Posted by ThinkingForMySelf on July 5, 2007 at 2:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They need to put one of those electronic signs up on Hwy. 33 like what you see along various arteries giving road conditions ahead, but this one would keep the death toll for motorcycle accidents along with the date of the last fatality. All year long, but particularly during warm weather, they just keep coming up unprepared, unskilled and die up on those curves of Hwy. 33. Even so called skilled get killed riding up there.

Posted by lrgvanman on July 5, 2007 at 4:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How many times have you come around a corner up there and had to veer to the right because some thoughtless daredevil was speeding and leaning into your lane on a blind curve? Some tend to have a racing bug. Remember the guy on the Harley that was cruising that was hit by the oncoming racer? Oh, I know that curve with the 24 inch high stone wall 'cause there's only one like it with all the other vehicles below. This should actually apply to all vehicles but when one rides a motorcycle, one must keep in mind the dangers of road conditions, the "other guy" and alertness as well as being responsible. Otherwise, someone reads about you in the paper like we just did.

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on July 5, 2007 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder how BOTH crashed? Seems odd.

Posted by lawson_wayne on July 5, 2007 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The second one may have crashed because he was behind and became fixated on the lead rider. Could have been gravel or sand on the road.

Posted by bugmenot on July 5, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RIP to the fallen rider.

Galaz, to a speedy recovery.

Posted by JenLynn on July 5, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I took away from the article that they were on the same motorcycle...anyone else?

Posted by bugmenot on July 5, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JenLynn, the article uses motorcycles, plural.

Posted by tjkoster on July 5, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My wife and I drove Highway 33 yesterday morning and wondered why there were so many emergency vehicles coming back down the mountain. After they passed there were motorcyclsts, one after another, in full race gear and pushing the envelope. One leaned in so far that he almost clipped us. Another had to straighten out to keep from clipping us and wobbled so much that he almost lost control. My wife said "one of these guys is going to get killed." I agreed. At the top of the mountain was a sharp curve covered with sand and gravel, and a stone wall just beyond. In the middle of the road was a motorcyclist. Dead. On his back, partially covered and bracketed by two CHP cars.
Chilling scene. My wife broke into tears-- all we could think about was the young man's family.
So tragic.
What's worse is that the racers we saw had to have passed his body and still decided to race downhill.
I understand the thrill of speed and the need to push the envelope. But that's a treacherous road because of the sand, gravel, and cliffs.
Be smart out there people. If you have to pump testosterone, get on the track so that an ambulance can get to you.

Posted by socal1200r on July 5, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wonder if these guys took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, or even had motorcycle licenses? Sounds like it was operator error, not oncoming traffic or road conditions. Like those pro football players who got in motorcycle accidents, neither of which had motorcycle licenses, tends to support Darwin's theory of evolution...

Posted by rebel123 on July 5, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Instead of putting up a sign on the road warning of dangerous turns, they need to put a sign, backwards, on the helmets of riders that says "this vehicle can kill you....ride with caution" so that everytime they look in their rearview mirror they see it!!

Posted by dennisisms on July 5, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My riding partner and I were on the scene moments after it happened. Nothing we could do to help. We visually searched with so many others for so long and the helicopter finally found him.
It's nearly impossible to believe that Galaz lived.
God bless them both but you crotch rocket riders MUST slow down.
I cried.

Posted by OxnardNative on July 5, 2007 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The thing that gets me is the fact that these new crotch rockets are capable of just about anything. The riders however are NOT. These youngsters think if they buy a bike that can do anything they too should be able to. That's obviously not so. I ride and have for some 25 years but I ride with all due respect for my ability, lack of ability, others and the bike. Too many riders today have no respect and end up paying for it; case and point here. A tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the lost as well as for a full recovery for the other accident victim who survived. May he live to ride another day, respectively!

Posted by stave1 on July 5, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've gone up the 33 for 35 yrs now on a Harley. We just putt... I've accually "jumped" riding on the back of the bike because they just pass on a blind curve or whatever. Plus I can't hear them coming over the thunder of our bike. Motorcycle and Car racers walk the track that they will drive in order to not have any suprises on the track. But, on the 33 if you don't drive it daily anything could be on the road. My husband didn't make a curve on the 166. You just can't be careful enough.

Posted by Isawherfirst on July 6, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish people who did not have a clue of this accident, would mind there on bizz... I suggest removal of all comments but mine... (WHY) Cause I was there! He died holding my hand! Not yours! You want to talk about street bikes, yet there were 10x more cars over that cliff then bikes!! If you need to comment!! It should be the lack of arrows on the tightest blind turn out there!! The lack of a suggest speed sign for that turn!! You should also bring up the gravel that those 35 plus trucks a day dropped all over the road which caused the bike to slide out from under him and hit the wall!! Bottom line is... There is still one in the hospital hanging on for dear-life!! All it was, was a bunch of friends who love to ryde doing what they love 2 do for the past 3 years plus... They set out on a stunning but hot day to be with the guys, just wanting to have fun... Yet God had decided he needed someone special on a day that we wanted him 2 stay... (never believe what you read) They could not even get his age right! "One ryder I will never forget and love with all my heart" please, let him R.I.P.

Posted by xagenx on July 6, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My wife and I went riding that day and came onto the scene and saw the fallen lifeless rider partially covered by the blanket and the torn up bike on the tow trucks flat bed. It sent a horrible wave of sadness through me and I struggled to hold back the tears as I began to realize what had just happened. I thought about the family and how sad it must be for his friends and loved ones. I can only imagine what Isawherfirst had to deal with that day. And for those posters who don't actually ride, just keep it to yourselves. I have been riding for most of my life and the biggest threat on the road is inconsiderate and careless cars. If you rode, you would know this. If Caltrans or whoever is suppose to maintain the roadways would take into consideration how dangerous it is to have all that gravel on the 33, we would not have to have this post here. We ride the 33 every other week and the gravel just keeps getting worse. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the fallen fellow brothers in the wind.

Posted by Les2588 on July 6, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with [isawherfirst]. Me being one of the victim's nice advice all of you who do not know what really is going on to please KEEP YOU COMMENTS TO YOUR SELF!!!.. as for the riding experience.. that is [not] true.. they did not have 3 years riding.. Just so you know Both Oscar and my uncle only had about 4 mnths with those bikes.. Both families Oscar's and Jose's are devastated.. As for Jose's we are Sad yet thankful that he is alive. As for Oscar who was a great Guy/friend/Son ect..we wish the best n our most deepest condolences... I hope this is a lesson to all of you people who have short experience bike riding and already want to go out there and do it all... I'm sorry but it takes time and dedication.. It's sad to say and admit that unfortunately the ONLY ONES responsible for what happend is them... And there is no one to blame, Not the other bike riders or anyone else but them...I wanna thank a lot of our friends and family who have been there for us and will continue to be there for us...God bless all of you.. And for those of you that DO NOT KNOW what happened i suggest you keep your comments to your self and continue doing what you were doing..

have a nice day -Leslie-

Posted by NothingButTheTruth on July 6, 2007 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of talk about what (gravel) was on the road. 22350 VC says: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of
persons or property." So whether it be those of you riding motorcycles or driving cars, YOU have the capability of PREVENTING this be driving at a safe speed: not one that's too fast for curves; or too fast to make through gravel; or too fast for your skill, etc. Blaming the highway is silly AND begs the question: "If the highway is bad, why aren't ALL motorcycles (and cars) crashing?" Just like most pilots who crash; sans driver error, the drivers could have PREVENTED their demise. If we live by the sword of poor driving habits, this case proves we can die by it too. One "right" we don't have is to hurt those who love us by driving poorly. So, now we pray for the deceased Mr. Funes and injured Mr. Galaz. All drivers, motorcylists & cars, SLOW IT DOWN on SR 33 and enjoy the drive.

Posted by Isawherfirst on July 6, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"NothingButTheTruth" sounds like a (cop talk)... I will let you know that gravel does matter and there have been many lawsuits for road conditions!! Where the state has paid out millions!! Sure he might have been going a little fast for the conditions!! But if there were signs like I also had mentioned then there would not be so many cars over the edge as well!! Oviously that turn is a problem!! That desperlitly needs SIGNS!! You guys built a stone wall 3 feet high to keep people on the road... Don't you think signs should come with that wall?? Oviously the person above is a cop or something similar and only stands up 4 "his" type of people!! Thats why so many people are starting not to trust or like cops these days...hum... What a surprise... Just let him REST IN PEACE!! If you do not have something nice 2 say... then.... Don't say anything!!

Posted by youngster on July 6, 2007 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was there talking to Oscar before the rest of the riders came back. We knew that they both had less than four months experiance. The gravel was ridiculous on the 33 that day there was one turn where the whole road had gravel on it from edge to edge. Sorry for your family's loss Leslie.

R.I.P. Oscar

Posted by NothingButTheTruth on July 6, 2007 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Isawherfirst, you missed the point. All the signs in the world and the cleanest roads in the world won't help if "we" as driver's don't use common sense when driving AND accept responsibility when we don't. Even youngster says "the gravel was ridiculous on the 33 that day"; that having been said, wouldn't common sense tell you: "Hey, I better slow way down and ride careful?"

Posted by thefacts on July 6, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think you are wrong NothingButTheTruth, I was one of the riders there and the reason they went down is because there is a lack of signs up to warn of the decreasing radios turn. The riders were not experienced enough to know how to handle a sharp cut off of the road, and there was nothing there to tell them to be more careful. The corner started out wide and smooth but ended with a blind and fast cut off point that only an experienced rider can handle without warning. We had been riding for about 2 hours at that point and were well aware of the road condition and had adjusted our speed accordingly, but the lack of signs to warn of sharp turns and speed limit postings to indicate proper speed for road technicality was what lead to the event at hand. You (NothingButTheTruth) like my friend said; sound like a police officer, and the fact that you automatically assume that the incident was the riders fault without knowing the details of the incident is very disturbing and helps explain why so many riders get harassed without justification.
I am seeing nothing but finger pointing but nobody is discussing the solution that Isawherfirst suggested for the problems on the road. If there are simply more signs to warn people of the road technicality (the kind that are all over Malibu and Angeles Crest Highway) then this article would never have come up and I would still have my friend.

Let Oscar rest in piece and stop spitting on his grave.

Posted by NothingButTheTruth on July 7, 2007 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoa thefacts, you too miss the point. If after riding 2 hours and "well aware of the road condition", then drive accordingly is all I'm saying. Signs? The more Caltrans puts up, the more people get bored seeing them and ignore them. Most often the reason people crash on the Maricopa Hwy is because they've erred in their driving; it's not that steering gives out or brakes were faulty. It's no different that pilots who try to fly too far on low fuel, run out of gas and crash. I'm sure other M/C rides made it around the curve w/o crashing. It bothers me that you find fault with trying to get people to ride/drive more careful on that highway. Please send Caltrans a letter and ask them to take a second look regarding sinage.

Posted by thefacts on July 7, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don’t see fault in trying to get people to ride/drive more carefully on that highway. I do see fault in the assumption that the two riders that went down were riding carelessly. Yellow signs that warn of sharp turns ahead are very functional and necessary to help prevent such incidents. When it is a regular speed limit sign then yes; you have a point that people ignore them but I don’t see how people can get bored with something that tells them what is just ahead.

Posted by ridefast on July 7, 2007 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two friends of mine and I just visited the scene. We all have been riding for years, and analysed the scene carefully. The skid marks make it clear that the first rider got into the turn too hot (or looked at the view and fixated on it), got scared and grabbed the brakes. When you grab the brakes in a turn, the bike straightens up, and goes straight ahead. The hit to the wall from the first rider distracted the second enough to fixate and follow. We saw the license plate bracket, not yet with an official plate it was so new.

The purchase of these new, fast bikes should come with a free MSF coupon, or a coupon for a free track day, so that these new riders understand how to ride when things get scary or uncomfortable. The dealers make it too easy to buy a bike and ride it in the canyons without any experience.

Godspeed Oscar.

Posted by AIRLESSMILES on July 7, 2007 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2 of my friends and I rode that trail today. We had this ride planned for more than a week now and I did not learn of the accident until yesterday. Let me start off by saying that my heart goes out to their families. I myslef am lucky because I too went down on the 4th, only in Santa Clarita, off San Francisquito Cyn, on a 25 MPH posted sign curve. It was my fault for going into the curve too hot and too narrow, so coming off the pavement into the dirt I went down. Needless to say I'm alright, my bike repairable, and good enough to make today's ride, sore and all. So after reading all the messages and the article, I knew I would definately take it easy today, and I did. On the way up there, my friends and I stopped to pay homage to the riders. A lot of you make good points and in the end, no matter how you look at it, it's just plain tragic. What I did want to mention though, is that while we were there, we found a set of keys attached to a Kawasaki M/C key. My buddy picked them up, so if any of you know whom they might belong to, and if there is an address to mail them to, let me know and I will forward the info to my buddy. Again, my condolences to the families. My heart goes out to them and may Oscar forever rest in peace and Jose pull through to see another beautiful day! For all you riders out there, from the bottom of my heart, PLEASE ride safe, and be safe.

Posted by assidiousfairy on July 11, 2007 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Airlessmiles I was very good friends with both riders who went down and they were both riding Kawasaki M/C. They called them the twins. So im thinking it might have been one of theirs I dont believe they recieved their keys back. So if you could call 562-569-4684 It would be highly appeciated. thank you

Posted by Prodigy on July 26, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone has interesting and even valid points. As a seasoned streetbike (not cruiser) rider of 17 years, I can say that sometimes it's the rider and sometimes it's the road.

When we put our leathers on we are aware of the dangers that lerk. I still believe it's the environment that makes riding more dangerous than the bike itself. I am sorry to hear of this accident, and it does sound like an accident to me.

I think ALL county roads need consideration of updated speed signs on corners and hazards in Ventura, SB and SLO counties.

Godspeed

Posted by shannon on August 1, 2007 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NothingButTheTruth while I understand your perspective and support the need for personal responsibility there is no comparison between cars and bikes. Bikes balance on two wheels and cars don't. A single stone or patch of oil can cause a bike to go down where a car would be unaffected. There are two key point here as I see it. The first is education. New riders have the wrong instincts built in from driving cars. When you hit a decreasing radius turn hitting the brakes is the exact wrong thing to do but the natural reaction. Better cornering lines and corner entries and more lean angle is the way to handle those situations. Riders safety courses teach that. Track day classes teach that. Several great books teach that and so does experience. I highly recommend "Proficient Motorcycling"( 1 and 2 ) by David Hough
http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Moto...
as well as "Sport Riding Techniques" by Nick Ienatsch
http://www.amazon.com/Sport-Riding-Te...
which have both saved mine and my buddies hides more than once. Read them, memorize them, ride them. It will save your life no matter how experienced you are. We just lost a friend on Grimes Cyn a couple of weeks ago and buried him on Sunday. Dave was a absolute bro but he was a new rider and took a corner too hot and faded over the double yellow into a head on with a car. His family and friend are devastated so I can empathize with the friends and family of Oscar and Jose.
The second is that road engineers and CalTrans often fail to remember that bikes share the road and have different requirements than cars. The raised edges of lanes under construction are known as edge traps and are deadly to bikes(even to professional racers) yet they are often poorly marked if at all. Dirt and mud kicked up accross the road don't affect cars but are murder for bikers. And yes unmarked, anomilus corners that hide decreasing radius turns are big hazards. Even a car washing it's windshield in front of you can ruin your visibility.
What we need is to attack these problems on all fronts with education, better engineering and personal responsiblity.

Rest easy Oscar. Get well Jose. We are all brothers leaning in the wind.

Posted by Isawherfirst on February 15, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This was and is my FAMILY of Ryders!! I am (NiteRyders) Those are my pics on Myspace and video's on Youtube, this is my Crew!! Its crazy how people have lost VALUES in life! Instead of saying "SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS" they want to put down and insult a dead person! That is the reason the world is so trashed today! Its the reason we have 54 prison in California! Nobody cares and Nobody has VALUES! Tell me, WHY was there regular work trucks over the cliff and momma's mini van. Were they racing too? This was my ride and it was a joy ride, not a competition. It was the 4th of July... It was a time to remember and a time to hang with your buddies... When we left the gas station, there were no plains any different then the 3 times a week we have all been enjoying riding together for years. There was no thought of lets go faster. It was no different then a Sunday in the crest! (ACH) The only difference is I loss my friend and family member that day! (NOT YOU) So if one of your family members gets murdered, should I be a (donkey) and say, "well they should not have pissed off that guy and they would have been alive today..." No, you say, "that sucks, I am sorry, is there anything I can do for you?" NOW THAT'S VALUES! We all take risks in life. Some jump out of plains, some fight for this country. We all know the risks before we do them. Its not that anyone wants to die, yet sometimes you don't come back from war. Are you gonna tell his parents something like, "what an idiot for standing up for his country" I DID NOT THINK SO! So don't pick on anyone who is doing what they believe in! (Gain some VALUES in life) EVEN IF YOUR UN-HAPPY WITH YOURSELF... The reason I do not like cops... They knew Oscar Funes Died at the seen! They still sent a traffic ticket to a DEAD MANS HOUSE! Answer that 4 me? Also, tell me why there report said, "he hit a 2-3 foot wall at about 50 mph", yet they told the parents, it was a 15 foot wall at 150 mph... Again, this is why the world is in the toilet! EVEN THE COPS HAVE NO VALUES! that's why less and less people respect them... all I have left to say, I love you Oscar Funes, and I will Ryde till I die for you!