fix some problem or erect a pole along the periphery of the Golf Course.

A familiar feeling of helplessness prevailed, "Here we go again". Slowed down maybe to 30kmph as the mound approached, braced for impact. And what an impact it was. I remember the steed hitting the mound straight on and jumping up in the air a wee bit, and landing with that heart wrenching clang of metal on tarmac. I was thrown off like a rag doll. Landed with my upper body on the pavement and lower on the road. Must have rolled over like this maybe 3 times, tried to keep my hands close to my body, didn't work though. No, my entire life did not flash in front of me, that's what is supposed to happen in these moments. The only thing that flashed in front of my eyes was the lush green grass of the golf course. I could hear the helmet and visor scraping on the cement pavement. Must have come to rest after a good 20ft from the point of impact. Picked myself up, the bike must have gone a further 10ft. A searing pain on both my legs, which i can feel as i write this, a humongous scratch on the helmet and visor, a completely torn left shoulder area on the jacket through which i could see the padding material of the jacket, a nicely smoothened out knuckle protection armor on the glove. Walked around dazed and confused for a second, the sound of the crash still ringing in my ear.

Our friends from BESCOM hurried over to help, told me to sit down and relax while they moved the bike to the side, gave me that holier than though piece of advice. I sat there trying to digest what had happened, glanced at Le Meridien, glanced at the bike. Removed all the gear, analysed what had happened. The officer in charge offered to call my friends and gave me some water to drink. I realised the enormity of what i had survived. Soon Chidanand, Mahendra, Sriram and Gangadhar came over from college fearing the worst. Sriram, a veteran of things of this magnitude saw me standing on 2 feet and was relaxed enough. I said my thankyou's to the BESCOM guys and hopped onto Chidanand's Avenger. My RTR was a bit battered and bruised, but functional nonetheless. Mahendra and Gangadhar were astride it on the way back. I was recollecting what had happened when i caught an understanding "been there done that" smile on Sriram's face. Made it to college without any incident and what a sight to behold and what a news to hear for Amrutha, Amritha, Hema and Harsha.

Had to get something done for the legs so the guys took me to a hospital for some first aid. Back at college again, felt really sorry for ruining the day, was supposed to gather there to share in Harsha's happiness in wedlock. So shrugged aside what happened and went on to enjoy a good day with friends. Was back in the rider's seat for the journey back home, passed by the very same place where i had crashed in the morning, saw the same BESCOM people working away through the evening. The RTR has lost its front left indicator, a toe-shifter which was immediately set right and some major scratches on the left side of the front fairing. Nothing i cant mend. Parents took it well. No panic whatsoever. Jacket will need some repair, not sure if i can save it, but it surely saved me. Helmet visor needs a change too. Here's to many more safe miles with my noble steed. Will be back in action in a day's time.