Ten Things That Were Wrong, the Day I Had My Motorcycle Crash

I was recently asked if I would be willing to share what I learned from my motorcycle crash that could help other riders. I am most happy to share my story as I believe what I have to share can benefit new riders as well as seasoned riders. I realize I am a rider’s worst nightmare because all of us hope crashes like mine will never happen. It is important to believe that in order to prevent a crash if possible. However, there is always something new to learn, especially if one knows that it was clearly the rider’s mistake, as in my case. When I wrote Etta’s Survival Rules, they were the ten things that were “right” that day and saved my life. These are the ten things that were “wrong” and contributed to the crash.

The trip to Idyllwild on January 24, 1999 was not a planned trip. That would seem odd since it was a long way from Spring Valley, the starting destination. I didn’t realize how far Idyllwild was and what the ride was going to be like. Right away, I was not looking out for myself and didn’t ask enough questions about the ride (1). I had been out dancing on Friday and Saturday evening and took a ride through north county with friends much of Saturday. It would be easy to say that I was pushing my level of physical endurance (2). On Sunday, the original plan was to ride with some other friends, but they couldn’t be reached so the plan changed. When my new riding partner suggested going to Idyllwild, I agreed without asking where it was. I trusted him to lead the way and we set off to have lunch in Idyllwild. I grabbed a protein bar and thought it would hold me until we got there. By 1:30 in the afternoon, the time of the crash, we still were not there. I was clearly low on blood sugar by then, probably a major factor in causing the crash (3).

The ride had been a smooth one. The weather was nice for a January day and I had dressed warm enough. We rode through Temecula and stopped for gas just before Anza. I needed to fuel my body by that time but knew we were almost to Idyllwild so I thought I was okay to keep going. By the time we got to Mountain Center, I was beginning to feel tired (4). Since I didn’t know the way, I had been following and was trying to keep up with my partner, a real no-no (5). He did not stop in Mountain Center so I didn’t have a chance to tell him how I was feeling and no communication system had been set up (6). By this time, I was beginning to feel a little anxious about the lack of communication and not knowing the road. We left Mountain Center and turned onto Highway 74. As we started up the mountain road, I was feeling very uncomfortable about the situation. I watched my partner to try to do what he did, which was also a mistake (7). I know now that I was experiencing biker’s intuition at the time but I didn’t act on it (8). As I approached the first big curve, there was an arrow pointing to the right. I was feeling afraid about continuing and also too afraid to stop. I could have been hit from the rear if I had stopped. Instead, I kept going (9). Either way, I was in a dangerous situation on that mountain road. I never made it around that curve and that’s all I remember.

The problem with the first curve is threefold (10). It is off-camber (not banked properly), it has a decreasing radius (it gets sharper as you continue through it), and it is blind (with rocks and shrubs on the right hillside). I have been told that as I made my way around the curve, I crossed over the yellow line when it got tight and a pick-up truck was coming down the mountain on the other side. Neither of us could react fast enough and we went head-on. Even though I have thought it through hundreds of times, I really don’t know what happened when I came around the bend. If I was watching my partner at the time, I might not have even seen how the road took a sharper bend. The only thing I know for sure is it took me by surprise and it happened in a second.

I have a vision of the crash in my mind and I have re-experienced the entire crash in a therapy called Body Electronics. It is a process whereby assistants hold pressure points connected to the injured parts of the body. This activates the painful trauma memories in order to release them. I have done this twice with two assistants and a facilitator both times. The process takes three hours and is very intense. I decided to do this work so I would not carry around the traumatic memories of pain and fear in my body. I did this after a year of continuous physical therapy and many months of counseling for post traumatic stress and myo-fascial release work.

The best advise I would give to riders is make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the ride you are going to make. I had not asked enough questions about the ride that day and I put too much trust in someone else for my own welfare. Also, make sure your motorcycle insurance is paid up. My motorcycle was totaled and my insurance with Progressive Insurance Company was canceled because I owed them $43.00. I was sent a refund check after the crash for the paid-up premium.

I wanted to try to stop the crashes at that curve, which is nicknamed Dead-Man’s Curve. There were a total of nine motorcycle crashes at this spot in 1999 and one was fatal. I tried to find some attorneys who would help me get the state to put up a better sign or something. I ended up hiring an engineer to test the rode to see if we could build a case, but he didn’t find a problem with the posted speed, which is 25 MPH. I had to drop the effort for lack of time and funding.

I still get asked all the time whether I am going to ride again. My arm isn’t healed enough to consider riding my own bike yet but I have been a passenger. At first, I experienced some fear going through curves, but soon enjoyed the ride. I have been riding motorcycles for 30 years both as a passenger and driving my own off-rode bikes. However, riding my own bike on the street was a new experience last year. I had taken the Motorcycle Safety Course before I bought my Harley and had not experienced any major problems learning how to ride until January 24, 1999, when I had my first crash.

I am currently recovering from surgery on my elbow, which has freed it to move again. I am very happy with the outcome even though it means more painful therapy. I continue to work toward a complete recovery. The time I have had to recover has been a gift to reflect on my life and what I am truly passionate about. I feel much more relaxed and I am much more balanced spiritually. I have produced a video about my rehabilitation process to inspire others going through any kind of challenge. I have also started my own business again teaching and coaching others to lead a healthy life. I welcome any comments or questions you may have since I truly enjoy hearing from you. My prayer for you is to stay on two! You can reach me at 619-680-3813 or by e-mail at etta@ettamcq.com.