Shortly after I bought my first new Harley Davidson I was out on it taking a ride one sunny summer afternoon. Enjoying the day and the ride. As I got close to the county line, I noticed something move in the shade out the corner of my eye . At first it resembling a dog coming up from out of the ravine. But then it squatted down hiding itself in the tall weeds just off the shoulder of the highway.
It was just a blur when it jumped up and out onto the middle of the other lane. Suddenly I could see spots on it and knew it wasn't a dog at all but rather a young deer.
The sound of my motorcycle may have startled it originally. There was absolutely no time to react. even to let off on the throttle. A split second later it had jumped once again this time into the middle of my lane.and directly into my path. All I could do now was to brace for the collision. I stiff-armed it just before the impact .
The bike jerked hard and I could hear the cry of the deer as if it were a calf calling out for its mother.
The blow suspended the motorcycles momentum nearly stopping the motorcycle in its tracks when the front wheel hit.
The rear wheel raised completely off the ground, increasing its speed while it was suspended. It was no longer aligned with the front when it finally hit the pavement. The results caused the motorcycle to bounce wildly. Its failure to follow the front wheels travel and once it hit the ground caused the motorcycle to wobble viciously and uncontrollably.
As I Squeezed the clutch I tried using both front and rear brakes. Struggling with it before getting it under control. Gradually the motorcycle straightened out, slowed down before finally coming to a full stop
It was I could do to keep it in my lane and on the highway. I was lucky to be alive. Fortunate to have kept the Harley upright without laying it down.
Upon inspection I realized why it had taken so long for it to slow down and to get it stopped. The rear brake reservoir had been broken off completely. Rendering the rear brakes totally inoperable.
After I stopped I turned the Harley around to look but the deer was long gone.
The motorcycle had some significant damage. Other than being shook up I was alright
Being out at the county line there weren't any houses nearby to be able to use a phone to call. There wasn't any reason to wait , So once I had calmed down I decided I would continue on my ride and opted to ride the remaining eight miles home.
Once there I called my insurance company when I got back and was asked if I had a police report, I had an officer come to my house instead
The bike damage was fixed at the dealership. Shortly thereafter
I had a set of Deer Whistles mounted on each side of the Oil cooler cover.
I have lived in a very rural wooded and hilly area nearly my entire life.
The smoothly paved roads, with gradual inclines, sloping hills filled with all kinds of twists and turns make for some great riding. The road surfaces and paved two lanes are excellent in this part of Jefferson County, compared to other parts of the state and country. They are kept up and marked well here in Missouri. So it was easy to put on the miles since hitting that deer in more than a decade of riding since.
Its maybe another in a long list of reasons I am as fortunate as I am because to have ridden for as many miles on two wheels as I have, I couldn't have asked for better conditions
Unlike the majority of riders I gave up drinking many years ago. Simply put beer and bikes don’t mix. Because of my non-drinking I believe that also has contributed to why I have spent as much more of my time in the saddle riding.
Then there are times when I suppose everyone gets a little restless. Everyone has their reasons for riding, especially if it’s a warm summer night and with a particle moon shining bright in sky full of stars.
That or maybe it was a wild hair that caused me to take a ride on another night.
There are countless horror stories I have heard over the years of riders who have met their fate meeting up with a deer in their headlights.
Many more have suffered with server injury’s to themselves and there passengers, A few were not so lucky, tragedies making me that much more humbled by this event.
There is nothing like the wind in your face to help blow the cobwebs from your mind and since I hadn't been able to sleep, I knew a ride would do me a lot of good.
On this particular night ride I was just going to head down to the local service station to get something to drink.
Throttling through the gears I brought up the speed on the straightaway, well over 70 mph.
The thrill of that ride couldn't have been more intense.
I had just backed off the throttle, rolling off it as I crossed the Dutch creek bridge.
Within a few seconds I was climbing up the next hill before seeing a flash of light, from an oncoming vehicle. Suddenly in the corner of my eye a deer appeared..
It was all I could do to stiffen my arms and brace for what was to happen next.
Everything went into a slow motion from there.
The deer had crossed the other lane and was virtually broadside directly in my path. There was no time to react.
A second later the lights of the oncoming vehicle blinded me. In that instant it was as if I were transported to what could have been.
Had I gone down the bike would have leaned into the oncoming lane and not only would there have been scrapping me up off the highway, but they would have been picking parts of me up from under that oncoming vehicle.
There is nothing more humbling then knowing you have escaped all most certain death and or a disaster and then realize you missed another opportunity to meet your maker. There is no doubt in my mind and I know that I am not only blessed but I live a charmed life as a individual as well.
In both instances at the time I did NOT have deer whistles on my Harley. And in between those times I have put a couple hundred thousand miles on My O1 and seen with my own eyes what the hundreds of deer do when the DEER WHISTLES are on. Say what you want nay Sayers but until you have ridden as many miles and experienced it first hand you have no clue. Granted loud pipes can be heard but a startled deer is a bikers worst enemy. If you believe Gremlin bells work is one thing but I am telling you I KNOW deer whistles are worth the effect. Do what you want, But as for me it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what works and what doesn't. Experience is one of the best lessons but why take a chance on your or someone else's life riding without taking this advice.
For those that are serious about riding heed these words. For the rest of you good luck on your deer encounters. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable ride. And while I am at it lets leave deer hunting to those with Rifles instead of MOTORCYCLES shall we ?
