Many a time we are all guilty of taking the easy way out, going wrong way on that one way, into a no entry, jumping signals, not using indicators and many such things. This person in a car decided to take the illegal u-turn before the flyover outside EcoSpace. 2 other cars behind him hit the brakes so hard, you could hear the screeches and see the dust. They all banged into each other. Me and another 2 wheeler rammed the last car in this chain despite me braking. I was thrown on to the middle of the road. A bus from behind ran on to my bike. The other 2 wheeler was sandwiched between the car and the bus. The rider looked like he had head injuries and a crushed leg. No oncoming traffic hit me coz they were avoiding a dead dog behind me. I was wearing my helmet and gloves and the laptop bag probably helped cushion my landing. I just have body pain and bruises. And a crushed bike which I may not be able to restore. Not the case with the other rider, a definite change in his quality of life. The speeds were probably around 40kmph and distances between vehicles at 10 to 15 feet. I hope none of us ever decide to take the easy way out, coz your convenience may cause a terrible inconvenience to others.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Helmets - The thin line between life and death
You learn the good habits only when the bad habits screw you over. This fits to the T in case of riding around without a Helmet(yes, i used a capital 'H', that's how important it is). It probably takes a very personal experience to actually make you think about using the Helmet for it's actual worth.
I'm lucky enough to not have any grim incidences to actually persuade me to use this absolutely necessary piece of equipment. The realization dawned on me quite early... I remember my dad coming home a little late, with quite a few stitches on his forehead above his eye, this is sometime during middle school when you always wonder what purpose that piece of shell-shaped thing serves on his head.
And then when you top it off with a personal experience that i have put down in these posts before, you seriously thank the person who introduced this simple concept of protecting your head while on the move...
You go ahead and splurge on a spanking new 2 wheeler, yes you can show off this nifty little piece of machinery, top speed, acceleration, cornering, braking (mileage even :P).. But have you ever thought of showing off your Helmet? What a wonderful day it would be when we huddle around in the parking lot and instead of ogling over a gorgeous R1 or Gixxer, we actually appreciate a SHOEI or an ARAI or even a well made VEGA... Appreciate the design, the graphics (go ahead be a little shallow, nothing wrong with it), the removable and washable inner-lining (wash that darn thing if it's dirty, that's why the provision), appreciate the optimum sound and wind blocking ability, appreciate the air vents that keep you cool inside..
I did say go ahead and be shallow about the graphics, but not so shallow that you go in for a half-face Helmet so that you can wear your brand new sunglasses. Think about it, whats gonna happen to you if you crash, would you be fine with a half scarred face??? And then there are those who say the half face helmet suits their so called cruiser bikes, to these people a big _l_ from the bottom of my heart.
And now to the geniuses who don't realize the purpose of those 2 separate straps that seem to have a mechanism to come together in a buckle, hmmm, i wonder why they have straps for Helmets.. An unstrapped Helmet, wow, what were you thinking, that if there is a crash the Helmet would defy inertia and snugly sit on your head, no, it would just fly off your head and roll around on the road just like your head which is probably doing the same.... So you rich kid with the SHOEI, buckle your helmet straps, else your brain will go kablooey..
Wear your Helmets even if you are just riding up to the next lane to get some curry leaves. Wear them so that your jelly is not splattered on the road and not to avoid the fine (bribe) to the traffic cops. You don't have any excuse for not wearing it, because you cannot give an excuse about lying in the hospital in a coma, not to yourself and not to the loved one's who are waiting for you to come to...
I'm lucky enough to not have any grim incidences to actually persuade me to use this absolutely necessary piece of equipment. The realization dawned on me quite early... I remember my dad coming home a little late, with quite a few stitches on his forehead above his eye, this is sometime during middle school when you always wonder what purpose that piece of shell-shaped thing serves on his head.
And then when you top it off with a personal experience that i have put down in these posts before, you seriously thank the person who introduced this simple concept of protecting your head while on the move...
You go ahead and splurge on a spanking new 2 wheeler, yes you can show off this nifty little piece of machinery, top speed, acceleration, cornering, braking (mileage even :P).. But have you ever thought of showing off your Helmet? What a wonderful day it would be when we huddle around in the parking lot and instead of ogling over a gorgeous R1 or Gixxer, we actually appreciate a SHOEI or an ARAI or even a well made VEGA... Appreciate the design, the graphics (go ahead be a little shallow, nothing wrong with it), the removable and washable inner-lining (wash that darn thing if it's dirty, that's why the provision), appreciate the optimum sound and wind blocking ability, appreciate the air vents that keep you cool inside..
I did say go ahead and be shallow about the graphics, but not so shallow that you go in for a half-face Helmet so that you can wear your brand new sunglasses. Think about it, whats gonna happen to you if you crash, would you be fine with a half scarred face??? And then there are those who say the half face helmet suits their so called cruiser bikes, to these people a big _l_ from the bottom of my heart.
And now to the geniuses who don't realize the purpose of those 2 separate straps that seem to have a mechanism to come together in a buckle, hmmm, i wonder why they have straps for Helmets.. An unstrapped Helmet, wow, what were you thinking, that if there is a crash the Helmet would defy inertia and snugly sit on your head, no, it would just fly off your head and roll around on the road just like your head which is probably doing the same.... So you rich kid with the SHOEI, buckle your helmet straps, else your brain will go kablooey..
Wear your Helmets even if you are just riding up to the next lane to get some curry leaves. Wear them so that your jelly is not splattered on the road and not to avoid the fine (bribe) to the traffic cops. You don't have any excuse for not wearing it, because you cannot give an excuse about lying in the hospital in a coma, not to yourself and not to the loved one's who are waiting for you to come to...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, July 11, 2008
My first real accident - and i'm absolutely fine, never felt better.
Well, it was just another day returning home from Capgemini on the ever crowded streets of Bangalore(which are a challenge every day and i love it). I have faced very few incidents since i bought the beast, sure there were a few close shaves but i was in total control each time. Sadly though luck runs out on you!
A narrow road, potholes, people walking around oblivious to the fact that vehicles ply on the same strip of asphalt (or the lack of it) they tread on, children playing, drains left open, you get the picture. Basically a whole lot of things i can blame for this mishap. But no, i blame myself.
It was not that i was mad max when this happened. I was chugging along at a princely 15kmph. The setting, the piece of road connecting Adugodi to Hosur Road, i have taken it a million times, and it has surprised me each time, should have seen it coming.
Now this bloke in front, don't know why, was riding like the weight of the world was on his shoulder. Now accelerating, now braking for no reason, i don't blame him either. Maybe the weight of the world was indeed on his shoulder. Maybe his pillion, i'm guessing his wife, was nagging him. I make the fateful decision, i had a potent weapon, the R&D of the TVS Racing Team under me, let me use it. Let me overtake him and leave him to his thoughts. Alas, it was not to be. I overtook him alright, and with ease and precision. But never expected the guy coming in the opposite direction to target fixate (look up "target fixation" online, you'll know what i'm talking about, and i bet you have done it too, unknowingly maybe).
A brush of my right rear view mirror (RVM) with his left one was enough to unsettle my rock hard concentration. Maybe this sharpened my concentration further, coz' the next thing i did was brake hard to avoid kids standing around in front, the golden rule(never brake so hard that you lock your wheels) was forgotten.
It was all over in 3 seconds maybe. I heard the screech of the wheels, next thing i know, my beloved Apache is on its right side, engine still whirring(love that grunt it makes). I get on my feet like nothing happened and raise an accusing finger but soon realize "shit happens" and get on with it. I first use the Kill Switch to disarm the machine, someone helps me to pick up the bike (thank god its lighter than most other bikes in its class), get on it, move it to the side, start inspecting the damages. A knowledgeable crowd gathers and disperses in no time. Someone hands me over a piece of metal coated with black rubber.
I soon realize the damage, it was a broken rear right pillion foot peg. I felt gutted. "Shit just Happened", i thought to myself. Put it in my jacket pocket. Hmmm, what's next?? Some scratches on the front fairing, nothing noticeable. The right crash guard had indeed taken the brunt of the crash along with the broken foot peg. But the most hurting of all the damage was a dent in the petrol tank on the left side, yes, on the left side, i wonder how it happened, coz' the bike fell on it's right. It must have been my left boot hitting it when i went down. And yes, the RVM was loose, that i knew could be fixed.
Back on my bike, foot peg in my pocket, i was raring to go. No functional damage to the bike, it responded to the ignition like always, I am so damn sure TVS have a winner on their hands. And yes, i had on a helmet all along, a jacket that i don't ride without these days, denim that certainly helped my cause, no physical damage to me. Geared for the ride i suppose. I do feel bad for the bike though, just 5 months old. I'm sure it will wear these damages as scars in a battle. And i can proudly say i too had an accident now.
The rest of the ride home was fast and i feel the safest when i'm fast, maybe it's because there is no one next to you or in front of you and the only vehicle you can see is in your RVM. I know my friends say I'll only learn when I've had a bad experience, that i must drive slowly. But i still tell them it's not about fast or slow, it's about control, which I believe i am endowed with. Which is why this particular incident wasn't serious. It's about being in your comfort zone, you like it slow, you go slow, you like it fast, you're probably better off going fast. The bike is fine, i am fine and the both of us are looking forward to eating up many more miles ahead, starting this Sunday, hopefully with a splendid bike trip. BRING IT ON.......................
A narrow road, potholes, people walking around oblivious to the fact that vehicles ply on the same strip of asphalt (or the lack of it) they tread on, children playing, drains left open, you get the picture. Basically a whole lot of things i can blame for this mishap. But no, i blame myself.
It was not that i was mad max when this happened. I was chugging along at a princely 15kmph. The setting, the piece of road connecting Adugodi to Hosur Road, i have taken it a million times, and it has surprised me each time, should have seen it coming.
Now this bloke in front, don't know why, was riding like the weight of the world was on his shoulder. Now accelerating, now braking for no reason, i don't blame him either. Maybe the weight of the world was indeed on his shoulder. Maybe his pillion, i'm guessing his wife, was nagging him. I make the fateful decision, i had a potent weapon, the R&D of the TVS Racing Team under me, let me use it. Let me overtake him and leave him to his thoughts. Alas, it was not to be. I overtook him alright, and with ease and precision. But never expected the guy coming in the opposite direction to target fixate (look up "target fixation" online, you'll know what i'm talking about, and i bet you have done it too, unknowingly maybe).
A brush of my right rear view mirror (RVM) with his left one was enough to unsettle my rock hard concentration. Maybe this sharpened my concentration further, coz' the next thing i did was brake hard to avoid kids standing around in front, the golden rule(never brake so hard that you lock your wheels) was forgotten.
It was all over in 3 seconds maybe. I heard the screech of the wheels, next thing i know, my beloved Apache is on its right side, engine still whirring(love that grunt it makes). I get on my feet like nothing happened and raise an accusing finger but soon realize "shit happens" and get on with it. I first use the Kill Switch to disarm the machine, someone helps me to pick up the bike (thank god its lighter than most other bikes in its class), get on it, move it to the side, start inspecting the damages. A knowledgeable crowd gathers and disperses in no time. Someone hands me over a piece of metal coated with black rubber.
I soon realize the damage, it was a broken rear right pillion foot peg. I felt gutted. "Shit just Happened", i thought to myself. Put it in my jacket pocket. Hmmm, what's next?? Some scratches on the front fairing, nothing noticeable. The right crash guard had indeed taken the brunt of the crash along with the broken foot peg. But the most hurting of all the damage was a dent in the petrol tank on the left side, yes, on the left side, i wonder how it happened, coz' the bike fell on it's right. It must have been my left boot hitting it when i went down. And yes, the RVM was loose, that i knew could be fixed.
Back on my bike, foot peg in my pocket, i was raring to go. No functional damage to the bike, it responded to the ignition like always, I am so damn sure TVS have a winner on their hands. And yes, i had on a helmet all along, a jacket that i don't ride without these days, denim that certainly helped my cause, no physical damage to me. Geared for the ride i suppose. I do feel bad for the bike though, just 5 months old. I'm sure it will wear these damages as scars in a battle. And i can proudly say i too had an accident now.
The rest of the ride home was fast and i feel the safest when i'm fast, maybe it's because there is no one next to you or in front of you and the only vehicle you can see is in your RVM. I know my friends say I'll only learn when I've had a bad experience, that i must drive slowly. But i still tell them it's not about fast or slow, it's about control, which I believe i am endowed with. Which is why this particular incident wasn't serious. It's about being in your comfort zone, you like it slow, you go slow, you like it fast, you're probably better off going fast. The bike is fine, i am fine and the both of us are looking forward to eating up many more miles ahead, starting this Sunday, hopefully with a splendid bike trip. BRING IT ON.......................
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