Think I hit an owl on my way to work today

[rpeters549]

I was able to leave for work about 10 minutes early today so I decided to take the scenic/more 'back' route.  Yes it was 0615 and dark still, but that's not the point. 

I just start coasting to get ready for a a stop sign and catch a flash of white coming right at me from the left.  Then this incredible impact as whatever it was got me right in the side of the neck/edge of helmet/shoulder blade.  Came in right past the windscreen.  Almost made me let go!  I was still doing between 45 and 50.  It was hard when it hit, but a 'soft' hard, not like a rock, and it was decent sized.  Only thing that makes sense is an owl as we have a lot of them around.  I didn't feel like u-turning to look.

Other than bugs, this is the first animal strike involving the TTSE.  Of course in my years of Goldwinging I got several bats, squirrels, one skunk, an opossum, a 'coon, one deer, ...

I do a lot of night/dark riding.

[Xsv]

Ouch

Congrats on not letting go.  I saw an owl perched on my gate column last year.  Thing looked like it was 2 feet tall!

Make an appointment with Your chiropractor, get everything lined back up!

[rpeters549]

I won't deny it smarted a bit.  Other than a very small bruise (thanks to a thick sweat shirt under my good riding jacket) I am good.  Just kind of a unique experience!

As a driving instructor I teach students to 'never stop driving the vehicle'.  'If it's moving, you're doing something to control or regain control'.  Good to know I practice what I preach.

And I don't have to replace an expensive windscreen or it's attached parts...

[Xsv]

Originally Posted by rpeters549

As a driving instructor I teach students to 'never stop driving the vehicle'.  'If it's moving, you're doing something to control or regain control'.  Good to know I practice what I preach.

Absolutely! 

[Coconut]

Glad you're OK - What a Hoot ! 

[GarminDave]

I got a strike about 6 weeks ago and assumed it was a bird as I did not stop.  I was doing a tad above the National Speed limit, Officer, and it caught me in the crook of my left arm.  It was an almighty thump and the resultant bruise was significant.

[rpeters549]

That looks quite unpleasant!!

I feel pretty blessed how I came out of it!

[Dragon]

Originally Posted by GarminDave

I got a strike about 6 weeks ago and assumed it was a bird as I did not stop.  I was doing a tad above the National Speed limit, Officer, and it caught me in the crook of my left arm.  It was an almighty thump and the resultant bruise was significant.

If it was a black and white striped owl it would of been from Newcastle, but at least it left you with a red and white striped bruise of Sunderland, .....only brits would understand what im on about here, .........football rivalry related.