Close call today

[Goldendragon]

I live in Bend, Oregon and was heading over the Cascade Mountains (Santiam Pass) this afternoon hoping to get back into Willamette Valley before bad weather set in for the next week. Left sunny Bend with the temperature at 56 degrees. The pass, 40 miles away, was 34 degrees & snowing when I got there. Nothing sticking but cold & wet. 12 miles later while heading down the westside of the Cascades, near Santiam Junction, I hydroplaned, did three or four tank slappers before regaining control. I was doing about 45mph but never left the road but it was close. I slowed down to 35-40mph as I continued toward Eugene (Home of the Oregon Ducks). The temperature is now 38-40 degrees and it is raining hard. It was raining like a cow peeing on a flat rock. I go another 10 miles or so, constantly looking for standing water.

In a curve, I hydroplane again but this time there is no saving it. Slid the Dragon sideways off the road on to the gravel shoulder. I get stopped with the back tires on the gravel and the front tire on the pavement. I think I saw Jesus on that one. Drove the bike now at 25-30mph all the way (about 45 miles) to Springfield just outside Eugene. I stop and call my brother to bring me a trailer for the remaining 80 miles to my destination. I'm cold, wet and not prepared for the weather I encountered. This is Oregon in the spring and I know better. I also inspect my rear tires when I get to my destination. After 57,000 miles of triking, they need to be replaced.

I should have checked those before now. Luckily, I had just replaced my front tire the day before. Three things combined to nearly end my riding forever. 1st - Poor weather I wasn't prepared for; 2nd - Rear tires in poor condition; and 3rd - an ego that told me to continue even though I know better. Now, everone, in unison, can you say "Dumb-ass".

[Bikerbozo]

I won't say "Dumb-ass". Instead I'll say" Been there, done that".
BTW, when in slick conditions like that, if you used your front brake, don't. The rear brakes, being weaker, work best in slick conditions. The front brake tends to lock up because it is too strong.

[rmrc51]

First and foremost, I'm glad you came through that experience with no injury!!!

I still consider myself a novice triker and for all of the reasons mentioned above regarding adverse weather conditions, I stay away from the trike when bad weather is a possibility. Of course there's no guarantee as per weather forecasts. You really do need to be prepared for all conditions!

And I fully agree with Bozo regarding using only the back brake on slick roads. I can easily lockup my front wheel with very little pressure. I find I have much more control with my rear brakes especially since I've adjusted and customized the brake pedal for a better throw.

[bustedwing]

First I am glad you made it thru your ordeal with nothing more then a brused ego and major pucker syndrome. Second in hindsight you ca see what you have to do to IF you decide to tackle this same route under the same circumstances I always say ride safe for a reason we rarely get a second chance.

[slick rick]

...........Sounds as though it doesn't need to be said and you learned from that experience . Best way there is to learn but some times it doesn't turn out so well !!! Really glad you made it through it and give you a for trying ......BUT..... I wouldn't have had the !!!!! to try .

[Rick Kay]

Randi, I'm glad that you made it through OK. Thank you for sharing your experience. Being relatively new to triking, anything which can broaden my experience will only add to my riding skills.

[Rosy]

Glad everything turned out OK. Here is a tip to "young" riders, Do your check list before any long ride:

1. Tire pressures

2. Tire conditions

3. Weather check

4. Lights

5. Clothing needed for weather ahead and spares

6. Routes to be taken with stops in case you have to stop.

7. Cell phone/iPhone/I Pad to call 911 or love ones to get help or to tell them you are OK or need help. Make sure they are charged

8.

Bring your chargers for your electronic equipment.

9. Do not drive if you are tired, physical or mental mistakes can happen

10. Make rest stops when you can

11. Check gas

12. Make sure your oil is up to the trip

13. Check trailer to make sure everything is up to par and ready for a long trip

Chime in if you think I have forgotten anything for a long trip.

Thanks

Regards,

Rosy & Janice

From NH

[87Trike1200]

Glad all is well and you came thru OK. Many folks have already made good suggestions... Thank you for sharing your story - it helps make others aware.

[John Luciano]

So it was the rear that Hydo not the front. We have had this discution before. The rear will flip around well before the front does the dance in water. Glad your safe. The trike very stable thank God for that.

[Goldendragon]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I knew to stay off the front brakes, so when she start to swing around, I just got off the gas, didn't hit any brakes and tried to bring her back around. Sometimes it works, some times it don't. I've got 57,000 miles experience riding a trike and 5 times that on two wheels. I'm no novice. But I got in a hurry and ignored most of the pre-ride check list previously posted. And yes, it was, the backend that broke loose, the front was fine. However, today I got two new rear tires and it was sorely over due. Also talked with the Techs at Hannigan today and they talked me thru the alignment (toe-in, toe-out) procedure as one of the tires had worn unevenly and needed adjustment. Super guys there at Hannigan.

Everthing is back together and working great.

[Rick Kay]

I'm glad all is well!

I've got 30+ years on two wheels, but three wheels are different. I never thought about the rear hydroplaning before the front, or how to handle it, so, I appreciate your insight.