LiSTers
Yesterday I made what is becoming my annual solo 600 mile one day loop from McCall over the Magruder and back home on Highway 12 ride. Beautiful country and a cool 112 mile primitive road that acts as a dividing line between the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the Sellway Wilderness.
http://tinyurl.com/2v38elj
When I hit the pavement on the east side of the Magruder in Montana, I'll blow off the dust and air out the engine (and me) with a refreshing burst of speed. As the body sweat was evaporating away, I was somewhat slowed by a deer that bounded across the road.
I hit it at about 70 mph; essentially cutting it in half. As it came across the road, I was fully aware that this could be the end because the speed ... and the guardrails. The impact resulted in some major control issues and I was fully prepared to part with the bike and launch myself into the road center so my body wouldn't hit the guardrails. In the end I just rode the motorcycle and got it under control. I never went down.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ckirkst2s/Deer#
The Deer came from the right side and I was on my standard wildlife protection line; just to the left of the centerline to give myself maneuvering room. Happened so quickly that I never moved from my line
Damage was some tweaked fairings, the radiator cap and it's attachment flange sheered off the top of the radiator, and major deer internal fluids etc.. embedded in the engine and radiator. Made it home just fine with my Camelback useful for adding coolant as necessary.
I'm just fine but maybe weirdly I really feel bad for the deer.
Chris
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