Fatal motorcycle crash on the crest

[NinjaHarHar]

I had the unfortunate opportunity to see the immediate aftermath of this incident early this past Saturday morning.  I was headed down the road about 830 or 9 a.m. and came out of a bend into that short straight section before the left hand turn that curves down to the very last right hand chicane before Doc Long.   Rider in full leathers lying on the side of the road and a CBR or R1 or similar in the middle of the road, broken plastic everywhere.  There were already two ambulances there, and a cop car.  LEO walked over and asked if I was riding with anyone or if I saw anything.  Apparently there were no witnesses to be found and it was a single vehicle incident.  Some vehicle coming up the road found the wreck and called 911.  I talked briefly with a couple of EMTs and asked if the rider survived and they told me he didn't make it.  We observed a very short (maybe three feet) skid mark on the straight section of the road, followed by lots of gash marks in the pavement leading to where the bike was lying --  like it had tumbled end over end.   My best guess it that rider hit a large animal.  The EMTs were obviously looking for one on the sides of the road -- given the altitude, I'm more likely to think it was a bear and not a deer.  I've seen bears there but almost never deer until you at least at the ski area.

Anyone, the cop came back and told me and the other cars waiting that because of the fatality they were closing the road and we'd have to wait.  Rode back to the top, and then to 10K were another cop was on radio to let us know when the road was open.  We waited nearly 3 hours for the investigation to finish and the road to open.  You'll be able to see the oil stain on the road where the bike was.

The news article I found is making it sound like the rider failed to negotiate the curve and crashed.  I think this is BS.  He crashed on a perfectly straight section of road.  the skid mark and gashed pavement/wreckage were way too far from the corner (rider was headed downhill) to be the result of a highside UNLESS he lost the rear coming out of the corner, regained it, lost it the other way then highsided on the straight.  For that to happen he must have absolutely been hauling ass. 

Folks -- please remember the crest road is not the track.  I know it's a fun road, and I'm not going to lie and say I do the speed limit on it.  But remember that we share it with other vehicles, lots of stupid animals, gravel, sand, pavement problems, poor sightlines and unpredictable weather.  RIP to this rider whoever he was, and prayers to his family.  Take it easy out there and ride safe...

[Cloner]

Due to the fact that information is sketchy at this point, I've neglected to post.  However, since 'Har posted I'll add to the rumor mill.  Kris Beck and his gang saw the wreckage leaving the scene and believe the bike to be Paul Zimmerman's new Kawi.  Whoever the rider is, it's a sad story.  I know it's selfish, but I hope it wasn't Paul or anyone else I know.

Motorcyclists crash.  I always hope it's nobody I know.  I hope it's never one of you.

Incidents like this highlight the fact that we all assume a certain amount of risk while engaging in our shared avocation, and in our daily lives.  Minimize your risks.  Wear good gear (appropriate to whatever activity you've undertaken).  Ride within your personal limits.  Have fun when you can, 'cause life is finite. 

Now I'm sad.   

[NinjaHarHar]

It's a sad thing for sure.  I understand the "hoping it's nobody I know" feeling. 

[gratefulduc]

   My best guess it that rider hit a large animal.   I'm more likely to think it was a bear and not a deer.  I've seen bears there but almost never deer until you at least at the ski area.

BEARS!My worst nightmare is one standing tall in the middle of the crest road....argggggggghhhh! 

My condolences to the rider, the family and friends. This is a sad day for all of us who love the Sandia Crest Hwy.

[Jason.FB]

unknown or known, blue skies and may he rest in peace.

[gratefulduc]

http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/08/13/abqnewsseeker/updated-motorcyclist-in-fatal-crest-rd-crash-idd.html

It was Paul. This is devastating news.

[DucMouse the Mighty]

Oh god! Rest in peace 

That's just horrible to hear

[ab]

RIP.  :-(

[Duc L'Smart]

I don't believe I had the chance to meet Paul, but 64 is sounding awfully young these days... Very sad.

[JJ]

This is so heart breaking! I rode with Paul the previous weekends...He is a great guy...told me to get new tires...He was considering modifications to his new bike...Last year we both rode downhill spirited and he introduced himself and since has been a great Crest companion. I almost scrubbed my shoulders trying to keep him at bay! I have had several opportunities to ride with Paul and he is above excellent! I just can't believe this...I just wish he had joined us to Ouray. It is simply gong to linger....Cheers to a good life Paul. I wish everlasting peace.

[Zaster]

I would have to agree with NinjaHarHar's assessment.
Paul was an extremely skilled and professional rider who loved to ride the Crest.
Can't see how rider error could have been the cause in that stretch of road. Hope that the  
do a thorough investigation instead of just blaming it on the moto riders.
I'll miss you Paul...hope to have your spirit hitch a ride when I do the Crest run.

[NinjaHarHar]

Sorry for your loss guys.  I never met Paul. 

[Cloner]

Kris is making noise about a memorial of some sort at CAD Sunday.  If any of you hear or see anything regarding funeral arrangements please post them here.  I hate funerals, but I feel some obligation to go to the funeral of a fellow rider like Paul.  

I hated that guy when I first met him.  I was coming down the Crest and he was going the opposite direction in my lane while passing a car in the long right hand sweeper (right hand for him, left hand for me) just west of where he rode his final inches.  I was steaming mad and when I saw his bike pull into CAD a half hour later I walked over to him to give him a piece of my mind.  He pulled off his helmet and, before I could say "Boo", apologized profusely and proceeded to completely disarm me with his smile and his love of riding.  We've been riding buddies since.  

I'll miss that guy.  He was one of the few people with whom I could ride at my absolute limits of comfort on the street.  

[Duck-Stew]

RIP Paul... 

[Axel]

I didn't know him very well, but he seemed like a good guy. Rest in Peace Paul.