Southern Biker Magazine August 2019 by Kristin Gracy

ridertorider

WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Riders, We are hoping everyone is riding safe and enjoying some great riding weather around this great nation! We are fortunate to live near the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon where hundreds of motorcycles from all over the country visit our community weekly. The mountains, waterfalls, farmland and curvy scenic roads are sometimes mesmerizing, but it truly adds to the joy of ride. Just watch out for the wildlife that sometimes wants to say “Hi”. The past couple of months has been trying. We discovered a new type of “justice” that is beyond comprehension. A couple of months ago, I attended the Steel Cowgirl’s event at Copperhead Lodge. Long story short, I had a great time meeting new women riders and a couple of great friends that joined me at the event. However, on the last day, two friends and I rode to breakfast with me in the lead position. On a hard curve, a truck appeared in my lane heading straight toward me at an excessive speed. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE AT THAT MOMENT! I did the only thing I knew to do, lean hard right, hold my line without going off the road and off the mountain side. He side swiped me crashing into my motorcycle. I have tire marks down the left side of my bike. His truck was a mere inch from my leg. However, the entire side of my bike sustained damage from the fairing to the saddlebag. Miraculously, I managed to keep my bike upright and came to a stop on the shoulder, got off my bike and started screaming, crying and shaking uncontrollably once the gravity of what just happened started to sink in. Thankfully, my friends riding behind me were not injured; Amber & Sunshine were upset and crying. Sunshine turned around to go after the driver and get the license plate number. Another motorcyclist pulled over to check on us and I sent him to go after the truck driver too and make sure he comes back. The guy left the scene! Two motorcycle riders took off after him (eventually catching up to him) and the truck driver returned. He didn’t seem too remorseful at all but did apologize. If he really was a caring driver, he would not have been in my lane in the first place. He had

P.O. Box 644 • Madisonville, TN 37354 • 865-247-8118 • Fax 606-220-1412 President/Publisher Kristin Gracy msmagman@southernbiker.us 865-405-6989

Editor/Track Photo Journalist Randy Gracy themagman@southernbiker.us 865-257-2279

Youth Motocross Writer Gavin Smith

Graphics & Design Director Lori Strohmaier lori@southernbiker.us Graphic Designer McKayla Cunningham mckayla@southernbiker.us

two lanes of his own to utilize going up the mountain. Police were called and an officer with the Lumpkin Co Sheriff’s Dept arrived. No one could believe I survived this close call, I heard people say many times. The officer did his “regular job” and investigated the accident but failed to take a statement from Cindy “Sunshine” William or get her contact information. The driver of the truck (a GA resident) was cited for crossing the centerline ONLY! Now understand this; witnesses had him speeding and crossing over the double yellow line miles back before crashing into me and narrowly missing my two friends behind me, two witnesses stated that if they had not gone after the driver, they did not believe the driver would have returned. One witness in a car had a dash cam which recorded the impact. And the deputy only cited the truck driver for crossing the centerline. Slap his hand and tell him not to do it again; that’s how I see it. This driver didn’t and doesn’t have respect for other driver and will most likely do it again, just like the truck driver that killed seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire after driving into their lane two days before this accident. Why does loss of life have to happen before anything changes? Back at the hotel, staff mentioned several people have died on Highway 19 “Blood Mountain” (as locals refer to it) because drivers don’t respect the double yellow line after I told them what happened. What I’d like to know is, why officials haven’t implemented yellow plastic poles on the double yellow line on that section of road to keep drivers on their side of the road or something similar? Do lives not matter to them or do a certain number of people need to die first before they will do anything to correct the problem? I’m thankful to be alive and that my Guardian Angel traveled with us that day. I think God has plans for me. The reason I’m telling you this is no matter what, in any accident, GET AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY to protect your interests. I’m so disappointed how this was handled and “investigated”. The driver should have been charged with a more severe penalty for nearly taking my life! The only reason I’m alive is because of Heavenly protection and driving skills. Motorcyclists lives matter! Be mindful, watch out for yourself and others on the road. Our only protection is riding cautiously and defensively. Enjoy the America’s birthday month and as always, “Keep Your Knees In The Breeze” ©

Kristin “Ms. Mag Man” Gracy

Southern Biker Magazine is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior written approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads. Publisher is also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond control; all suits, claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Publisher does not promote excessive consumption of alcohol beverages. The Southern Biker Magazine name and logo are owned nationally by the Publisher.

Southern Biker Magazine began in 2007 with a monthly circulation of 30,000 and is currently distributed in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virgina, Kentucky and growing. All ads are included on our Facebook page at no additional cost. For rate sheets and info sheets visit our website under Customer Services/Media Kit or email ads@southernbiker.us. No additional cost for our services. One price for everything. Call us today to be included in the Southeast's most popular motorcycle events magazine! Deadline is the 13th of each month for the following month issue.

$150 OFF or FREE

Shields® Unit

Offer valid on professionally installed Outdoor Containment System only. Not valid with any other offers. Not valid on previous purchases. Other restrictions may apply. Valid only at Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valey. Expires 10/31/18.

Upgrade your pet’s life. Boundary Plus® Technology means bigger freedom in smaller areas

• This exclusive technology delivers up to 30% more yard space allowing your dog (or cat) to safely play right up to the yard’s edge. It’s the perfect fit for unique or small lots and tight spaces.

Virtual endless boundary

• Prevents any “breakthrough” where pets run beyond the signal’s reach, leaving no room for escape.

Zero unintentional yard lock-outs

• Other systems can confuse pets if they “breakthrough” the boundary and try to reenter, emitting a correction and stopping them from coming home. Boundary Plus® containment ensures this can’t happen!

Call or log on to schedule a FREE in-home consultation! Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley

865-401-0048

6 - Southern Biker Magazine

August 2019