Wapiti Wyoming has a new Biker Memorial

Wapiti, WY (November 5, 2018) — One man’s idea turned into a stirring memorial for hundreds of motorcyclists who have died in Wyoming. Ironically, the motorcycle memorial sits across the highway from a tragic accident that killed three bikers.

Downtown Cody sees plenty of visitors on their way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton every summer, including bikers who tour the Parks, and other scenic areas of Northwest Wyoming.

Unfortunately, some die here

In June, 2016, three German bikers were killed when a pickup truck driver veered into their lane and hit them head on.

The new Biker Memorial in Wapiti Wyoming

“This was a tragedy that still haunts people in the Cody area. These were visitors in the Cody area.” Said Wyoming Department of Transportation spokesman Cody Beers. Beers remarked too many bikers are dying on Wyoming highways.

“In the last 22 years, there’s been over 360 motorcycle fatalities in Wyoming. 17 last year in Wyoming, and so far 15 in 2018.” He explained.

Michel Degleau is a biker, and he’s lost biker friends on Wyoming Highways

He decided to build a memorial to motorcyclists who have died, and friends offered to let him use their land in Wapiti, directly across from the site of the 2016 triple fatality.

“It’s just pure coincidence that that is there, but that just adds to the nostalgia of the memorial.' Degleau remarked. "That just shows people we got a memorial, and we got three fatalities right across the street.”

Degleau held a fundraiser to buy the materials, and got some help from friends to build it. He put the final touch of a flag two weeks ago. Even while he was building the memorial, Cody businessman Joe Boydston died in a motorcycle accident north of Cody. Deglau turns on flashing lights at the memorial when a biker dies. He heard about Boydston’s and another biker’s death at the same time.

“So, I had the lights flashing for Joe and the other guy. And I put pictures on the Facebook page. I was out here working and I looked up and there was a double rainbow.” He said.

Beers said the memorial may help remind drivers to watch for bikers, and remind bikers to drive safely. WYDOT posted signs near the Memorial to encourage drivers to visit it.

SOURCE: KCWY 13

Fifth biker dies in four days of Lone Star Rally

Galveston, Texas (November 4, 2018) -- Two people riding motorcycles without helmets died in separate crashes Friday in Galveston, bringing the death toll to at least four as 250,000 bikers assembled for the annual Lone Star Rally. Both the 54-year-old Rockwall woman and the 65-year-old League City man died after sustaining serious head injuries, Galveston police said.

Photo: Leslie Plaza Johnson, Contributor

Another motorcyclist died late Saturday while speeding in the 4000 block of Texas 3 just before midnight when he lost control and crashed, Texas City police said Sunday. Police could not confirm if he was tied to Galveston's Lone Star Rally. Two other motorcyclists were killed Thursday in Hardin County en route to Galveston, according to the Department of Public Safety. James Horton, 34, and Casey Horton, 35, of Lewisville, were riding a motorcycle behind a Dodge pickup on S.H. 326 in Hardin County when the truck turned into the shoulder, intending to make a U-turn.

While turning, the truck hit their bike, according to DPS. The Hortons, both of whom were wearing helmets, died at the scene, DPS said. According to a Facebook post, James Horton was a mechanic at the Lumberjack Harley-Davidson shop in Nacogdoches. The truck's driver and passenger were not injured, DPS said.

Photo: Leslie Plaza Johnson, Contributor

The rally has seen a series of fatal crashes in recent years. In 2011, three motorcyclists were killed in separate crashes. In 2015, a man was killed when his motorcycle collided with a semitruck. And in 2016, a motorcyclist struck and killed two Katy residents as they walked along the Galveston Seawall. The Friday crash involving the Rockwall woman happened shortly after 6 p.m., when several motorcyclists approached East Beach Drive while heading east along Seawall Boulevard.

 As the man driving the lead motorcycle began braking to make the sharp turn onto East Beach Drive, which leads to Apffel Park at the island's east end, a trailing motorcyclist failed to notice the slowdown and struck the lead motorcycle. The striking motorcycle overturned, dealing "serious head trauma" to the Rockwall woman who was riding as a passenger, officials said. She died shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital with the male driver, who was treated for minor injuries.

Photo: Leslie Plaza Johnson, Contributor

Officials did not suspect alcohol played a role in the crash, officials said, and no charges were filed over the incident. Less than three hours later, a man heading for the Galveston Causeway lost control of his motorcycle as he crested the 61st Street overpass. Witnesses told police the man was traveling "at a high rate of speed" as he left the nearby intersection of 59th Street and Broadway Avenue J. He died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.

Photo: Leslie Plaza Johnson, Contributor

The DPS issued a news release Saturday urging drivers to "use extra caution around the estimated 250,000 motorcycles" expected at the Lone Star Rally. The festival ends Sunday. "As we roll into the weekend (police) only expects an increase of visitors and vehicles to the island," said Joshua Schirard, in a release from the Galveston Police Department. "As such, we would like to stress the importance of wearing proper protective equipment when you ride a motorcycle, including a helmet." The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a news release Saturday urging drivers to "use extra caution around the estimated 250,000 motorcycles" expected at the Lone Star Rally.

The festival ends Sunday. "As we roll into the weekend (police) only expects an increase of visitors and vehicles to the island,"said Joshua Schirard, in release from the Galveston PD. "As such, we would like to stress the importance of wearing proper protective equipment when you ride a motorcycle, including a helmet."

News Source: My Plainview

Diggin' it out

A bad time