Malcolm---I understand that they are used primarly for two
reasons---seperation from boat by dramatically slowing the driver in
relation to the boat---and to stop the tumbling-so that ones extrimities
don't "dig in" . I would think that there would be just as much benefit
to a bike rider. I have witnessed two deployments---pretty
impressive---wmts
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-land-speed@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-land-speed@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Malcolm Pittwood
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2004 12:29 PM
To: LSR List
Subject: Safety on an 'open bike'
Gary and List
The chutes for Hydros (by Lifeline in USA) are to drop a body feet first
from say a starting point of about 200 mph into the water at a
survivable speed. But I would expect there to be injuries to the pilot.
I have to say that to me, starting at 100 mph more, the last thing you
may want to do is hit the ground feet first - as surely the legs and
feet have the least amount of protection. (Hey - but I am not a biker
nor do I intend to go so fast holding onto the bars and pegs).
Once away from any form of protective cage with harness, is such a high
speed accident likely to be survivable. What do the helmet makers say
about head protection at this landing speed? What about the neck area -
would a HANS device be needed too?
I watched Jon Minnono being racer taped around his back and around under
the tank to his 'sit on streamlined but generally open bike at
Bonneville.
All because the wind pressure could have ripped him from the saddle in
his crouched position.
300+ mph should surely be left to the enclosed streamlined, recumbemt
rider, two wheelers, IMHO?
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England
Project Administrator - Gillette Mach 3 Challenger. Peak of 360 mph,
332.877 mph one way kilo.
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