From time to time, we are reminded of why we choose to live in small communities like Powell River.
For me, the most recent event came on May 26 around 7 pm on the last stretch of road coming into the Earls Cove ferry terminal; you know, that straight stretch just before the Skookumchuck Narrows turn off.
I was riding my motorcycle along a mostly dry road, well before the last turn, and all of a sudden, I wasn’t!
I came off the bike when it hit moisture on the centreline and kicked out from under me. I remember thinking: “I know what’s happening, but is it really?”
It was. The bike slid off the road, through a ditch and stopped pointing up the other side, buried in the bushes.
Me? I found myself in the middle of the highway and a bit confused.
Before trying to get up, I “inventoried” my limbs and realized that nothing was broken; my helmet and the armoured jacket I wear both did their jobs. I am so thankful to have invested in good gear. It let me walk away, very sore, almost beaten up, but cogent and generally doing pretty good.
Nice story, I think, but that’s not why I am writing this.
We have all experienced the help of friends, neighbours and even strangers, but this event brought into focus how great those people are, maybe most of all the strangers. I had so many people stop or slow to help that it got almost humorous as I started trying to wave people on and that I was okay.
That said, at least 20 cars stopped to see that I was okay and to offer help. I got checked over by two trained first-aid people; I got a handful of first-aid supplies; a welcome can of iced tea; a hug…and I really did need one at that moment.
A couple of people gave me their cell numbers in case I needed help after they’d left. There were a lot more people just like that, all of whom were genuinely concerned and helpful.
The last two people to stop were a couple of youngish guys who offered to pull my bike back onto the road. I “knew” it wasn’t possible and told them as much: “It’s a thousand-pound bike!”
Their reply? “Don’t underestimate us.”
I had. They got the bike on the road with muscle and grit. I was able to start the bike and get to the terminal.
So often we look around us and see bad behaviour or insensitivity, but it pays to remember that the good among us far outnumber those who would not care. Folks from Powell River and the peninsula offer great examples of this community-mindedness. To them, and all of you who go out of your way for others, I say a big thank-you; you make a real difference.
Robert Dufour is a Powell River resident.
