I was just a couple of KLMS from home

. . . and a few inches away from having to post crash pictures of my bike!

I did a 30 KLM run yesterday to and from the beach. On my return trip, I was approaching my neighborhood on the main road, actually obeying the 50 KLM speed limit.
\
Ahead on the left, an SUV was stopped at a side road that Ts into the main road. And of course you know what happened next: at the last second, it jumped out and made a left turn directly in front of me to go my same direction! I was so close I could practically taste its paint, and was sure I would be tasting my own blood in seconds.
I slammed on the brakes but was sure I would hit it anyway. In the past, I've done 2 high-speed skids on this bike, and it rode them out very nice and stable. This time was relatively low speed, but I started fish-tailing like crazy, so I'm guessing I hit some sand in this very sandy area.
I was struggling to regain control, but I was sure I was going to hit anyway since it was so close. But because of all the fish-tailing, I began wondering if I would hit with the front end or back end of the bike! But then I didn't hit it at all -- only because the person suddenly pulled to the right shoulder just as I "should" have hit! I thought they probably heard all the tire-squealling and got freaked out and moved out of the way.

As I finally got control and scooted past just inches from the vehicle's left side, I saw the driver's face, and she seemed shocked to see me there! No point in stopping to scream at her, so I just rode on (slowly) as my breathing and heartbeat tried to catch up with each other. (Somehow, my underwear was still dry!) As I continued on, I watched her in my rear view mirror, and saw her do a U-turn from the shoulder to go the other way on the main road.
She had "mistakenly" turned left when she really wanted to go right! If she had turned the correct direction in the first place, I wouldn't have any story to tell. And I'm only telling the story to all of you now becaue I wanted to debrief with other riders. This is one story my non-rider Wife does not need to hear!

Whatever her reason for pulling over, damned lucky, it's good you're still in good shape.

I would have stopped. If not to yell at her, then to catch my breath and give her a chance to really soak it in and apologize for trying to kill me.

Glad to hear it turned out OK. I was reading your post as fast as I could, waiting for the part where you woke up in the ER. Good that it didn't go down that way.
She obviously never saw you...amazing that that big headlight on your bike doesn't stimulate their retinas.

Be careful Guys ! They are out there :dry:

There's no way she would have driven away without an earful from me. Good to hear you're none the worse for wear Scrapper!!

Close one scrapper. Gald you're ok.
Something similar happened me last week down the main street in Woodstock but it was a dude on a bicycle. Can you believe it ? a dude on a ****ing bicycle. Pulled out in front of me and stopped. For a change I did'nt think I was going to die..I thought I he was going to die ! After a good controlled skid I stopped inches from him. "sorry man" he says. "did'nt see ya". All this with an astonished where did he come from look on his face.
You said it scrapper, they are out there, they are everywhere. Ride safe

Glad to hear you dodged a BIG bullet, Scrapper. She was probably:
1) short of sleep
2) worried about a hair appointment
3) thinking about when her next alimony check was due to arrive
4) getting the kid(s) to soccer on time
5) (insert your guess here)

or all the above at once. In short, she was thinking about everything BUT herding 2 tons of scrap iron down the road in a safe and proper manner.
WAKE UP WANKERS !!!!

I'd rather be good than lucky! Sounds like you were both!

Good on Ya!

Bill

Wow ! glad you weren't hurt or your bike wasn't damaged JR

That will teach you that speed limits are only for cages;)
Seriously, way to split that lane and ride on. I can not imagine this site without Scrapper.

A co-worker of mine was not so lucky last Friday.
She ended up in the ER and was still in the hospital until Tuesday. She got internal injuries but the prognosis is good.
I always worried about her on that 250 Rebel because it sits so low. She is so short and it fits her.

Prayers and well wishes for your friend and hoping for a speedy recovery JohNLA

Wow, talk about your close calls. Glad to hear you made it out alright. Sounds like you really used all of your years of experience and skills in that situation.

Thanks for telling us, helps to hear these stories to make us more aware and not get complacent out there.