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Every once in a while in life you come across a story that cuts a little bit too close to home. There, but for the grace of [insert deity here] go I, as it were.
And sometimes those stories combine that moment of “yikes” with good writing and a moderately-happy ending. This, of course, is why we all read “Face Plant,” right?
You may already have come across the story that inmate Eric Foster (“Haymaker”) posted way back in 2015. Recently, though, he was interviewed for a story in Troy Bennett’s YouTube channel. His recounting of the story remains sobering.
Learning Moments
For the most part, I (and probably also you) read Face Plant to learn from other folks’ mistakes. More often than not, the accident is the least of the story. We get to hear about the rider’s side of the tale. What went wrong, what they could have or should have done differently, and all the post-crash analysis that comes with that.
Lots Of Luck
This story, though, is mostly one whole big dose of bad luck followed by a lot of good luck. Foster was riding alone, which is arguably a terrible idea. Who among us hasn’t, though, for lack of a good riding buddy with a similar style and available vacation time? He had a bunch of extra fuel in cans on his bike, one of which probably burst open and caught fire, thus sending up a smoke signal. Also, he had a SPOT tracker.
But he still found himself being rolled down a hospital hallway with an 8-10 hour memory gap and in a lot of pain. And since even he has no real idea what happened, there’s not much post-crash analysis to do.
Here’s another place we can all relate, though: he immediately (or, as immediately as possible) went out and bought himself a new motorcycle.
We Get It
A few years ago, a minivan t-boned me on a beautiful June day, crushing my ankle in the process. I spent the next few weeks trying to work out how to ride my bike with a cast on my foot and carrying crutches. This compulsion is not something that can be explained. I’m going to guess I’m not alone, when I see pictures of the Trans Taiga, I’m attracted.
Ride well, ride often, try not to ride alone too much. But, above all, surround yourself with people who support your addiction to two wheels. If you didn’t follow his story, you’ll be happy to know Haymaker got back up to the wilds of Quebec and successfully rode the Trans Taiga. Keep posting your adventures Eric!
The post Inmate Interviewed: Recounting a Trans Taiga Crash appeared first on Adventure Rider.
