My buddy and I used to take high speed trips up to Carlsbad (that's in Southern California) to eat at "Pee Soup Andersons." Often we would arrive during the last few hours they were open. On the way home (N 5 fwy all the way to where it meets the 405 fwy) we would be hitting triple digits. On this particular night I was riding my 1979 GS1000 (I'm a GS lover from way back) It had a small cafe style fairing, was painted orange, pipe, carbs...the usual. As the both of us approached "El Toro Marine Base" I was moving at around 120 indicated when it happened. I felt a crunch against my chest/stomach area. The next thing I recall I was gasping for air , trying to keep the bike in a straight line. My friend who was riding behind me was now by me, pointing to the side of the road. He was motioning for me to pull over. I really thought I was going to pass out, thinking was not on top of my list. Somehow I made it to the side, stopped, put down the side-stand, then stepped off. I felt deep, sharp pains around the ribs. The next thing I did was step in front of my bikes light. I could see what looked like rasberry jam with feathers mixed into it, maybe a beak, or a claw? My riding partner ran up looked at me, made sure I was ok (which I was not), then started laughing . He told me he was riding behind me and all he saw was something white explode from around me. He was thinking I had struck something in the road. On the contrary something had struck me. It was either a pigeon, sea-gull, or ??
It still baffels me to this day. Once we arrived at the E.R (rode with two cracked and multi bruised ribs: OH youth) the E.R Doc was equally perplexed. According to him Pigeons dont fly at night, I guess most birds dont. I told him I wished he'd tell my ribs that. We were by a Marine base. Perhaps it was a secret military bird, prototype Kamikazi bird? Anyway, he scolded us both for riding so fast.
I thought you'd enjoy the story. I'm sure I'm not alone when it comes to running into lifes feathery or furry friends. I know I'd like to hear about your story. Might make me feel better, now that I think about it my ribs kinda hurt
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