Accordion Pile Up

 Let me set the stage for you. It is May 24, 2021. We departed Spanish Trail RV Resort in Moab, UT early so we could get to Rifle Gap State Park, just north of Rifle, CO, get set up, unload our bikes, and enjoy riding around that beautiful park (thanks, Jo and Bob, for your reference!)

We have exited I-70, #87, for Rifle. Here we go.

In first place:  52,000 pounds, Allegro Bus 37 AP

In second place:  GMC Sierra Denali

In third place:  Black Denali GMC SUV

In fourth place:  Envision Gulf Stream trailer--about 26 feet

In fifth place: one small, blue Chrysler 300 S car

And the ignitor?  Why, vehicle number 5!  Smashing into the trailer, pushing the spare tire almost to the axles, and  through this smashing of the rear trailer wall, strewing its contents out on the exit ramp. Said person also was arrested:  suspicion of being impaired. Yes, she walked away from the vehicle. There were no skid marks. This individual said she was "reaching for her phone." She didn't try to stop.

You know a little about vehicle number 4. The couple (from Prescott, AZ!) were on an extended trip to the Dakotas. On this day, now cancelled. She was looking for her heirloom jewelry--scattered by this action all over the road.

Their cat was in the trailer. They could not open the door due to damage. The firemen cut a panel in the front part of the trailer. The cat jumped out, dashed first toward the freeway, then ran the opposite way towards the brush and the river. We have not heard if they were able to find her.

Vehicle number 3, the tow vehicle of above trailer, the GMC Denali SUV. He did his best to avoid the vehicle in front of him. As you can see, without success. That heavy Thule bike rack was radically bent. Lindy's bike, on the outside, took most of the hit. It was trashed. The front wheel of Mike's bike has a bent rim. It seems to be working okay. We will get it checked in the next few weeks. 

Vehicle number 2, the Sierra Denali, has a tailgate that won't open all the way, along with a rear bumper that needs attention! That left tail light, and left panel also has some issues! When we get to Montana, will need to locate a reputable body shop to address these, and possible other issues not yet seen (you think?) 

And vehicle number 1, weighing in at 52,000 pounds? No movement, no damage. Thankfully! Just the frustration of being parked on that exit ramp for 2 hours and 10 minutes, experiencing the heart ache of the couple who had to cancel their trip, gather up all their possessions, and worry about returning to Prescott. 

Our week was spent traveling into town each day to make phone calls to insurance companies (ours and that of vehicle number 5). Thursday, we heard that the insurance company for vehicle number 5 accepted full liability for the incident. 

Wednesday we drove east to Glenwood Springs as they had an e-bike store. We unloaded the bikes, and found the results previously described. We purchased a new bike rack, as that was a concern. He did have a couple of e-bikes that Lindy liked, but she could not make the decision yet. By the time we returned to our comfortable, secure home, the decision was made. Lindy called the shop, specifying the bike she wanted. We returned Thursday morning to the shop, picking up Lindy's Gazelle Medeo T10.

We stopped in Rifle (at Culver's!) for the usual internet check and lunch, then returned to our site. We took a spin around the State Park on our bikes! We repeated the ride on Friday as well. Not the full week that we had anticipated, but a pleasant experience just the same. 

Maddie "Guarding" Lindy's bike!

It was an experience we shall not soon forget. Our schedule is not really interrupted, in that we can continue our travel to our summer destination. We will have to continue working with the insurance company in handling the repairs to the pick up, and regarding the bikes. 

Mike, Lindy and Maddie are fine. Life and living goes on. Lindy is doing a good job in adjusting to the new bike. It has 4 assist levels:  "eco, tour, sport and turbo". She loves the turbo! Her VW convertible is a turbo! So, the new bike is called TB--for Turbo Bike. But that can also mean Turbo Bug!  One has to "see" the context to know which is which!

 SAFE TRAVELS to ALL!  

Roving Riders, SWIRVIN on down the road from Rawlins, WY (where it will be 37 degrees tonight!)