Hello Everyone,

I've not been as active a member as many of you, but thought I might share this with fellow-bikers:

I had a motorcycle accident recently while riding my Boulevard. Thankfully, no broken bones, just surface wounds and a sprained foot. The foot is good as new now and the wounds (on my knee and stomach) have been healing slowly but surely. After a week of (daily) intravenous antibiotics and not-so-much-fun changing dressings, I’m now at work full-time. The purpose of this note is not to bore you with details about the incident, rather share some learnings as well as welcome any tips from more seasoned riders out there…

1. I was wearing a half-face NOLAN lid – saved my good looks and the sharp jawline. Seriously though, I swear to wear only full-face lids in the future. Piss-pots may look cool, but I dread to think what would have been had I to be wearing a “macho” hardhat instead of a real helmet.

2. It’s been cooler than usual the past few weeks and I decided to wear my all-weather riding jacket (the last time I wore it was when I was riding in the Himalayas last year!).  To say that the jacket took all the abuse in those few seconds that I was beating the unaided human land-speed record is an understatement! Every time I look at the jacket I want to marry it!! Guys, please do not underestimate the bone/life-saving qualities of a good quality riding jacket. Cruiser vests sans real protection are highly avoidable. Ditto for riding boots. They are an investment. Make it a wise one.

3. I was NOT wearing appropriate riding trousers. I wore thermals and a regular pair of jeans. Importantly, the trousers and jacket were not “attached” as they would have been if I had been wearing riding trousers. My knee and stomach abrasions would have been avoided had I to be wearing proper pants. At the very least, I will get myself a pair of riding jeans (“Draggin’” or any other suggestions….?).

4. Riding in groups: A buddy in our group that day, Ivo’s presence of mind ensured that the culprit who caused this mess will face the consequences; at the very least, my insurance claim process will be far smoother. The rest of the gang, including Amit and Sriram were superstars! From Googling the nearest police station (incident happened near Fili, on the way to Madam), to riding the bike there, to having it picked up the next morning and dropping it off to the workshop…I cannot imagine the plight of a lone rider getting caught up in a situation like this….please ride in groups, even if it’s as small as two. Riding alone is highly avoidable.

5. Talking about groups - in the unlikely event of an incident, maintain consistency when debriefing your better helves. It can get quite messy if they do get together and compare notes. (“Stopped to fix a mechanical breakdown” vs. “running late, honey - we decided to have a picnic” vs. “we lost our way”….full marks for creativity but may have unpleasant consequences in the future!!)

6. To conclude, I cannot agree more with the proverb “Dress for the fall, not for the ride” (Better to sweat it out in multiple layers of protection rather than looking cool on a hospital bed!!)

Guys – please feel free to add your comments on this post – let’s learn from each other so that we enjoy the open roads in a safer, more responsible way…

- Riyaz