My Friday commute...road debris - flying buckets!

lauralynne · 08-03-2009, 02:09 AM

Holy Shite. 5 gallon buckets (empty Thank God) bounces neither gracefully nor predictably! Emergency braking in commuter traffic at 65mph will wake a person up - the choice was hit the bucket or risk getting packed from behind. Bucket went flying off the front of the bike and didn't hit me...I'm not sure about the cars behind me, I had my hands full. When I caught up to the truck that was the OWNER of said bucket, he either didn't understand what I was screaming and gesturing about - and didn't even slow down...or he just didn't care. Company and truck number noted.
Phone call into company and when I asked for a supervisor he immediately said "I'm the supervisor, are you calling about truck #19?" apparently several people called it in. I'm sure they were all waiting to see a grisly scene - I would have NOT been comfortable watching it go down around me.
I identified myself as the rider and he was apologetic, told me his name, the name of the crew supervisor and how it was going to be addressed. He then asked if I wanted a follow up phone call once it was addressed. The driver later game me a call, young fellow, also apologetic, among other things told me he was in "really really big trouble" but also that the bucket was in a milk crate and he couldn't imagine how it got out. Milk crate is NOT secure. Obviously.
Washington State patrol appreciated the call, was going to retrieve bucket and issue "unsecured load" ticket. Officer who I talked to was a sport bike rider and congratulated me on not panicking and said that most incidences like this end badly due to over reaction on the part of the biker.
I only know that my brain ran through all 1,000 options in 1.5 seconds or less. And my body made up my mind and not the other way around. I got lucky.
All's well that ends well.

I'm considering going to the company and introducing myself to the driver, put a face with a name and politely let him know that he really came close to killing me and leaving my children without a mother. But I probably won't bother.

Amber Lamps · 08-03-2009, 02:18 AM

Blah, blah, blah.... Was the bike damaged?!?!?!?!

Is it going to be okay? If it needs counseling, I could have my bike give it a call if necessary. Let it know that we're here for it if it needs us!!!!

lauralynne · 08-03-2009, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Blah, blah, blah.... Was the bike damaged?!?!?!?!

Is it going to be okay? If it needs counseling, I could have my bike give it a call if necessary. Let it know that we're here for it if it needs us!!!!

Bike is great - not a mark on her! But I'll put you on speed dial in case the PTSD symptoms are merely delayed. Sometimes the shock doesn't wear off right away. I'll keep my eye on her.

tommymac · 08-03-2009, 03:23 AM

At least they took some accuntabliity for what happened. Fortunatley all is well otherwise though.

Tom

Amber Lamps · 08-03-2009, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauralynne

Bike is great - not a mark on her! But I'll put you on speed dial in case the PTSD symptoms are merely delayed. Sometimes the shock doesn't wear off right away. I'll keep my eye on her.

WHEW!!!! Well again we are here for her if necessary! My bike has been through it (4 crashes- 2 totals!) so she is very understanding and easy to talk to!!!

skiergirl · 08-03-2009, 03:32 PM

holy crap Laura! Glad you're ok and the bike too. At least the company took some responsibility for it.

askmrjesus · 08-03-2009, 04:24 PM

I guess it stands to reason that a bucket would have a bucket list.

" I'd like to jump off a fast moving truck before I die, and maybe try naked skydiving."

JC

Gas Man · 08-04-2009, 09:58 AM

Echo...

08-03-2009, 04:24 PM	#7
askmrjesus Soul Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Everywhere, all the time. Moto: '0000 Custom Turbo Cross (with jet kit). Posts: 6,481	I guess it stands to reason that a bucket would have a bucket list. " I'd like to jump off a fast moving truck before I die, and maybe try naked skydiving." JC __________________ The way things are going, they're gonna crucify me.

08-04-2009, 09:58 AM	#8
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	Echo... __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

08-03-2009, 02:09 AM	#1
lauralynne 667:Neighbor of the Beast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Everett WA Moto: VTR1000, SV650, FZR400, CRF150 Posts: 1,403	My Friday commute...road debris - flying buckets! Holy Shite. 5 gallon buckets (empty Thank God) bounces neither gracefully nor predictably! Emergency braking in commuter traffic at 65mph will wake a person up - the choice was hit the bucket or risk getting packed from behind. Bucket went flying off the front of the bike and didn't hit me...I'm not sure about the cars behind me, I had my hands full. When I caught up to the truck that was the OWNER of said bucket, he either didn't understand what I was screaming and gesturing about - and didn't even slow down...or he just didn't care. Company and truck number noted. Phone call into company and when I asked for a supervisor he immediately said "I'm the supervisor, are you calling about truck #19?" apparently several people called it in. I'm sure they were all waiting to see a grisly scene - I would have NOT been comfortable watching it go down around me. I identified myself as the rider and he was apologetic, told me his name, the name of the crew supervisor and how it was going to be addressed. He then asked if I wanted a follow up phone call once it was addressed. The driver later game me a call, young fellow, also apologetic, among other things told me he was in "really really big trouble" but also that the bucket was in a milk crate and he couldn't imagine how it got out. Milk crate is NOT secure. Obviously. Washington State patrol appreciated the call, was going to retrieve bucket and issue "unsecured load" ticket. Officer who I talked to was a sport bike rider and congratulated me on not panicking and said that most incidences like this end badly due to over reaction on the part of the biker. I only know that my brain ran through all 1,000 options in 1.5 seconds or less. And my body made up my mind and not the other way around. I got lucky. All's well that ends well. I'm considering going to the company and introducing myself to the driver, put a face with a name and politely let him know that he really came close to killing me and leaving my children without a mother. But I probably won't bother. __________________ WMRRA's slowest Expert! triathalete, mom, racer, rider, friend, sister, wife - all in one tidy package! Married my best friend 8/30/09 Last edited by lauralynne; 08-03-2009 at 02:22 AM.. Reason: OMG - sorry about the spelling - fixed

08-03-2009, 02:18 AM	#2
Amber Lamps Moto GP Star Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 14,556	Blah, blah, blah.... Was the bike damaged?!?!?!?! Is it going to be okay? If it needs counseling, I could have my bike give it a call if necessary. Let it know that we're here for it if it needs us!!!!

08-03-2009, 03:23 AM	#4
tommymac Moto GP Star Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 11,022	At least they took some accuntabliity for what happened. Fortunatley all is well otherwise though. Tom

08-03-2009, 03:32 PM	#6
skiergirl Gixxer Girl Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kyle, TX Moto: 05 GSXR 750 & 06 YZ250F Posts: 1,424	holy crap Laura! Glad you're ok and the bike too. At least the company took some responsibility for it.