Info on Headlight Modulators

I didn’t make the Marsh Memorial Poker Run.  We returned late Friday night from Fort Bragg, NC where we were on hand to welcome home Alpha and Bravo Companies of the 82nd Airborne.  Among them was Ann’s sister’s only son, Capt. Richard Kirby, after serving thirteen months in Iraq.  Two planes carried 300 each.  Seeing the relief and joy of the wives, children and families of those returning soldiers was a sight I will always hold near and dear.  

So I didn’t make the run; too tired and too hot.  There were 291 riders who signed in.  As the local paper touted, “Marsh Run Starts in Triumph and Ends in Tragedy”.  A rider from SC and his wife crashed on the last leg headed for the 33 Club.  He was not wearing a helmet, had been imbibing at each stop, and was pronounced dead at the scene.  His wife suffered a broken foot and ankle plus multiple contusions.  She was wearing a helmet and is expected to live.  

I have conflicting feelings on the whole thing.  I grieve for the loss suffered needlessly to this unfortunate family, and I am angered that it happened at all.  It didn’t have to.

Ultimately, I suppose responsibility rests with each individual rider.  Do I drink when I ride; if I do how much and when?  Do I always wear my helmet, no matter what?  Am I always aware that I am responsible for the safety of my passenger and act accordingly?

Poker Runs raise huge amounts of money for many worthwhile charities.  But does every stop have to be a bar?  Maybe it’s time to figure out a better way to host the Poker Runs.

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