JERRY HOLLENBACK
Dugway Proving Grounds
Dugway, Utah

It was a warm July afternoon and I was getting ready to go across town for a get-together with a group of other riders. I had a helmet, but it was not required in the state where I lived. The year was 1978, and I had just gotten out of the military after doing one tour. Hairstyles in the 70s were, for the most part long, and I felt the need to grow mine since I had to keep it so short in the military. At the last minute, I decided to wear my full-face helmet since I knew it would keep the bugs out of my long locks. Man, I’m glad I did.

After about 15 minutes of riding, I hit a state road where the speed limit increased to 55 mph. I saw a white pickup coming from the opposite direction and noticed a couple of guys in the pickup’s bed. There was no other traffic, and I remember squinting because I was riding into the sun.

All of a sudden, I felt like someone had hit my head with a baseball bat. The impact almost knocked me from the bike. The helmet’s face shield was covered with a red fluid, obscuring my vision and confusing me even further. Fortunately, I was able to direct my motorcycle to the shoulder and stop. Shaking, I removed the helmet expecting to see bird parts. I was certain that the red fluid was blood, and all I kept thinking was that a big bird had impacted me at 55 mph. Imagine my disbelief when I removed my helmet and discovered it covered with pomegranate juice and seeds.

It was at that instant I realized the guys in the back of the pickup must have heaved a pomegranate at me. Without thinking, I mounted my motorcycle and sped after them. By now, they were already a couple of miles in front of me, but I knew I could catch them. After chasing the pickup for about 5 minutes, I had closed the gap to about a half mile. It was at this point that I realized a couple of important points. First, I was alive and unhurt, but I was speeding down the road with a blurred visor, chasing a pickup in a fit of rage. Second, even if I had managed to get the pickup to pull over, then what? Reality set in and I gave up the chase. I pulled into a nearby gas station and was able to get some water to clean my face shield. As I took a couple of deep breaths, I gave thanks for the fact that I was unhurt and pondered the events.

I had been going at least 55 mph and the pickup was probably going at least as fast as it came at me. A pomegranate — a fruit as hard as a baseball — was chucked at my face with the velocity of a fast pitch. What if I had not worn my helmet? With my helmet, I was barely able to maintain control. A sobering feeling swept over me. Next, I thought about the altercation I almost got in. Had I caught up with the truck, what if he’d decided to use his vehicle against mine? A truck against a motorcycle is an unfair fight. Finally, what if we both stopped in a safe location? Then what? There were at least three of them against me.

This experience taught me many great life lessons. First, my helmet surely saved my life. Second, I can’t allow my emotions to get the better of me. Whether riding on my bike or in my car, I can’t let other drivers provoke me to react with rage. Finally, I vowed to pay more attention to my surroundings. Whether it’s a short drive across town or a cross-country trip, you can’t allow yourself to become complacent. Make sure your bike is mechanically ready for the ride and that you are mentally and physically prepared.

I’m in my 50’s now and my hair is much shorter. I still ride motorcycles and I always wear my helmet — except now I wear it for protection instead of vanity. Every time I see riders not wearing helmets, I wonder what it will take to get them to wear one. I hope they’ll change their ways before someone, whether by accident or intentionally, makes them a fatality statistic.