Water and Las Vegas

[jguarnieri]

Hi All,
Just want to give a heads up to help other riders.

I own a 2003 FXSTSI Springer, bought it new in 2003, and have 34,000 miles on her. My wife, Diane, rides with me, 2 up , she loves it.

Diane and I just got back from a Las Vegas vacation, which included a 3 day HOG fly and ride.

I called back in Febuary 2007 to book our fly and ride for 3 days of our total vacation Wednesday May 2 thru Friday May 4 th.

Las Vegas Harley Davidson had zero bikes available for fly and ride.The only bike available was from from Henderson Harley Davidson and that was a 2007 FLHTC.

Well on Wednesday we picked up our 2007 FLHTC rental and rode to Laughlin and from there on to Oatman Arizona, beautiful ride approx 300 miles round trip. On Thursday we cruised the strip went downtown to see the lights, had dinner, another great day of fun and riding.

Now the sad part.
On Friday morning we were planning a short ride from our hotel, the Flamingo, to the Hard Rock Cafe and then other short runs around the strip.

Well as I rode out of the Flamingo hotel parking garage there was a large pool of water collected at the end of the driveway. It got there from the Flamingo hotel maintenance men hoseing down the sidewalks. I slowly rode through the pool of water "there was no way to goaround it" turning right onto Audrie St.

After I cleared the water I then accelerated normally and the bikes rear tire fish-tailed and in a flash we were down.

We were both wering helmets "always do", my wife had a leather Harley jacket on and I had a short sleeve shirt on with a leather vest and leather cut off finger gloves.

I remember the left side of my head sliding on the pavement and my thinking I am glad I have this helmet Diane my wife said same.

Well we both suffered almost identical injuries.

I had the worst injury with 2 broken ribs.

We both had :

swollen ankels, left side. I had on riding boots, Diane sneakers.
road rash on left arms, left knees, we both had jeans on.
Diane's leather jacket did not rip or tare at all, but she still had road rash on her left arm same as mine.

The bike had a broken center luggage compartment cover that also serves as arm rests for the passenger seat. Scrapes on metal engine guards front plastic windshield and plastic front ferel

Bottom Line:
Water and especially Las Vegas roads are a hazzard. If it rains pull over as soon as you can and wait for the road oil to wash away.

The tow truck driver told me whenever it rains in Vegas accidents go up through the roof especially with tourists.

In the future I will be especially careful of road conditions everywhere I travel.

Thanks

John G

[Far 3ast]

John G.

Thanks for the heads up, and sorry to hear you went down. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Shaw_2112]

damn, sorry to hear it man, here's to speedy recovery. If I'm ever in Vegas I'll remember your words...

[nixdad]

What a drag. Hope for a speedy rcovery for both of you. Damn, shame to end a trip like that. We just went to Oatman this weekend from Phoenix up Route 66 and what a blast!

Good luck.

[davidtn]

Even though it was quite the unpleasant experience for you and your wife, I appreciate you sharing it with us...if one person's experience can help prevent another one like it happening then it was worth posting.

Oh and not to forget that I'm glad your injuries were not worse.

[mhonn2004]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Glad that you both were not hurt any more than you were. Hope you both have a speedy recovery.

[fourhour]

Well, everybody already said the needed stuff so I'll go ahead and ask the question some would like answered. How did you make out in the damage and insurance end of it and your $1K deposit?

[jguarnieri]

Originally Posted by fourhour

Well, everybody already said the needed stuff so I'll go ahead and ask the question some would like answered. How did you make out in the damage and insurance end of it and your $1K deposit?

I hope to find out on Wednesday 5/9/07 where I stand

[03GLIDE_]

Glad to hear you are OK. At least it wasn't your bike. I have ridden to Vegas more then a few times. I have never seen any water anywhere. Thanks for the heads up though.

[jguarnieri]

Originally Posted by 04GLIDE

Glad to hear you are OK. At least it wasn't your bike. I have ridden to Vegas more then a few times. I have never seen any water anywhere. Thanks for the heads up though.

The water was from the Flamingo hotel washing down their driveway. A huge puddle of water collected at the base of the driveway "no drainage". I rode through the water, since there was no way around it, and when I exited the puddle and acellerated I fish tailed and went down.

[TwoWheeler]

This also holds true anywhere in the desert southwest where rainy days are few! Roads are extremely slick with that film of oil on top!

[fourhour]

Originally Posted by jguarnieri

I hope to find out on Wednesday 5/9/07 where I stand

An update please, if you will.

[route66paul]

It sounds to me that the Hotel shoud have roped it off. These can happen so fast, I am glad that you could at least walk.

[masstch]

Originally Posted by jguarnieri

I hope to find out on Wednesday 5/9/07 where I stand

I, too, would like to know how this has worked out for you.
I have been looking into renting and have been curious about other's actual experiences with claims, etc. Best wishes on a speedy recovery. Been There.
Broken ribs bring a new definition of pain and I wish you the best. Did the rental outfit dunn your card immediately for the deposit? Is your PI coverage gonna cover? So many questions, but heal, most importantly!

[jguarnieri]

Originally Posted by masstch

I, too, would like to know how this has worked out for you.
I have been looking into renting and have been curious about other's actual experiences with claims, etc. Best wishes on a speedy recovery. Been There.
Broken ribs bring a new definition of pain and I wish you the best. Did the rental outfit dunn your card immediately for the deposit? Is your PI coverage gonna cover? So many questions, but heal, most importantly!

Thanks, I am still sore, broken ribs are no fun. I am much better though but still get caught with pain on certaim body moves or laughing or coughing
I just slept in a regular bed last night I was sleepinmg in a recliner chair since the injury.

I was just contacted by the Flamingo Hotel insurance co. adjuster. We are to have a recorded phone conversation on Monday 5/21/07. I just want my $2000.00 deductable taken care of on the rental Harley. I'll let everyone know the outcome.

Thanks

John G