2009 SPAMS Ride - Day 8 - 8/8/2009 Saturday
Well folks we left this morning and split up with Steve and Greg going via
Goldendale and I 90 home and
me , Paul and Tom via St Helens and Mt Rainier. Very windy in the gorge this
morning but cool and so we
made our way up into the parks. Seems to me that St Helens road is getting worse
especially northbound.
It got cool and foggy again at the 410 junction so I guess we cant believe its
August and its supposed to
be summer...
So Paul and I were driving on the Enumclaw-Black Diamond road north and we just
passed the bridge over
the gorge by the Green Valley Rd when on my left I saw something move so now I
will slow it down. It
looked like a movement and by that time it sure was , a damn buck deer jumping
the guard rail onto the
road 50 to 60 feet in front of me and I was doing 55 mph. He then jumped from
the middle of the road
to cross but by this time he was filling my screen view. I always ride in areas
where I may need to use the brake or clutch with 2 fingers resting on each and
so I grabbed both levers hard. The RT slowed
down great, no ABS chatter and I heard a clunk as the deer moved left to right.
Paul said I didnt swerve
I just grabbed the brakes. I heard that clunk and I think his right rear hoof or
leg hit my tire or fender.
I stopped as we pulled over and didnt see any damage. It was very,
very close.....
A few things I take away from this, you always have to be scanning the road even
after over 2400 miles
and so close to home. You also should have your fingers on the levers just for
that quicker second of
reaction and I really think the linked servo brakes on the RT helped though no
ABS engaged since the
pavement was dry . Be aware and since I had so many damn animals flushed out as
a first rider it requires
even more attention besides watching the road and checking on the group behind
you.
Anyway I think its that good Polish luck!!!