Hit deer today (also posted on Texas VROC forum)

[pablo]

I was on my way to substitute teach out at the Eastham unit and hit a deer about 6:35 this morning. I was going about 70 mph, and the deer shot across the road hitting the bike in the front left side. The deer was not full grown and did not knock the bike down, but caused substantial damage to the bike. I never saw it coming until it was on the road next to me, and didn't have time to brake or slow down.

I was amazed at how well the bike took the impact; I did not loose control or run off the road. The impact damaged the front fender, bent the left lower and left engine guard straight back, damaged the horn, broke the left floorboard in half, and may have damaged the shifter. My leg was wedged in between the engine guard and engine, but I was able to get it out before stopping the bike. I'm not sure if the forks or frame are damaged in any way.

My x-rays came out negative for broken bones in my leg and foot, but I have substantial swelling and bruising of my lower leg and foot. The doctor is having me wear some kind of funky slipper and use crutches for a few days until the swelling goes down (and gave me a script for vicoden :) ).

Over all, I feel lucky that it wasn't worse. The insurance lady is going to look at the bike tomorrow morning and assess the damage. Hopefully, it won't take too long to get back in the saddle.

Be careful out there!
Paul

[waterman]

Wow!!! Glad you are ok pablo. Those are pesky critters and they can do alot of damage. Glad you were on the lucky side and the bike will/can be fixed. Take it easy and enjoy the vicoden. :)

[redjay]

Good to hear you are okay. Sounds like the bike saved you and bikes can be fixed easier than people.

[fish]

you are one lucky guy, that is one of my biggest fears, damn deer but I love them.

[rlfaubion]

Glad you made that one work for ya!

[jmorrow]

WOW! Sounds like your lucky day. Glad your ok.

[rickyboy]

Real glad you're OK and no real serious injury. I really do feel for you. It also hurts to see the bike damaged, but you know it can/will be fixed.

I have been hit by a deer as well. So I can really relate to the situation. Also didn't see it coming and didn't have a chance to slow down. Just a little abrasion for my wife and I. Lots of cosmetic damage to my bike {Yamaha Venture at the time} A roll of duct tape for the bike and a going over at the hosp. along with some pain pills for us, and we were back on the road. Get well soon,...... my sincere thoughts go out to you.
BTW.. take it easy on the Vicoden

[trip]

Reading your story from this morning made me have thoughts of that deer that jumped over me this past April, Pablo. I'm glad you're OK. I hate to hear about your bike, but it can be repaired. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you're up and riding soon.

[phenrichs]

Pablo I am glad that you are ok. If it is any consolation deer season opens in a week here in SD and I will be removing some of that ones relatives. Would be happy to do so in Texas as well someday. Just doing my part to keep the roads safer for Nomads. :)

[formikec]

This time of year is mating season for deer according to an article I read the other day. Apparently, the reason there are so many deer/vehicle accidents this time of year relates to the fact that the doe runs from the buck. She should just take it like all good does, and there wouldn't be any problem. ;)

In that same article, the story was about someone that had one run out in front of their car, the deer jumped, went through the windshield, somehow between the front seats and out the back window. I took it that the deer wasn't found. That's just simply amazing, and I'm guessing that doe decided she'd been better off just giving in to the buck.

[socwkbiker]

Glad to hear you're doing all right Pablo! That's a hell of a way to meet a deer. I'm also impressed by the bike, that it took the hit so well and didn't leave the road.

[bigjohn]

Man, I'm glad you're ok adn the scoot can be repaired. Was it one of those really big Texas deer? I remember them. A friend of mine took out two in two months, years ago. Riding a Z1 and split 'em in half. About the size of a dobbie. Messy, really messy.

[seeker]

Sorry to hear of your unfortunate accident Pablo. Glad you're doing ok. Hope all goes well with your recovery and getting the Nomad fixed up.

[pablo]

Thanks for all the well wishes. I feel blessed that it wasn't worse. It was truely a wonderful ride this morning up to the "incident". I can't wait to get going again.

[schoeney]

Buy a lottery ticket as it is your lucky day....it could have been much worse.

I imagine the deer didn't feel so lucky!