SMA Road surfaces

[Old guy]

I don't know if this of interest but my 'off' was on a brand new road surface courtesy of Dorset County Council. There has been a bit of media attention in the power ranger rags about SMA road surfaces and I may have been another victim.

There was no warning but I just rolled back my throttle at less than 30mph and the front wheel slipped straight away leaving me with a totalled R100R (my pride and joy) and numerous fractures.

Luckily fully comp and a decent legal service will help me but others on this forum should be aware of the potential danger.

Tim

 

[Gs Craig]

Sorry to hear that mate

Which road was it??

 

[Vern]

That stuff is a pain in the arse(literally for you!) It came to light around here after a road past some stables was tarmaced in the stuff,and all the nags kept on falling over on it(I kid you not)It doesnt weather in until it has be layed and used for a minimum of six months,and it's not brilliant after that.

If any of you aren't familiar wth this stuff,it's easy to recognise.When you normally see a freshly tarmaced road,it has a grey colour to it.This stuff is pitch black,much blacker than any other road surface you'll come across,and is lethal.After the first rainfall on it,you can see the grease and oil sat on the surface(from the hedge that you're sat in)and when it is worn in,you get nice big shiney areas on it.

Loverly stuff

 

[Old guy]

A350 Blandford Road- junction of Newton Road. Just north of Bailie Gate.

I think that it was loose road surface as it was very 'gravelly' and perfectly dry. Maybe the combination of double Brembo's and crap rear drum is a factor?

Not the arse, think of no knees and ankle skin.

As for riding again, no thanks. If a simple sub30mph off with full protective gear can cause this amount of damage, what chance at any higher speed? I was lucky that the roadside has a radius curb, soft grass verge and no road signs. After 30+ years of riding, it is 12 weeks minimum in plaster as old bones heal slowly and I run a good chance of thrombosis.

Now, what shall I do with that brand new Zumo 500 that was in my tank bag?


Tim

 

[Gs Craig]

I know the road well.

i've just been looking through this months BIKE mag and they have an artical on new road
surfaces and want anyone who has crashed on a newly laid surface to contact them
[email protected]

Make a fuss about it

 

[Gas'd Off]

As for riding again, no thanks.

For real?

 

[Old guy]

Final bit.

The bike is a right off. Unfortunately my own injuries, whilst seemingly superficial, have not begun to heal as we hoped. The deep laceration to the right knee was not cleaned by the admitting A&E resulting in a widespread infection and future skin grafts, more seriously the left shoulder injury was mis-treated as a dislocation rather than the massive separation of upper arm tendons resulting in the almost total loss of upper arm control.

Currently I am having difficulty trying to come to terms with what should have been a walk-away spill rather than a series of re constructive surgical procedures which may or may not resolve the problems.

I have decided not to attempt to ride again as to risk my family's financial security for the sake of my perceived freedom is not an option so I am exercising my freedom of choice by giving up my 40 year hobby (it's about time I grew up)

Tragically another local rider has lost his life under similar circumstances and I count myself lucky to have got off so lightly.

Tim

 

[Decster]

Tim

Sorry to hear about your off. Hope you get some luck with the healing process soon.

As said above, dont let this lie without making some noise in the hope that it will be at least sign posted....

Decster

 

[Gs Craig]

I'm really sorry to hear things have got worse for you.

I think you should shout about this from the tallest building and also get the bike press involved!
If i can help in anyway i'm just down the road, give me a shout.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Tim,

Sorry to hear about your accident and the results - I do wish you a speedy return to full working order, and I hope you will consider getting a leg over again sometime in future.
Bloody bad luck.

Bin

 

[thauma]

Tim,

sorry to hear about the incident. It certainly seems like you've been through the mill, and what should have been a simple recovery process is now sounding like a nightmare.

These road surfaces sound like they should as a minimum carry a health warning and realistically should be outlawed. If I were you I'd shout and scream about this (and the hospital mis-treatment) to all who will listen.

I wish you a speedy recovery, and whilst I regret when anyone hangs up their spurs, I can fully understand and sympathise with your reasoning.

Good Luck

Dave#...