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“A Turkey Vulture Ruined My Trip to Divorce Court (and My Bike).”
You read that right. A turkey vulture.
Not a sign. Not a metaphor. An actual 10-pound sky dinosaur took me out.
On June 25, 2025, I was cruising over Walker Pass at 65 mph on my ’96 Harley Sportster, on my way to finalize a divorce. Sun’s out, no traffic, good vibes. Until nature decided to make things way more dramatic.
I saw the bird at the last second. It hit me square in the chest like a feathered linebacker. I tried to ride it out, but the sand had other plans. Bike went sideways. I went flying. I rolled 8 times — I counted. Then slid to a stop in the dirt.
Naturally, I got up, saw blood everywhere, and did what any responsible adult would do:
Took pictures for Facebook.
Called my brother.
Assumed I was probably fine.
I wasn’t.
A stranger stopped to help. Then a fire crew just happened to be driving by (shoutout to Inyokern’s finest). They shoved a chest tube in me on the side of the road — and yes, it hurt like hell. I still managed to joke with them about saving my pants. They listened. Good dudes.
Then came the ambulance. Then the helicopter. Then emergency surgery because it turns out…
I had 3 broken ribs
A ruptured intestine
Road rash on both arms
And a brand new appreciation for breathing
---
So Why Am I Asking for Help?
Goal: $5,000 (because vultures don’t pay for damage)
My Harley is wrecked: bent forks, twisted bars, crushed gauges, dented tank, destroyed mirrors, broken pegs, dirt in the fuel line… basically it’s a really sad lawn ornament right now.
I’ve been off work nearly two months healing and insurance only covered liability — no damage coverage. Hospital bills, meds, recovery gear, and basic survival add up fast.
---
Here’s What Your Donation Helps With:
Repairing or replacing the bike (therapy on wheels)
Covering basic living expenses while I finish healing
Medical stuff insurance doesn’t touch
Wound care supplies, vitamins, and sleeves (I’m serious about the sleeves)
---
The Bright Side? I’m Alive.
I’ll ride again. I don’t know when — but I will.
God clearly wasn’t done with me. (Or maybe He just wanted to make sure I finally got new handlebars.)
My brother has been amazing — making me breakfast, keeping me moving, and not once saying, “I told you so.” Friends have shown up, checked in, prayed for me, and reminded me that even when life gets absurd… I’ve still got people in my corner.
So if you can donate — thank you.
If you can share this — even better.
And if nothing else, please remember this:
Divorce is rough.
Vultures are rougher.
And if you ride a motorcycle… for the love of all things sacred, wear sleeves.
With gratitude and a bruised sense of humor,
Tony
On June 25, 2025, I was cruising over Walker Pass at 65 mph on my ’96 Harley Sportster, on my way to finalize a divorce. Sun’s out, no traffic, good vibes. Until nature decided to make things way more dramatic.
I saw the bird at the last second. It hit me square in the chest like a feathered linebacker. I tried to ride it out, but the sand had other plans. Bike went sideways. I went flying. I rolled 8 times — I counted. Then slid to a stop in the dirt.
Naturally, I got up, saw blood everywhere, and did what any responsible adult would do:
Took pictures for Facebook.
Called my brother.
Assumed I was probably fine.
I wasn’t.
A stranger stopped to help. Then a fire crew just happened to be driving by (shoutout to Inyokern’s finest). They shoved a chest tube in me on the side of the road — and yes, it hurt like hell. I still managed to joke with them about saving my pants. They listened. Good dudes.
Then came the ambulance. Then the helicopter. Then emergency surgery because it turns out…
I had 3 broken ribs
A ruptured intestine
Road rash on both arms
And a brand new appreciation for breathing
---
So Why Am I Asking for Help?
Goal: $5,000 (because vultures don’t pay for damage)
My Harley is wrecked: bent forks, twisted bars, crushed gauges, dented tank, destroyed mirrors, broken pegs, dirt in the fuel line… basically it’s a really sad lawn ornament right now.
I’ve been off work nearly two months healing and insurance only covered liability — no damage coverage. Hospital bills, meds, recovery gear, and basic survival add up fast.
---
Here’s What Your Donation Helps With:
Repairing or replacing the bike (therapy on wheels)
Covering basic living expenses while I finish healing
Medical stuff insurance doesn’t touch
Wound care supplies, vitamins, and sleeves (I’m serious about the sleeves)
---
The Bright Side? I’m Alive.
I’ll ride again. I don’t know when — but I will.
God clearly wasn’t done with me. (Or maybe He just wanted to make sure I finally got new handlebars.)
My brother has been amazing — making me breakfast, keeping me moving, and not once saying, “I told you so.” Friends have shown up, checked in, prayed for me, and reminded me that even when life gets absurd… I’ve still got people in my corner.
So if you can donate — thank you.
If you can share this — even better.
And if nothing else, please remember this:
Divorce is rough.
Vultures are rougher.
And if you ride a motorcycle… for the love of all things sacred, wear sleeves.
With gratitude and a bruised sense of humor,
Tony