Boog
Traveling Story Teller
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2013
- Messages
- 8,513
- Location
- Dumfries, Virginia
- Ride
- 2014 R3T, RAMAIR, Full Viking Dual exhaust
I wrote this report for another group and believe it can be useful here as well. This mishap occurred two weeks ago while escorting the ashes of a Rescue Swimmer brother.
Flash’s Crash – 14 Nov 2025
Purpose
This report documents the circumstances of the mishap, provides analysis of contributing factors, and offers corrective measures applicable to all motorcycle riders.
Summary
On 14 November 2025, a group of eight motorcycles and one trike escorted the remains of a Rescue Swimmer brother to his final flight and jump over Chesapeake Bay, MD. The group departed Wytheville, VA at 0730 under sunny skies, with an outside air temperature of 32 °F. Approximately 50 minutes into the ride, Flash — serving as the “tail gunner” — departed the highway at an estimated 75–80 mph. He sustained a broken ankle and multiple bruises. Flash is a 78‑year‑old Vietnam Veteran.
Background
Following breakfast, the group conducted a pre‑ride brief covering fuel stops and rendezvous points. Riders performed safety inspections, loaded gear, and completed communications checks before departure.
The group left the hotel at 0730 and entered I‑81. A navigation error by the lead rider resulted in several turnarounds, causing Bo Bo, a 75‑year‑old Vietnam Veteran new to trikes, to fall behind. His 2025 Tri‑Glide had only 50 miles at the start of the trip. By the time the group reached I‑81 northbound, Bo Bo was approximately two miles back.
Cold temperatures were a recurring concern. While all riders had heated grips, most lacked gloves adequate for the conditions. Only rider Boog had heated gloves. At approximately 45 minutes into the ride, Boog began checking on riders via intercom. Flash’s response was noticeably slower than usual, stating he was “just getting by.”
Shortly thereafter, Bo Bo was stopped by Virginia State Police for speeding. He texted the group that he would rejoin at the scheduled fuel stop. Minutes later, Boog observed that Flash was no longer in formation. Another rider speculated Flash had fallen back to ride with Bo Bo, and the group continued, with One‑Nine assuming tail gunner duties.
In reality, Flash’s motorcycle veered left across the fog line and exited the roadway. A truck driver witnessed the incident, reporting that Flash appeared to attempt re‑entry before low‑siding and tumbling. The motorcycle separated from the rider, went airborne, and disintegrated upon impact, scattering debris across both lanes. The truck driver blocked traffic, called 911, and rendered aid.
Emergency services arrived promptly. Flash was conscious when loaded into the ambulance, reporting ankle pain but otherwise stable. Bo Bo, after receiving his citation, arrived at the scene and briefly spoke with Flash before the ambulance departed. The group did not learn of the mishap until Bo Bo rejoined them approximately one hour later.
Findings
Regardless of age or experience, riders must remain vigilant during group rides, particularly at high speeds in adverse conditions. Cold weather can impair judgment and physical ability, making proper gear essential. Group members must actively monitor one another and confirm any changes in formation. Assumptions can lead to dangerous delays in response.
Recommendations
Please let me know of any question you may have. Safety is for us all...
Flash’s Crash – 14 Nov 2025
Purpose
This report documents the circumstances of the mishap, provides analysis of contributing factors, and offers corrective measures applicable to all motorcycle riders.
Summary
On 14 November 2025, a group of eight motorcycles and one trike escorted the remains of a Rescue Swimmer brother to his final flight and jump over Chesapeake Bay, MD. The group departed Wytheville, VA at 0730 under sunny skies, with an outside air temperature of 32 °F. Approximately 50 minutes into the ride, Flash — serving as the “tail gunner” — departed the highway at an estimated 75–80 mph. He sustained a broken ankle and multiple bruises. Flash is a 78‑year‑old Vietnam Veteran.
Background
Following breakfast, the group conducted a pre‑ride brief covering fuel stops and rendezvous points. Riders performed safety inspections, loaded gear, and completed communications checks before departure.
The group left the hotel at 0730 and entered I‑81. A navigation error by the lead rider resulted in several turnarounds, causing Bo Bo, a 75‑year‑old Vietnam Veteran new to trikes, to fall behind. His 2025 Tri‑Glide had only 50 miles at the start of the trip. By the time the group reached I‑81 northbound, Bo Bo was approximately two miles back.
Cold temperatures were a recurring concern. While all riders had heated grips, most lacked gloves adequate for the conditions. Only rider Boog had heated gloves. At approximately 45 minutes into the ride, Boog began checking on riders via intercom. Flash’s response was noticeably slower than usual, stating he was “just getting by.”
Shortly thereafter, Bo Bo was stopped by Virginia State Police for speeding. He texted the group that he would rejoin at the scheduled fuel stop. Minutes later, Boog observed that Flash was no longer in formation. Another rider speculated Flash had fallen back to ride with Bo Bo, and the group continued, with One‑Nine assuming tail gunner duties.
In reality, Flash’s motorcycle veered left across the fog line and exited the roadway. A truck driver witnessed the incident, reporting that Flash appeared to attempt re‑entry before low‑siding and tumbling. The motorcycle separated from the rider, went airborne, and disintegrated upon impact, scattering debris across both lanes. The truck driver blocked traffic, called 911, and rendered aid.
Emergency services arrived promptly. Flash was conscious when loaded into the ambulance, reporting ankle pain but otherwise stable. Bo Bo, after receiving his citation, arrived at the scene and briefly spoke with Flash before the ambulance departed. The group did not learn of the mishap until Bo Bo rejoined them approximately one hour later.
Findings
- Flash has no memory of events following his last communication with Boog until regaining consciousness on the pavement.
- Hypothermia is suspected as the primary contributing factor. Flash later stated he was so cold he wanted to “tap out” but continued due to the emotional significance of the mission.
- The morning brief had emphasized cold weather as a reason to stop if needed. Flash acknowledged in hindsight that he should have requested a halt.
- Flash’s only fracture was to his ankle. It is believed he was unconscious at the time of departure from the roadway, which may have reduced injury severity.
- The group did not immediately recognize his absence due to an incorrect assumption that he had fallen back with Bo Bo. Standard protocol requires positive confirmation when a rider drops out, which was not followed.
Regardless of age or experience, riders must remain vigilant during group rides, particularly at high speeds in adverse conditions. Cold weather can impair judgment and physical ability, making proper gear essential. Group members must actively monitor one another and confirm any changes in formation. Assumptions can lead to dangerous delays in response.
Recommendations
- Gear: Riders should equip themselves with gloves and clothing rated for extreme cold. Heated gear should be considered essential in low‑temperature, high‑speed conditions.
- Communication: Reinforce the requirement for positive confirmation (verbal or hand signal) when a rider exits formation.
- Monitoring: Tail gunners and lead riders should maintain regular checks on group members, especially in challenging environments.
- Training: Encourage riders to recognize and act upon early signs of hypothermia or fatigue. Stopping early is preferable to risking incapacitation.
Please let me know of any question you may have. Safety is for us all...
