My first "off" for 27 years!

[Dee Duble Yuh]

In 29 years of motorcycling I'd come off only once before*, and that caused only a slight scratch to my old Super Dream's fairing. I've never commented on this or "bragged" about it because I was acutely aware things could go horribly wrong at any time. There but for the grace of God and all that. Well guess what?...

Only yesterday I was riding up through Mid Wales reveling in the excellent grip from my worn out tyres in the dry. What a difference a day makes. Returning home today in the drizzle, I noticed the bike wriggle a bit on two roundabouts near Shrewsbury, so I negotiated the third cautiously - but not cautiously enough!

The back end skidded on a patch of diesel, but I managed to hold it. The tyre regained grip which threatened a high-side, but I managed to hold it. However, over a quarter of a ton of bike was now taking me relentlessly toward the outside edge of the roundabout. There was no actual kerb, but the grass verge was about 20-30 cms higher than the road surface. I hit the verge at an oblique angle, the wheels went to the right, the bike went to the left, and I was definitely unable to hold it!

The bike ended up on its side on the verge and I went rolling across the grass.

Fortunately a passing biker and a car driver stopped to help. The biker (I forgot to ask his name) did a good job of checking that I'm okay and the three of us haul my bike upright again. The ground was soft and there was no damage whatsoever... unless you count my dented pride! The biker accompanied me to the next lay-by where I stopped to regain my composure and double-check the bike.

No real damage done, but it could have been a different story if I'd been nipping past a HGV or something!

* "come off only once before": Not counting trail riding in the mud and two minor mishaps while maneuvering in car parks!

[btbloke]

Glad your ok mate,too many off these lately,glad there's no physical damage.

[AlanH]

Well hopefully that'll be it for the next 27 years

[digitalcaptive]

The good news is that you are ok and the added bonus so's the bike..

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Cheers, lads. As Kymmy might say, "Be careful out there!"

[Sharribee]

There's been loads of greasy crap on the roads this week Dave, I had a almost oopsy moment at the petrol station today as well because of diesel and rain

Glad your OK

[Whealie]

Twice in 27 Years? Pah! I only have to ride until I am 112 without an accident to equal your average

Glad you're OK Dave

[nomad]

The good news is that you are ok and the added bonus so's the bike..

i'll second that

and remember the older we get the less we bounce.....

[boboneleg]

Take it easy Dave

[winxp-master]

Main thing is you are ok Dave, could have been a lot worse, glad it wasn't