July 31, Whyteville, VA
Hueley Nathan James has ended my voyage. About 9:30 this morning in Max Meadows, VA he hit me with his SUV as I was passing by. I was pinned beneath his front bumper and became a human eraser on the asphalt. I am OK. No broken bones or concussions, just a contusion on my left thigh. My left arm and shoulder have road rash injuries. My head also has road rash but my helmet prevented any serious injury. Seven stitches were put into my right hand and wrist. All-in-all I’m in excellent shape given what happened. Dee is driving down from CT to pick me up.
Luckily, my trailer took the brunt of the impact. It was destroyed. The bike will need some major work but will be salvageable.
A witness driving a car behind me told the Wythe County deputy that Mr. James did not stop when he turned right onto Rt. 121 from Hargis Mill Road. Mr. James said he was looking left at the witness’ car when he hit me. He pulled out because he saw the witness’ car’s right blinker light on, indicating a turn onto Hargis Mill. In fact, the deputy said, the witness’ car had caution blinkers on because he was moving slowly up the hill behind me. He put the blinkers on because he could not pass me until we reached the top of the left curving incline.
My riding partners, Dee and Richard, were two cars behind and only heard the impact. By the time they got to me I was up screaming at Mr. James, “What the ____ did you think you were doing?” Dee and Richard were pleased to see that I was up and a bit agitated.
At the hospital Deputy Danner said that Mr. James was “well known” to law enforcement authorities and that he was driving on a suspended driver’s license that permitted him to drive only to and from work. At the scene he said he was on his way to his construction job. Since it rained all morning, Deputy Danner said he was going to check on the construction site to see if work was being done today. I will file an insurance claim for medical and bike expenses with State Farm, Mr. James' insurer.
Deputy Danner will present the case on Sept. 7 in Whyte County Court. He said the judge who will hear the case is an “avid” bicyclist.
Stopping less than 400 miles from my goal is tremendously disappointing but I’m planning on come back here after healing and finishing the ride. I can’t continue in my present condition and need bike repairs.
Despite the accident I will forever treasure the ride. I can’t begin to describe how enjoyable, invigorating, stimulating, educational, and transformative it has been.
Thank you all for joining me on the journey. Love to you all.
