Hit and Run

Seattle –> Vancouver (142 Miles)

I had planned to make it pretty far into British Columbia but my trip got put on hold after a hit and run. I was about to get back onto the highway after getting gas when traffic came to an abrupt stop. I slammed on my brakes, my bike started to fish tail, but my instincts from dirt bike racing came into effect. I was able to keep my bike upright and stopped a few feet from the car in front of me. I thought I was in the clear until I hear screeching tires behind me and the next thing I knew I was on the ground.

A dark Nissan Pathfinder had slammed into the back of my bike. Luckily, I was fine and had no injuries but the guy didn’t stay around and sped off. I couldn’t believe it, but I was pretty shaken up to realize what had just happened. Apparently, it’s not uncommon for there to be hit and runs in British Columbia because insurance is issued by the government and it’s super expensive. It’s about $3000 to ensure a car for the year. Luckily everyone in the cars in front of me were super nice and helped me get my bike upright. My saddle bags were destroyed, my front rim had a dent in and, and my back fender was crushed in so far that my rear wheel could barely spin

Luckily everyone lived up to their Canadian stereotype, except for the guy that ran off. They were all so nice, helpful, and apologetic about my experience. The paramedics came but I had no injuries. After getting everyone’s statements the police officer waited with me until a tow truck could take me to a nearby Harley Dealer.

Unfortunately, it was Canada Day, similar to our 4th of July, and the service shop was closed. Still, everyone was super helpful and they even offered me a Tim Horton’s donut to epitomize the Canadian stereotype. I wasn’t going to be getting on the road again so I got a room at a nearby hotel. From crash to hotel it took four hours.

I really wasn’t in the mood to do anything else, but decided to head into Vancouver to see some of the Canada Day festivities. It was a hot day and didn’t take long before I just wanted to go back and lie down for the rest of the night.