The Road Often Travelled: ATGATT

The article “The Road Often Travelled: ATGATT” was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 03/11/2012.

My bike disappearing from beneath me remains the strangest sensation I’ve ever experienced. You get used to the sound and vibration of the engine and wind noise, which ordinarily only ends when the ride does, and you shut the bike down. This time, in an instant, there was complete silence as I flew through the air. Next came a dull smack of plastic from my helmet and the armor in my jacket and pants impacting the road, followed by some tumbling sounds, and then no sound at all until some passersby stopped to help me.

I’d been struck in the side by a deer at about 45 miles per hour. After a few minutes of body inventory I stood up, brushed myself off, and realized I was fine. I did find out later that I’d broken my collarbone. It’s a testament to the quality of today’s protective gear that, except for my helmet, the same jacket and over-pants I wore that day lasted another two years.

The worst part of crashing is having to tell those close to you what happened. You know what most reactions will be. The majority of people who don’t ride have preconceived notions about how dangerous motorcycle riding can be, and crash stories only reinforce their beliefs. Being able to say, “Yes, I’ve crashed and walked away,” makes it easier to allay some of their fears, and wearing proper gear increases the likelihood of this should the unthinkable happen.

I’ve always been safety conscious and still wear a light jacket all summer, along with a helmet, boots and gloves. My reasons are many, primarily my own safety of course; but it’s equally important that the people we leave at home when we set out for a ride know that we are aware of the risks and are serious about riding safely. It’s important for me that they have that small peace of mind. Let’s face it, there are dangers involved in motorcycling; but as a former rock climber, I’ve always said that just because something involves some element of risk doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be pursued. It means it should be pursued seriously and with an eye towards being as safe as possible.

To that end, I’ve taken the safety courses available locally, wear all the gear all the time (ATGATT), read what I can about proper technique, and let my loved ones see me suit up. It’s the least I can do for myself, and certainly the best thing I can do for those who care about me.

Ride safe.

4 Comments

  1. Trisha Jones

    My husband recently passed from a motorcycle accident on the Dallas North Tollway. He was very physically fit. I am sure that this helps in minor circumstances, however, it didn't help him on Thursday. Wearing a helmet is a choice. I respected his choice. Many people have told me that "he should've been wearing a helmet." It has been expressed to me that any helmet would not have not saved him. He loved riding, and that is the thought that gets me through the day. Thank you for allowing me to say this to people who may understand… Trish Jones

    1. BudCAD (Post author)

      Hi Trish. Thanks for the comment, I am very sorry for your loss. Here in Pa. where I live helmets are not required except for minors or those with less than 2 years experience. Personally, I'm here today because I wear a helmet, the one that saved me is on my fireplace as a reminder. Mine was at 45 mph, I was struck by a deer and landed on my head. At those speeds and with no impact from another auto a helmet can certainly save lives, like mine did. A large majority of crashes are solo and under 35 mph. So while I respect the choice many make I still wish they wouldn't. As riders the best we can do is prepare for the worst case by staying fit, wearing protective gear, learning, gathering experience and avoiding riding when we're too tired or have been drinking.

      Some accidents can't be anticipated or avoided and safety gear won't help, which sounds like what happened, tragically, in your husband's case. Again, I am sorry for your loss and appreciate your input. Take care.

  2. molson

    Hey Bud. Great post. Now let's have a great video to go along with it.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_T41kJm-PE&fe

    ATGATT. That's a rule I admit to having violated… a lot. Not good, but there is one piece of equipment most tend to overlook and that is physical conditioning. The very muscles, tendons, and ligaments used to help you move also hold you together. In a crash, how well do you think you will hold together with muscles atrophied through lack of use? Short answer is not well. All the body armor in the world cannot save you if you are weak and out of shape.

    Want to be a better rider? Then look to your physical conditioning. Walk. Run. Bike. Lift weights. Do some. Do all. Whatever works. My favorite? I ride my 24 year old mountain bike. On roads. On trails. In the city and in the burbs. It's an old school full rigid. No suspension. Stiff as a railroad tie. Nothing I can think of will improve your conditioning, your balance, your ability to look ahead and process will that hurt me better than an old school, stiff as a board, rigid mountain bike. Trust me on this. Sadly though I am the slowest on the trails. I can hardly hang on to the handle bars on the downhills. The beating my arms and wrists take is that bad. Those fancy suspensions are good for something. I do better on the climbs though. Suspensions don't do much good there.

    The truly sad thing is I don't have a motorcycle now. One day I hope to have a motorcycle again. Just don't have anywhere to park it. I still have my mountain bike though and that works for me and it will continue to work for me until the day I can get a motorbike again. Now if I could just learn to bunny hop up an 8 inch curb.

    Ciao.

    1. BudCAD (Post author)

      Exactly right about conditioning. My one serious crash would've left me with more than a broken collar bone had I not been a lifelong biker/lifter/runner. I like that the guys in the vid workout regularly. Too funny that those old bikes owners manuals included physical conditioning recommendations.

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