Chris, Maurice died today on Montezuma Grade

[chrisscaines]

... those words were spoken to me yesterday from my good friend and riding partner, Henry, who was calling to inform me that Maurice Sutono, died from injuries sustained during a bike-on-bike collision on Montezuma Grade near the Borrego Desert.

My blood went cold. I asked several times if Henry was kidding and to stop joking around. The tone of his voice told a different story.

I was not in attendance on the grade yesterday. We all rode on Saturday and had a great time doing a sort of clinic on the mountain. Everyone riding well, corning techniques were being polished, feedback given. The group had such a good time that they went back yesterday, Sunday - the fateful day. The following as told to me by various parties in attendance.

Conditions were semi-over cast skies. The group consisted of four good friends: Mark, Henry, Steve, and Maurice. All of varying skill levels, but very use to running closely together and accomplished, each in their own way. We are all like brothers and knew this road very well.

Montezuma Grade is a fantastic road. Elevation gain and loss, perfect corners, tarmac... nirvana.

Maurice was about mid-mountain, coming out of a right hander to an uphill straight. The downhill rider was entering a series of "S" turns that can be negotiated at about 80mph or so, and not very technical, but it can catch you off guard. The winds were up, which may have played a part.

Entering the S turns, the downhill rider, on a Repsol Honda, lost control. Judging by the skid marks (as told to me by my attending riding partners) commenced from the downhill lane, terminating in Maurice's lane. Both bikes exploded into bits. None are recognizable. Strangely, Maurice's body lay right next to his bike, as was the other rider. Closing speed had to be 120mph at the very least.

Henry was our first rider to the scene. Others were already in attendance including a nurse, hear surgeon. Everyone did their bit. Whoever you all are, I thank you. Henry performed CPR to a non-responsive Maurice for nearly an hour. Paramedics arrived and did their best. Maurice, my dear friend, was prounounced dead at the scene. Bloodless. Pefectly intact. Not a scratch on his helmet.

The other rider was Life Flighted to a hospital. I will try to track down where he is and lend support.

We all first met Maurice six to eight months ago, in the parking lot a Dudley's Bakery in Santa Isabel. Dougan had a pinched gas line on his freshly painted Tuono, so I thought I would go introduce myself to this CBR rider. There was an immediate connection with all of us and we were lookng to add riders to our little group. Riders with character and soul.

Maurice was all that. I only knew him six months, but he was like a brother in no time. Beers, dinner, lunch, hanging out on our bikes, ripping through Old Julian, or just a casual cruise up the PCH, Maurice was a joy, good hearted, honest as the day is long. 44 years old. 82nd Airborne Division, lady killer, honest, a smile that could light up a room. Maurice made his living selling microchips. He was currently looking to change careers. He loved his two daughters. He was passionate about motorcycles and was making incredible gains in skills and knowledge. He attended his very first trackday at Streets of Willow with us and was smitten.

I am lost for words. I called his cell phone three times yesterday, knowing he was gone, but left messages noneththeless. Perhaps just maybe I would wake up from all of this and get a call from from friend. The call never came.

I am travailing to the crash site today to see for myself. I need closure so I can move on to celebrate his life. There is talk about us all selling our bikes, giving up riding, calling it quits, lucky to have gotten this far. I don't think that is the soultion. Perhaps riding just off our normal pace is the call. Perhaps hang it up while we can...

I will keep my bike covered up for now, half mast as it were, for sometime until it feels right again. I can feel that the group has changed immediately from this event. How could we not. This is the first friend I have lost, ever, in any activity, natural or otherwise. I have heard of things like this, but these things never happen to me. What are the odds? One second in any direction by any one of the riders, things would be different. Right? I reply this every minute since the phone call... if only I was there. If only I didn't jump Maurice into our group perhaps he would still be with his girls. Shit. What have I done.

This forum is like a family of sorts. I wanted to share this with you in the hopes that you all will rethink your riding habits. Take it down a notch. Seek trackdays instead of the perfectly radiused rural road. Reach out to a friend that you may feel is riding beyond his or her limits. It's ok to slow down. There are no trophys handed out. None of us are making a living at this. So why do we risk? It is a known fact that those that seek "risk" are genetically predisposed.

Sometimes life converges, and yesterday two riders, strangers met. One dead, the other is now playing his part over and over in his head. That is something he will have to live with. He killed my friend, but we should not blame. We are all in this game together. Or do I have a right to speak my mind, be mad. Take it out on the other guy. Not now. It's not time.

The attached picture was taken one week earlier. It was originally and ironically, entitled "Happier Times." From left to right: Henry is in first postion. He attended to Maurice's CPR. 2nd, Kevin Braken, 3rd, Eric Braken. 4th rider in a standing position is Steve, he was in attendance. Sixth from left, young Chris. I am 7th from the left. Mark is front row and was in attendance.

Maurice is the handsome fellow, 5th rider from the left. Please reflect on him because he could be anyone of us. He is gone. He is missed. I am off to the crash site to make piece with my friend. Perhaps I will ring his cellphone and leave him a message, and tell him the road is perfect and will not be the same without him. I don't expect a call back.

[RFM]

Although I don't know Maurice I find myself with tears welled up. Brilliant tribute to a friend. So sorry for the loss. God bless.

[fnfalman]

Rest in peace, Maurice.

[Tee-Dub]

That is a very well written epitaph to a lost dear friend. Damn, I didn't even know the guy and it hit me hard enough to fog the ole eyes over a bit. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[Maxacceleration]

RIP Maurice.
I often think about the limits I and my friends ride at on the street.
Any particular corner may handle more speed, but on the street the variables can get out of hand quick.
Take a break Chris and get back into it at legal speeds.
We all(myself included) get caught up in being competent and able to handle any situation. We can't--I can't.
I will slow down and remember...

[Philh]

A sad, sad loss.

[RSV Racing]

Such a loss is a sad thing. I'm in tears myself. Go with God Maurice.

[MichaelB]

So sorry for your loss Chris. These stories touch all of us because we all know it could be ...

My very good friend stepped off his KTM S/M a week ago Saturday in Modjeska Canyon. Other than a pin in his ankle and many bruises he is OK.
I only mention this because he told me the WIND blew him off course when he crested a rise, then he went dark.

I have been questioning lots of things since then, particularly, the WIND.

Godspeed Maurice.

[RSV Racing]

I will also put my cover on half-mast for your loss. I might take some time to reflect on this, as it hit me hard. I almost lost my life about 4 years ago, so I understand what you are going through.

[derrickhackman]

Sad news yet again ... it seems there has been a lot of downed riders this year. I am sorry for the lost of Maurice. You are right, it could be any of us.

[perversity]

Knowing Maurice, Chris, Henry, Mark, Stephano and the gang and having ridden with them many times, I can honestly say that Maurice couldn't have been in better company when he passed. It is a real tragedy that someone so young and vibrant has been lost to us.

I will always have fond memories of Maurice and will miss him dearly.

[AZRen]

So sorry about your friend Chris. Feels very close to home for some reason. Could be the two daughters I have or I consider you a good buddy though we've never met face to face.

My heart hurts for you and his family.

RIP Maurice

[cds10]

Sorry for your loss Chris. It's always these things that make us realise that we are not imortal and maybe easing off the gas and enjoy the riding is more important than tear arsing around at full throttle.

RIP Maurice.

[cwalker]

we're losing way too many riders, friends, brothers.... i'm already going 'oh no' when i read the first words in too many threads at the moment...

that's an extremely emotional and honest goodbye to a friend you wrote there mate... try to remember it's exactly that, a goodbye, never a farewell..

i've got Crazydane's rsv sitting in my office, 10 cms. away from me as we speak... it's a reminder of him, of what a great friend and passionate biker he was... it's hard to look at it every single time, but this, to me, keeps him close to me, and it's as if the bike is talking to me every single time i look at it, i can hear jens's voice telling me: you're doing a good job with the shop mate, and i'm here with you... make me proud...

well, that's what we all should do for our fallen friends.. do our best, celebrate their life, and make them proud...

sincere condolences to you, and all of his friends and beloved ones...

RIP Maurice.... ... say hello to Jens up there, and enjoy the great track up there together...

[Tuono Newb]

My condolences to you, Chris, and deepest sympathies to Maurice's family. RIP Maurice.

Jim