Analysis and follow-up to yesterday's motorcycle crash post

Here's my follow up to yesterday's motorcycle crash (prior posts).

Analysis

So what really happened here?

I was nearing the end of a two day 750 mile ride from New England to my home in Detroit. The final leg of my route took me through Ontario, Canada, to the Ambassador Bridge. (Motorcycles are not allowed to use the Tunnel.) I was anxious to get home. The traffic leading to the Ambassador Bridge was stop and go for a couple of miles in Windsor. Probably took me close to an hour to reach U.S. Customs. Trust me on this: Stop and go on a motorcycle is much worse, more stressful, and more tiring than in a car. At Customs, I endured the usual questions, including "What do you do for a living?" For a few minutes, the Customs Officer and I chatted about non-customs issues. Finally, I was waved on.

After paying the bridge toll, I entered I-75 northbound and took this to the northbound Lodge (10) ramp. I've ridden this ramp a number of times, and never had a problem. I estimate I was going about 35 MPH on the ramp, staying to the outside of the lane to give me a visual on any traffic or debris ahead. Suddenly I realized I was at the edge of the lane and counter-steered slightly to the left. At that time my tires started to lose traction in the gravel between the roadway and the guardrail. My tires then hit the uneven pavement line and I went down on my left side as my bike skidded towards the guardrail. Yes, I was concerned that I was about to be flipped over the guardrail. It would have definitely been lights out if that had happened. The base of the guardrail stopped my skid. I tried to crawl out from the bike, but couldn't free my left leg. Gas started leaking next to my face and I yelled out for help. A big man in a hard hat came running up and lifted the bike up off of my leg. I was then able to crawl out. I only recall him remarking how lucky I was that I was wearing protective gear. He helped me to upright my bike, which we had to pull from the guardrail's base where the tires had come to rest.

I am very sore this morning (left ankle, left side of my neck, and right side of my chest, primarily). But very thankful too. I figure if I was going a little bit faster - say 40 or 45 MPH, I wouldn't be writing this.

So, what are the lessons?

I definitely was preoccupied with thoughts of getting home. I was aggravated by the delay getting through customs. So, I wasn't as focused as I should have been.

I may have entered the ramp a bit faster than I should have, although 35 MPH seems quite reasonable. Knowing Detroit road-debris as I do, I definitely should have stayed in the middle of the roadway, rather than to the outside of the lane. I should have anticipated road debris, including glass and gravel and oil and adjusted my path accordingly.

Finally, I'm thankful that I was wearing protective gear. And that weather didn't add to the slickness of the roadway.

I'm mighty thankful to be able to write this this morning.

In conclusion: My advice is to maintain focus; Wear proper gear; Slow down on overpasses and ramps; Expect gravel and debris at the road's edge. These principles apply to bicyclists as well as motorcyclists.