Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Too close to 'coming a cropper' today

[Iconic944ss]

There is a lovely 'b' road ride that goes from Yarm to Croft race circuit, near my neck of the woods in the North East - its all single carriage way, with some testing road conditions and fast sections thrown in.

After a too brief hello to Ian (ducv2) on a trackday at Croft, I decided to return home using the same route on the B1264 and avoid the 'mundane' dual-carriageway alternative...

My little Duke seemed to appreciate being 'let loose' after standing for a fortnight and despite some distracting cross-winds, we made good progress and the riding was starting to flow once more.

Picking up speed on the very last uphill section before the 40 mph zone loomed - something made me shut off when I saw the crest approaching. I knew there was a gentle right hand bend after the crest but, there was something I didnt expect too.......

A tractor and trailer combination directly across my path and about thirty yards in front of me.

The tractor had been coming from the opposite direction and was turning into a side road on his right, the front of the tractor was already disappearing into the turning - leaving the big back wheels and the whole trailer unit blocking the full width of my lane.

I instantly hit the brakes while looking for an exit route.....

I remember thinking " '****' there's no-where to go ! " - a car had already moved up to near the rear of the trailer and the gap was still not wide enough to get though and the front of the tractor was blocking the narrow entrance to the field.

The rear wheels and back of the trailer were getting closer and closer and I knew the only chance I had of escape was that the tractor driver had NOT seen me OR had the presence of mind to keep going and NOT stop - combined with me braking as hard as I dare, until a sufficient gap opened up near the centre line of the road for me to squeeze through.

Next came one of those weird split-second moments, that seem to last an age. I could see the trailer wheels were still turning so I knew the rest was up to me. Crushing the brake lever with all four fingers and starting to use the back brake as well, I felt the rear wheel start to weave around as I tried desperately to sense if the front wheel was going to lock up.........

Finally the gap opened up enough as the mobile disaster rumble into the field, I let go of the front brake and managed to dart through the space next to a quite surprised motorist.

Needless to say, I was a little shaken (and stirred) after the closest call that I’ve had for some time.

I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone else there even realised how close I came to splatting myself into the side of the trailer.

It could be argued that I was riding too fast for the conditions and at between 50 and 60 mph, while being at a legal speed it still does not mean a ‘safe’ speed. Its easy for me to assume that the driver of the tractor simply didn’t bother to stop and wait before making his right turn (especially given the queue of traffic behind him) – but of course, these things along with harvesters, mud, manure, straw and a whole host of countryside trappings should be expected – I guess !

There is one thing that has occurred to me though – If I had NOT of done some trackdays and prepared my bike by uprating the brakes and learning a bit better how to use them under harsher conditions than I was used to on the roads – then I might not be here now to write this!

So...I guess its thanks DSC and a big thanks to Mike at Robsom Racing for putting me onto the Bendix pads.

The drinks are on me tonight guys.....make mine a triple whiskey please !!!!!!!!

Frank

[Fordie]

Well done Frank for passing on your scary experiance Made a good read did that. Reckon you are right about Trackdays,you learn more about grip and braking than at any time in your biking career. Please to hear you made it,so you can ride another day. Regards 4D

[AK]

As Alan remarked - what a 'trouser moment'.

To echo Fordie - glad you kept safe throughout.

Worth people reading it, just as a reminder as to what can occur round a bend, over the hill, or in a hidden dip.......

C

[ducv2]

Gald you made it Frank, I have had a couple of close shaves on that road as well. Good to see you yesterday, if I am still home for the the ESS I will come and watch, like you said sometimes lessons learned on the track come in handy on the road!!

[skidlids]

glad to see your alright Frank and in a fit state to pass on the details of your scare.
If you want to improve your braking skill futher, come racing with us, cant beat that run down a decent straight to arrive at a hairpin with a large group of other racers to teach you late braking.
If not hopefully see you at a few trackdays in the near future

[ScottyB]

Well saved Frank!!!!!!

Most people would have let their **** drop out and stuck the bike down the road on it's side thinking that was a "Safer" option..........

It just shows you that time on the bike and finding it's limits under braking be it on the track or road could one day save your life as you have demonstrated.

I take it Santa is bringing you new underwear for Crimbo????

Well done and glad to hear a good ending to a scarey moment for a change.

Regards

ScottyB

[Guido]

Folks,

Please, please, please be carefull out there near fields and farms...

It's harvest time so the mobile 'crash-test' zones will be out in force. Some seem to have left their brains in the farmyard too.

Glad you didn't become a statistic Frank.....

[Iconic944ss]

Many thanks for your kind thoughs people....

As much as I enjoy riding on the road, I'm seriously starting to question having a road bike and just going to trackdays only, I can see why plenty of people do it now.

Having said that I think I've come tooo far with my little 900 - I'd never get a fraction of the time and money I've ploughed (forgive the pun) into my Duke, if I decided to sell her.

Maybe the odd slow ride out eh?

Cheers - Frank

[Redruth]

Iconic, glad you're safe and impressed that you kept thinking and looking for your 'exit' throughout. Those moments are so scarey, they're actually what stop me enjoying riding on the road. The moment you think they're not going to happen, is the moment that they do, no matter how much 'roadcraft' you exercise. Trackdays are definitely where it's at, as far as I'm concerned. You've just underlined that thought once again.

[Loz]

Since TA 2.5 (and sampling Lincolnshire's highways), I've hardly taken the 999 out on the road. This is a worrying trend for me