" There have been way too many bike accidents this year. While I know that no car/truck was involved in this one, someone possibly dumped a bunch of junk in the middle of a highway and left it there causing this accident. Most of the time it's drivers stating that they didn't see the bikers. It's time we slow down and think of the others on our roadways who are on motorcycles. Pay attention, stay off your cell phone and be aware of ALL traffic around you. It only takes half a second of lost concentration to cause harm to others on the road.

I sure hope everyone here walks away okay. "

" I dont know how many times i see unsecured loads of yard waste fall off pickups and trailers going to the yard waste dump. One can drive up and down any of the side streets and see limbs that have fallin off the load just sitting out in the street.and the driver oblivouis of what has happen to his or her load of waste. Arnt there laws for unsecured loads? "

" I have ridden motorvycles for many years, and while there are sometimes accidents that are unavoidable, this doesn't sound like one. Something is really screwy here, from the amount of bikes involved, obviously going to fast for conditions, they didn't see objects large enough to wreck a bike until they were on top of them. Traveling to close together. Anonther bike turned around in front and got whacked by another. What are the odds of this type of wreck?

By the way Hammbone, yes, there are laws concerning unsecured loads, they're just never enforced. "

" Yes hamm there are laws, plenty of laws. Just no police that have knowledge of laws / or enough gumption to enforce the laws. "

" Ho many times have you driven down the road an seen a gravel fully loaded gravel truck speeding along not having a tarp covering its load. It appears that the gravel truck drivers, who get paid by the load don't want to take the time to cover their load.

In addition to letting trucks speed, letting motorcycles with illegal straight pipes run wild (sorry, kam), it appears that the police officers often look the other way over the failure of gravel trucks failing to cover their loads.

Having said all that, I really think the reason for most accidents is too many folks speeding, including myself at times. "

" Hey Harry those loud straight pipes save lives!!!! I would much rather be on my loud Harley then riding a bike that you cannot hear let alone see!!!! People need to start paying attention and seeing bikes! Also there are a few bikes who need to start paying attention and see cars! I have seen way too many idiots on bikes barrelling down the road not looking around them at all or weaving in and out of traffic. Everyone ride safe!!! "

" With all due respect to my fellow motorcyclists, "loud pipes save lives" is just an excuse for people who like loud pipes. It's largely vehicle drivers who don't look for motorcycles and/or don't care who cause problems, although some reckless motorcyclists also are to blame. I've never heard a loud motorcycle that I hadn't seen already when driving a four-wheeled vehicle. Most people have their windows up and radio on anyway and don't even hear loud pipes when they are driving. Motorcyclists just have to be super defensive in their driving, and sometimes even that's not enough. Yes, people need to pay more attention and look twice, or three times, to avoid accidents. "

" Hey Harry those loud straight pipes save lives!!!!

With all due respect happymom, I disagree. Unless you're racking them off, the way sound travels, you don't hear them until they are upon you, beside you or past you.

All in all, I think it's safe to say that bikers are more careful on the street than most car drivers, they have to constantly ride defensibly because they know the risks. I will agree that people don't give bikers the respect they deserve, but please come up with better argument for breaking the law. I do believe that straight pipes are actually illegal. Bikers, just like car drivers, shouldn't be able to pick and choose which laws they obey. "

" Seems like there was storm activity, around that time. Odd there was no mention of weather conditions, even if it was clear then.

I suspect this was another of too many bikes, riding too close together, which is never safe. Supposed to be against the law, to run two or 3 wide, in one lane, as far as I know. How often do we see that?

Defensive driving, is all about leaving room and recognizing outs, to avoid obstacles and issues, from all directions.

Groups turning at the top of a blind hill, could leave a trailer bike, that can see over and behind, with working mirrors and proper brightness signals, to avoid not being seen at the crest. Single file bikes are usually easier to avoid, than two or three wide, all bunched up together.

Sixty miles an hour, is moving 88 feet a second. Bunching up, when most of the roads are in the shape they are in, is a huge risk, every time it happens. Even on good roads, it only takes a slight drift off line, to tangle up. "

" Loud pipes are illegal. Helmets, along with other safety gear and safe riding saves lives.

Harry, what does Ho many times....mean? "

" happymom

What exactly did loud pipes have to do with this all motorcycle wreck? "

" 61938 cop bashing....wow no kidding "

" What kind of debris in the roadway? "

" I two have ridden motorcycles ever since I have had a drivers licence and before I Had a licence I've had many close calls by people YACKING on cell phones,putting on MAKE-UP. or just plain Ignorance by the driver,or drivers involved.Forced out of a lane. Crossing over into my lane,the list goes on and on.The one that ticks me off the most is the inconsidderate SOB that tries to squeese you to turn right on a one lane road while at a stop sign. I'd just love to KEY there car as they do that,but I'm a better person than that.Just call it wishful thinking. Just the other night I was dragging B-way and this fool leaped out in front of me from a side street and braked at the last millisecond.People just dont see ya. My New bike is Bright red and has both headlights on while ridding. How can you not see me coming.Loud pipes is just a morronic icon, they serve absoluty no purpose,I have ridden all types of bikes from HD to Yamaha and preffer a bike that handles and is responcive. Not something that it's way to heavy steers like a locomotive,and makes way too much noise for it's performace factor.You couldnt get out of the way of danger on a heavy v-twin if your life depended on it,and from the looks of some of these terrible accidents,just maybe the type of motorcycle has contributed to the accident. "

" Harry, what does Ho many times....mean? "

Put three of them together and you get my response to your inane posts. "

" yeah right wrote on Jun 23, 2009 8:27 PM:

" 61938 cop bashing....wow no kidding "

yeah right, probably the result of being on the wrong side of them too many times. "

" Hammbone wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:21 PM:

" I two have ridden motorcycles ever since I have had a drivers licence and before I Had a licence I've had many close calls by people YACKING on cell phones.


Careful now Hammbone, you're showing your age, or lack therof. Cell Phones? I started riding when people were using Slide Rules instead of calculators, which, weren't out yet. Neil Armstrong hadn't yet walked on the Moon. Before I had a Yamaha DT125 I had a Montgomery Wards 90 CC Motorcycle, took me forever to learn how to shift. Before then it was a Bransons Machine Shop Minibike, before then it was a Sears minibike, ah yes, waxing poetic.

Here's a good one;

A while back, I was talking to a friend of mine who runs a Pawn Shop, a college girl came into the store bringing back a present she had bought for her boyfriend, an album, ZZ Top LP 33 1/3, she said that half of the music was missing, yes, it only took about a minute to figure it out. He told to take it back home, flip it over, and play the other side. "

" Zerocool...I was referring to Harrys post @2:32 about loud pipes. It had absolutley nothing to do with this accident. I did not say that we had illegal pipes on our bike. They are factory but yes they are loud. I just must have an ear for the pipes because I hear them no matter what I am doing whether it be with thewindows up or the radio on......but I am a sucker for the sound of a Harley! LOl

Not wanting to argue about it, just saying I am more likely to hear a loud bike coming up on me.

I do have a problem with the choppers that have been reworked and have no rear lights to speek of except for maybe a small tail light on the side of the back fender......now that to me should be illegal!!!! "

" I am a sister to one of the women hurt in the accident. I do know that it's pretty sad that if someone dumps something in the road or a semi driver has a tire blowout they should PICK IT UP!! This is how accidents are caused. As for the loud pipes...they are a good thing because people can here you coming! I'm very thankful that my sister and her husband wear helmets! They were the only two in the bunch that had them on! They do have serious injuries, all for trying to help a friend out and get hit by another one! "

" Motorcyclists driving in groups and line hugging. That is what I think is dangerous. (That and going from bar to bar, drinking.) Loud pipes, are annnoying more than a safety device. Everytime I pass two or more motorcycles riding together there is always one line hugging, I always ask why they are doing that? "

" Once again a bike involved accident that spurs the hateful comments and negative opinions of bikers. You only use this comment board to trash talk us. It's ok, we put up with you erragant people daily one the road and put up with yer dirty looks as yer kids point at our bikes and tattoos in amazement, while you attempt to shield them from looking. What you don't see are some of yer doctors, lawyers, firefighters, policemen, and military servicemen on those bikes. All your seeing is a stereotype. Not the actual personality behind the handlebars. Think about this next time your late for something or running your mouth about us. Were people with personalities, family's, and lives too. "

" Slap63 Sorry these guys weren't drinking if that's what your implying. If you see them line hugging as you call it, it's so that other vehicles see them. "

" I agree with Cassie on people picking up their crap. Ive even wittnessed one of Mattoons finest driving around dangerous road debri,leaving it for someone else to pick up,I realize it was probably not in HIS current job description but I thought they were to protect & serve. I wish all the riders a quick healthy recovery.Experienced riders aren't exempt from crashes,but a little common sense also goes a long way. "

" I saw a man and a woman speeding away from the emergency room on a motorcycle the other night. No helmets, naturally. I guess they're hoping to give the hospital some repeat business.
Really, some people are too stupid to live. "

" it was a dog that ran out in front of them .kinda hard for the police to control that . "

" Once again a bike involved accident that spurs the hateful comments and negative opinions of bikers.

If any of my comments gave you that impression, biker 79, I will apologise. I don't think I said anything negative about bikers. My only issue with you guys are the straight pipes. All the justification in the world will not make breaking the law OK with me.

I would say, that due to the nature of two wheel vehicles and the need to ride defensibly, that most bikers are better behaved on the roadways than are most drivers. "

" ron jearmy wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:23 AM:
" it was a dog that ran out in front of them .kinda hard for the police to control that . """"


debris....dog....yeah i can see how you'd confuse the 2, they both start with "D". "

" We live on the west side and motorcycles with loud pipes make our lives hell. The local police do ignore the cyclists; maybe if all the laws were enforced the bikers would drive in a safer manner; we certainly would have a quieter town. "

" Cassie wrote on Jun 24, 2009 8:42 AM:

Slap63 Sorry these guys weren't drinking if that's what your implying. If you see them line hugging as you call it, it's so that other vehicles see them.

Cassie, if your hugging the edge line, you're a boob, if you're hugging the center line, well, that just makes you an idiot.


Cassie wrote on Jun 24, 2009 7:56 AM:

I am a sister to one of the women hurt in the accident. I do know that it's pretty sad that if someone dumps something in the road or a semi driver has a tire blowout they should PICK IT UP!! This is how accidents are caused. As for the loud pipes...they are a good thing because people can here you coming! I'm very thankful that my sister and her husband wear helmets! They were the only two in the bunch that had them on! They do have serious injuries, all for trying to help a friend out and get hit by another one!

Cassie, I am glad your relations are ok, however, your post raises more questions than answers;

Such as,

If someone turned around to help another biker and hit another one, which one wasn't looking for the other one, and, as far as loud pipes go,

According to an AMA report, it was determined that 77% of motorcycle accident hazards come from in front of the rider, while only 3% approach from the rear. What's interesting here is that motorcycle pipes direct the vast majority of sound backwards where the least danger is, so for loud pipes to be a truly effective safety measures they would need to be pointed forward where the greatest danger lies. That doesn't do much to support the proposition that loud pipes are a safely factor.

biker79 wrote;

What you don't see are some of yer doctors, lawyers, firefighters, policemen, and military servicemen on those bikes.

Hey biker79, your name isn't Corey is it?

ron jearmy

Nice Nickname. :)


061938 wrote on Jun 24, 2009 5:13 PM:

" We live on the west side and motorcycles with loud pipes make our lives hell. The local police do ignore the cyclists; maybe if all the laws were enforced the bikers would drive in a safer manner; we certainly would have a quieter town. "


Try living on dewitt. where the stopsigns are. You ought to watch a 200 bike Poker Run go though the stopsign at 14th and Dewitt for about 20 minutes.


Still, my favorite hobby has to be watching the drunks try to kickstart their Harleys in front of the Oasis on Friday nights. :) "

" According to an AMA report, it was determined that 77% of motorcycle accident hazards come from in front of the rider, while only 3% approach from the rear. What's interesting here is that motorcycle pipes direct the vast majority of sound backwards where the least danger is, so for loud pipes to be a truly effective safety measures they would need to be pointed forward where the greatest danger lies. That doesn't do much to support the proposition that loud pipes are a safely factor.


I thought that was worth repeating, zerocool.

Thanks for posting it..

Your comment did a much better job of articulating the point I was trying to make earlier. The arguments being made about loud pipes being a safety factor are false and are nothing more than an excuse for those trying to justify breaking the law.

Having said that, I think the reason that particular law is ignored is simple, just look at the number of police officers, both on the Mattoon, Charleston and county forces who ride straight pipe Harley's. As our friend Tom Andres has said many times, either enforce the law or get rid of it. Personally, I would rather see it enforced. Selectively enforcing certain laws makes law enforcement look bad and is nothing more than hypocrisy. "

" Good one FB. @ ron germy. "

" The creatures on two wheeled chainsaws are almost as bad as the ones with thier ballet shoes spander knickers an pointy little caps. on bycycles. "

" Hey, they were close to Sullivan, maybe there was an out of control Golf Cart. "

" I cannot believe some of the stupid comments made by people regarding this issue. Most of your comments are so way off-base that it is laughable.
I am one of the motorcyclists involved in this incident.
The MAIN cause of this accident was from riders trying to operate and maneuver around dangerous debris on a road that was hardly fit to ride on. The very large and numerous "tar strips" as well as huge potholes made slowing, stopping and turning very hazardous. It was like trying to maneuver on ice.
The group had slowed to a speed well below the limit and were attempting to move around the debris, after having been warned of the debris. By the way it was a very large, bloated dead critter as well as a large wheelwell apparently torn from the vehicle.

Unfortunately the wide "tar strips" made some people slip and skid while maneuvering. Ayone who has ridden a motorcycle on these strips know what I mean. Others then tried to avoid these riders, trying to do so on way less than perfect road conditions. This caused more and more people to have problems and a sort of "chan reaction" of braking problems began occuring.
No...No drinking issues and No...No Fast Speeds or riding too closely contributed to this.

So No "Zerocool" there was nothing screwy going on here. Most of our riders have ridden longer and in far worse conditions than you would probably even dare to ride in. If you knew any members of our group you would understand our dedication to riding and to the concerns of safety we have for each other.

Most of our group ride every day,(rain or shine, cold or hot),have driven very long distances and take the sport very seriously including having professional rider training.

Cars collide everyday, and while rare, some motorcycles do as well given the right conditions. I collided with another motorcycle that day while returning to render aid to those who were down. My wife and I were fortunate enough to have our helmets on which kept us from being more injured than we were, unlike the article's account we did take a trip to the ER via ambulance.
Sometimes collisions are unavoidable, this was one of those and was subject to a miscommunication that led to the collision.

So before everyone goes "second-guessing" the situation or making comments about loud pipes, wearing helmets, drinking and driving or speeding....Think about the very poor road conditions that we all are forced to drive on. I invite everyone to drive to that location and see what your tax dollars are paying for....Next time it may be you. "

" Thanks for your comments, Stitch Nasty. First hand accounts are always better than idle speculation. I was glad to see your comment on helmets too. Personally I wish every one who rode wore helmets, but I guess it's a matter of choice in Illinois. Glad you and your wife are it OK. "

" "Next time it may be you."
---
No, it will not. "

" Stitch Nasty

Your story has as many holes in it as your sister in laws story does.

You said;

very large and numerous "tar strips" as well as huge potholes made slowing, stopping and turning very hazardous.

All of those things have been part of that road in that area for many many years now, which leads to another observation, you were traveling "(a speed well below the limit)" Yet, 8 Motorcycles, traveling WELL below 55 MPH went down. At that speed, you can see woolyworms crossing the road at 100 feet, let alone, "a very large, bloated dead critter as well as a large wheelwell apparently torn from the vehicle."

No Fast Speeds or riding too closely contributed to this.

Really? Yet 8 (Eight) Motorcycles went down almost at the same time.

I collided with another motorcycle that day while returning to render aid to those who were down.

Which one of you were in the wrong lane?

By the way, if you all crashed because of debris in the road, I believe the legal term for that is "Driving to fast for conditions"


I'm glad you're ok, but you should have taken a Cessna, it flys better than your story. "

" 61938...I have lived on the west end of town for 35+ years and have yet to experience your personal hell attributed to those loud pipes and dirty bikers. Perhaps I am a few blocks away from the fire pit you live in...my condolences for your misery.

How many trucks are driving around town right now with not only straight pipes, but also lift kits that jack their bumpers 2"-3" above the hood of your car? Any idea how dangerous it would be to have an accident with a truck like that? Maybe you could extend your crusade to include bashing the drivers of those trucks who also frequent the local taverns and then drive away with THEIR straight pipes at 1am.
Zerocool...I only know of a handfull of bikes in the area that are kickstart. The majority of bikes you are referring to are electric start. But your fairy tale rendition of the story definately made for a more humorous mental image.
I think its amazing and sad that even a tragic story can spark a debate about sterotyping and bashing people you know nothing about. Perhaps the majority of you have never been on a motorcycle. Bikers are the most cautious people on the road. An accident that would be a minor fender bender for you in your luxury sedan would be fatal for them. As Harry Potter can tell you I have tended bar for many years. The majority of those icky bikers that you refer to drink in great moderation when they are on their bikes. For one, they dont blend in and dont WANT TO stand out to the police for fear of a DUI. For two, their bike, their passengers safety and their own safety and for the safety of those riding along beside them are first and foremost. Any biker can tell you that, they look out for one another. For three, they have to be alert to those idiot drivers who run stop signs and stop lights, change lanes without looking, talk on their cell or TEXT message, or just plain dont pay attention. The tragic accident a few weeks ago down south wasnt a case of drunken bikers! It was some idiot barreling along in a pick-up truck who plowed into THE BACK of 3 bikes. If you really want to make the world a safer place, stop complaining so much and spend your time campaigning for motorcycle awareness!! "

" Its amazing how an article concerning people getting hurt in a motorcycle accident turns into an opportunity to complain about loud pipes...I would like to say that I am glad there were no fatal injuries.
Now I have to put in my two cents worth on the pipe issue.

First, emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks rely on loud noisemakers to get the attention of other motorists. So, we know for a fact that loud noises do get people's attention.

Second, I know this personally because I've heard the rumblings of motorcycles creep into my blind spot when driving a car. I may not hear it loud and clear with my car stereo playing, but I hear just enough that my conscience is telling me that the lane next to me is not open.

Third, it is ironic that just two days ago I happened to be riding on a two lane highway. I was passing a female driving a minivan and guess what.. she had a phone glued to her ear. The next thing I knew she wanted to be in my lane. There was a car following me rather closly and the only thing I had time to do was blip the trottle which woke her up and she went back into her lane. The fact of the matter... all dangers encountered while riding do not come from the front.

The fact is that the proof of loud pipes saving lives are the bikers alive and well. And we just can't prove that they're alive because of their exhaust volume or because of some other safety measure. We can only count them when they're dead. In other words, there's no scientific way to prove this without killing some bikers which might make some people happy.. but personally I would not care for it.

However.. if all the drivers would throw away their cell phone... stop putting on make-up behind the wheel... and stop stuffing food down their face while riding.....I would consider installing quieter exhaust on my bike. "

" Improper lane usage, failure to signal, following to closely, driving to fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident X 8. Illegal U turn X 1. Moultrie county probably formerly would have written those tickets, right then and there, with tell it to the judge, as any rebuttal. Still investigating, might lead to some leanience, or more citations.

This story as written, left a lot of obvious questions. Most statements in the absence of fact, are rhetorical guesses, to the many questions. This reads like it isn't directly from the sheriff depts press release on the incident, but failed to get a byline of any kind. Not even staff.

There are 2 other ways to get to Mattoon, 121 and Rt. 16. Any will likely have issues, and even 30mph is still moving 44 feet per second. I rarely see any vehicles maintaining proper distances. I never see bikes traveling together even staying at least 2 or more seconds appart. "

" REAl BIKERS wear stainless steel heel plates attatched to the bottoms of their biker boots,and when properly applied to the pavement it ommits very colorful sparks And for pesky tailgaters,a pocket full of ballbearings or BB's get the cage drivers attention real quick when tossed over ones shoulder,especialy at night when their headlights dissapear.Have fun out there and be safe fellow bikers.And hand full of BB's go along way.lol "

" And hopefully that car following isn't full of a bunch of little kids, kam. Surely you jest. "

" Sorry bout-em HP,but when my life is placed in jeopardy by a selfcentered,cellphone hammering idiot,I become defensive.The drivers shoulda thought about that before they tried to run me over. "

" ZeroCool...1st off that name says it all about you, 2nd, I really don't care if you believe the story or not, had you read more closely what I wrote you would have observed that I didn't blame the guys going down on the road debris but rather the condition of the road which did contribute to people going down eg: the large tarry patches and potholes that provided less than ideal grip and contact patches between the road and tires.

I make no excuses for the accidents for they are just that...accidents.

3rd, neither of us were in the wrong lane, we were both westbound returning to the downed riders, as I said, there was a miscommunication between us that lead to the collision. The deputy on scene was fine with the reasoning, why shouldn't a Junior G-Man wanna be like yourself be ok with it. Really I don't care either way.

Lastly, Although "Cassie" may have described herself in a way that made you believe she was related, she is not, In the real Biker community, Brother and Sister goes way past that of blood relationships, often with a deeper meaning. I do not know who Cassie is as in her posting, I'm sure that we know of each other and I will thank her for her comments. There are other insightful comments made on this blog, unfortunately Zerocool, yours are no where close. You seem to be a spiteful person with "little-man's syndrome!!"

Just remember Zero, it's a very BLACK and WHITE WORLD out there....Just try to kick back, enjoy life and try not to be too serious... Takes away from all the fun you could/should be having.

By the way, have all the fun you want replying, personally I won't be wasting anymore of mine. "

" First, emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks rely on loud noisemakers to get the attention of other motorists. So, we know for a fact that loud noises do get people's attention.


And their noisemakers are omnidirectional. "

" kamfong wrote on Jun 25, 2009 5:08 PM:

" Sorry bout-em HP,but when my life is placed in jeopardy by a selfcentered,cellphone hammering idiot,I become defensive.The drivers shoulda thought about that before they tried to run me over. "

Your frustration is noted.

Allow me to share with you a story that happened years ago to a guy that I knew while working on the east on the east coast. Like you he was frustrated, this time by tailgaters. Being the clever guy that he was mechanically, he rigged up a spray device that would shoot used motor oil from his back bumper. He used it once, it worked but the tailgater turned out to be a state trooper. Needless to say that after paying a gigantic fine, he removed the device from his car.

Another friend of mine, with similar frustrations, installed a flutter type switch on his dash board which made the brake lights look like some one was frantically hitting the breaks. He told me it was pretty effective in getting tailgaters off his back.

Just be careful, my friend. "

" HP, due to my cousin and his girlfriend being recently run down and killed, I'm a little gun shy of even leavin my drive way on a bike,atv,or vehichle.It's still unimaginable how those two young people's lives where ended, because of someone obviously not paying attention to their surroundings.Anyhoo the ballbearings were aliitle over the top but BB's bounce and will slow a bikegater down. "

" Perhaps the majority of you have never been on a motorcycle. Bikers are the most cautious people on the road.

And at the same time, usually the most reckless. "

" Biker79 thanks for your post. I have the utmost respect for bikers actually and I hate seeing people just "buying into the stereotype" too. I've known bikers in my life, my dad and 2 of my uncles rode motorcycles and they and the people they rode with were always nice. I have lost count of how many "charity poker runs" I've seen in the paper both in Mattoon and Galesburg when I lived there for special needs populations ; in Mattoon/Charleston area Camp New Hope for example, how many "charity rides" are done in nice weather to give toys and donations to charities such as Toys for Tots at Christmas time. When I first moved to town my car broke down at Walmart, I cannot hook up jumper cables to save my life and none of the people who got into or out of cars near me would even give me a jump when I asked for one, it was a fall day not terrible weather but I sure didn't want to walk all the way back to 11th street from walmart with a 7 year old and a ton of bags full of groceries, after standing there for a while a group of 3 motorcycles came and my daughter asked them if they could "jumper our car" well the people who had been on the bikes laughed and said "we can get you some help sure" one of them left told me to stay put and came back with a pickup truck, jumped my car for me and it started right up. The other people from the bikes stayed with me and my daughter and just talked to us while we waited and were as nice as can be.

So Biker 79 I agree with you 100% no one should be judged based on their outward apperance. I always slow down when I see motorcycles and to the person who mentioned the lady in the minivan on her cell phone, I cannot tell you how many times in the past 2 weeks I have almost been hit by somone trying getting over into my lane when my car is right next to them and I have a car in front of me and one behind me not to mention cars in the oncoming lane as well not like I can swerve to avoid being hit or speed up to get out of the way. Every time I've honked my horn loud as can be and glanced over the person trying to get over has been on a cell phone! They make those hands free devices for a reason, so if you have to talk on the phone while you drive use those things better yet stay off the phone and pay attention to your driving. "

" Stitch Nasty

So, you were both going the same direction and locked bars? No riding to close together there, huh?

devilishangel61401, Midniterider2245


I saw something the other day concerning Motorcycles that I never thought I would see. A man heading east towards Charleston on a Motorcycle on Rt. 16 talking on a Cell Phone. Oh well.

Also, if we got rid of the bike riders that leave one stopsign and hit 50 before the end of the block, that would be great. Also, why does Susuki make a Factory Bike that goes 205 Miles Per Hour, why does Honda make 2000+ CC Motors for their street bikes.

I too have riden bikes for many years, since 71. But I will let my license expire this year because of Epilepsy, figured the 2 don't mix to well.

They are problems on both sides.

But the simple fact is, this wreck ONLY involved 8 Motorcycles, no cars, no bad weather. Just 8 Motorcycles that seemed to been going to fast for conditions and were traveling to close together.

My opinion, and everyone has one, the guy in front saw something at the last minute, panicked, hit the brakes, and the guys behind him were to close to react quickly enough and dumped. I mean, come on, what are the odds of 6 bikers laying down their bikes in a coordinated manner. If they weren't riding side by side, the bikes in the back would have had time to stop, especially since they were traveling well under the 55 mph speed limit. Then, the 2 up front pulled a U-Turn, got to close together, locked bars and spilled.

They're really lucky that there were no fertilizer trucks around running about 70 mph ready to drive them the rest of the way into the ground. "

" Zerocool, Based on your several inaccurate and just plain stupid statements, you seem like a very bitter person who has nothing better to do than sit at home and rant and rave on your computer. The simple fact is you were not there on the run or at the scene, therefore you have absolutely no first hand knowledge of what happened; you are making untrue allegations based solely on your inaccurate assumptions.

I was riding in the pack that went down, so I have the information you are lacking. It seems that you ASSUME there were only eight bikes in the pack that went down because that is the number of bikes the paper listed as being involved in the accident. There were far more motorcycles riding in the pack that did not wreck. You stated that the rider in the front panicked when noticing debris in the road too late. This too is false, I was behind the front two riders and we all saw the debris in plenty of time to change lanes to avoid it. Those in front of me, along myself and some more behind me all went around the debris with no problems. The accident started when some riders behind us got in the slippery tarred strips running along the center of the road and the other patched portions in the road. These poor conditions were mentioned in earlier posts and were made worse by the very high temps that day. It is also worth mentioning there were other bikes that got loose in the slick areas but were able to keep their bikes upright while others were not that fortunate. The bottom line here, zerocool, is a terrible accident happened last Saturday and while luckily no one was killed or hurt worse than they were; you seem to be using this as a reason to justify your rants. Life is too short, get away from that computer and enjoy it. Finally, I would like to thank all of the first responders, citizens, and everyone else who was at the scene for taking care of the injured.

Dutch "

" I ride about every day. When it is hot and you go around a corner hear in Mattoon and hit those little cracks filled with tar the bike does slide just like on ice. "

" The Bruce Finley road has been horrendous for years. "

" Rohn Gordon wrote on Jun 26, 2009 11:58 PM:

" I ride about every day. When it is hot and you go around a corner hear in Mattoon and hit those little cracks filled with tar the bike does slide just like on ice. "



And what does that tell you? "

" That tells me that I would not have been on the Bruce road. "