Was riding all over Galveston with GoPro camera mounted atop helmet, getting good video of bikes, girls,

beach, girls,

all the service tents, etc., etc.
Had made a couple loops down seawall, through town and back to Strand. Don't remember what street it was but I was going South. Came to cross street with stop sign. I stopped and waited for several cars and bikes to clear and I went across. Next stop sign is two blocks down. Going about 10 mph I approached intersection but could not see to the right. Eased out a bit and could not see anything coming. Let clutch out, started rolling, looked up, AWW CRAP, this is gonna hurt. POW, I T-boned him on left side. the next few seconds are a blur but i wound up doing a face plant on nice warm pavement right on my already ugly mug.
Helmet flew off, glasses broke, scratched and twisted all to, well, they were twisted. Camera came out of mount and went skittering to some where else.
My .45 auto came out of the holster and slid a ways. I landed right on top of it. Rolled over, grabbed pistol and put it back in holster. By then there was probably ten people around me going "Dude, are you alright"? Guess what my answer was.
EMT's and Police arrived and the usual blocked road scenario happened. I told the Police Officer that I had a weapon on me. He looked at me and said "Yeah, so do I, where you got it hid?" Right side I answered. He said "Well let go of it and I'll get it." Cool as all get out.
There's more but I can't type too well with one hand.
Long Story Short: Take nothing for granted. The instant you do will be the instant you come up with Unannounced Dismount, and that hurts like a big dog. Nothing is so important that you and I both can't take the time to ensure our own safety and well being. DON'T GAMBLE, the odds are always in the House's favor, not yours.
Guys, thanks for all the well wishes and prayers and I send them right back to you also. PLEASE, drive your scoots sensibly and stay away from hospitals.
CoolPig