Update & pictures
Well here is the update...
After leaving Virginia we headed for Baillieborough, Shercock, Ballybay, Castleblaney and into Keady with the aim of going to Carrickatuke viewpoint then into Newtownhamilton, Camlough and over to the top of Sliabh Foye.
About a mile and a half out of Keady heading for Newtownhamilton the road climbs up through some lovely S bends. It was on an off-camber right hander that Errol lost the bike. He ran along some armco barrier, trapping Emma's leg between the barrier and the bike. Emma came off the bike and ended up inside the barrier, whilst Errol and the bike parted company just three or four yards further on.
Six of us were further on up the road waiting at a junction for the other three to arrive when Trev rode up and told us what had happened. We rode back down the road not knowing what to expect. Luckily Errol was up and walking about, but Emma was still in situ in the grass behing the armco. A man and woman in a car had stopped to render assistance at the scene. The woman (like Emma) is a nurse, so had the situation under control.
Emma was able to wriggle her toes and to roll her ankles, so at least that suggested that there was no major damage, but her thigh, which had come into contact with the barrier was pretty sore.
An ambulance with two paramedics was quickly on the scene and they confirmed that the injury was unlikely to be serious, but as a precaution they took Emma to hospital for a more thorough examination.
Just as the ambulance left and we were ready to follow it to Newry the police arrived. The two cops were very civil, took Errols details, then breathalysed him. The result was clear.
When we arrived at the hospital in Newry the rest of the guys headed on for home as they all live quite a distance from Newry. I stayed with Errol as I live just ten miles from the hospital. Emma meanwhile had been examined by the A&E doctor and was pronounced fit to go home. My wife Mandy arrived in the car and took Emma to our house with Errol and myself following on the bikes.
I fixed the minor damage on Errols bike, front and rear nearside indicators and the left front footrest rubber. The rear footrest had snapped off, so a replacement will be needed.
The left rocker cover is a bit scuffed and the corner of one of the fins on the underside is broken. Errol is quite annoyed about this but I told him to think of it just as a battle scar, or a trophy. Can see him in Hursts on Tuesday morning to order a new one though.
It was only while at my house that we looked at Errol's Roof Boxer helmet, which although it did it's job, did not fare too well at all. There is actually a hole in it. Job done. New lid please.
As the footrest was gone on the bike and Emma was still quite sore Mandy and I ran her home in the car. It was a pleasure to do so when one considers that it could have turned out much much worse.
An unfortunate end to what was a great run, but at least all survive to fight another day.
