Posted on Sun, Nov. 06, 2005
Biker hurt in 90-mph Cuesta Grade crash
The Tribune
A motorcyclist suffered major injuries when he lost control of his bike after doing a wheelie at more than 90 mph on the Cuesta Grade on Saturday afternoon.
Jason Wade Lopez, 25, of Santa Barbara was traveling about 80 mph north on Highway 101 near Ryan's Gate about 4:25 p.m. when he decided to pass the two other motorcyclists he was riding with, according to the CHP.
Lopez accelerated to 90 mph and did a wheelie as he passed the other riders. As he brought the front end of his 2004 Yamaha motorcycle down he went into a high-speed wobble, the CHP said. He was out of control for three or four seconds before the motorcycle tipped.
Lopez was thrown to the ground, slid off the roadway and hit the metal guardrail bordering the right shoulder. The impact caused major injuries, according to the CHP.
Lopez was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment.