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Multi-Bike crash on 9, 01/05/24

It seems a few months early for the beginning of squid season.
 
GAJ said:
Hardly a tricky "corner" so speeds were likely reasonably high for all.
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I don't think we can jump to that conclusion. One dude apparently made the error and the rest could have been riding a reasonable speed and just got skittled by circumstance.

Certainly the roads up there even if "dry" are not in condition to be riding fast. Lots of shade in places and that keeps them far from perfect Isle of 9 conditions.
 
So scary… someone commented on fb that people set up races on that road:

Highway 9 is used as a racetrack. They post up at 35 (Santa Clara Co), 236/9 (stop sign), the outlook (not sure of county), and at redwood elementary in Boulder creek (Santa Cruz Co). They race back and forth and it’s seriously deadly.
 
9 would be an awesome road if it weren't for the people using it... I tend to avoid it for other options whenever possible. Since I know I lack superior skill I lean on my judgement which generally works well. The few times I have let that judgement lapse I've been very lucky to get nothing more than a mild pucker as a reminder. Glad to see no one died, but I'd imagine there are gonna be some long recovery times for those "major" injuries. Hope everyone heals up and is able to get back at it.
 
9 is basically my backyard. I often do quick loops around Big Basin, 9, Skyline and Bear Creek Rd. It's best to go on a weekday when the weather is warm. (I don't expect to do much riding for the next few months.) I've seen my share of wrecks on these roads. Some were pretty horrific.

I think I remember reading about Doc Wong getting wiped out on Skyline by some maniac. Motorcycling is dangerous and can be deadly.

Spacial awareness is key to your safety. Give yourself as much space as you can so you have more time to react when the shit hits the fan.
 
I hope all heal up. And that the rider(s) who fucked up have now learned what they did wrong and change how they ride.

I have a neighbor who was sideswiped by another rider going too fast the other way in a corner. It took her many surgeries and years before she finally healed. And she now has a permanent limp and a lot of scaring.
 
This is one of the reasons I prefer to hug the fog line rather than the middle of the lane. Saw a video from Germany many years ago where a rider was hit head on by another bike in their lane. & I've seen plenty of tourists (I assume) going over the DY.

Heal up fast & get back out there soon
 
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There's nothing technically wrong with going over the double yellow. Unfortunately, the vast, vast majority of both riders and drivers are completely inept at doing it safely. And choosing when to do it. So we have laws for everyone to follow.
 
tzrider said:
I'm not clear on what you mean by this.
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me neither.

it's technically wrong and a point infraction in california to cross over solid double yellow lines unless turning into a driveway, intersection, or pulling a u-turn according to california vehicle code 21460. you could argue you were avoiding an obstruction, but who likes to argue.

Vehicle Code 21460 VC | Crossing Double Yellow Lines

California Vehicle Code 21460 VC is the statute that makes it a crime for a motorist to cross double yellow parallel lines on the roadways.
www.cronisraelsandstark.com www.cronisraelsandstark.com
 
What I meant is that in a perfect world, we wouldn’t need double yellows and everyone on the road would drive safely and could pass at anytime without endangering anyone. Sadly, that is not the case.

For instance, I’ve never ridden so fast that I can’t stay within my lane. And I can make completely safe passes, tegardless of the type of line in the middle.

But that doesn’t mean double yellows, and other markings, aren’t useful for decision making.

I’m sure that many of us, perhaps even most of us, have passed on a double yellow.
 
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wow that is some crazy shit. A lot of things could have happened to start the cascade of unfortunate luck but it certainly looks like rider error is a factor. Hope they all heal well.
 
budman said:
@Enchanter
Pretty much going to fast for conditions or basic road way configuration with a side of lack of skill set.
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The article mentions that the first "casualty" was on a 2025 Ninja 500 so I'm thinking someone got a new bike for Christmas and this was his first time out on it: probably got into the corner more than he expected and things went downhill from there...
 
Yeah sounds like the Kawi blew the turn and started the whole chain of events. Nice weather must be getting to people, came across two cars around TAM yesterday that couldn't managed to keep it in their lane around the corners. Good thing I try to position myself towards the fog line as much as possible and leave a speed cushion so I had room to adjust my line and find my way around.
 
Das MotorRad said:
me neither.

it's technically wrong and a point infraction in california to cross over solid double yellow lines unless turning into a driveway, intersection, or pulling a u-turn according to california vehicle code 21460. you could argue you were avoiding an obstruction, but who likes to argue.

Vehicle Code 21460 VC | Crossing Double Yellow Lines

California Vehicle Code 21460 VC is the statute that makes it a crime for a motorist to cross double yellow parallel lines on the roadways.
www.cronisraelsandstark.com www.cronisraelsandstark.com
Click to expand...
That quoted vehicle section I don't believe is correct. The prohibition on passing speaks to solid yellow lines.
- Single solid prohibits both directions from passing
- Double lines speak to solid on your side= no passing by those going in your direction, if dashed line on your side=ok to safely pass
- Double-double >18" apart constitute a barrier so no crossing, turning, u-turning or other shit we think of
 
... as a pretty regular scout on the HWY 9... there is a rather large pot hole that has developed in that turn just near the apex that can definitely affect a riders trajectory... it's been a growing hole for probably about 6mo or so... maybe I should have reported it!
that is also the beginnings of some wavy pavement on that road going South - as the reported DY violating rider is reported to have done!

but yeah, any street rider should be prepared for such circumstances in advance... it's definitely not a race track! (tourist trophies or not!)
 
Squid season is around the corner and I tend to stay away from 9 altogether. 40 years ago Highway 9 was diffrent and a favorite for my riding group on Nortons!
 
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