Gordon wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:21 AM:Why is a tanker truck heading up Palomar Mountain on Sunday? Was the guy lost or something? I passed the tanker too as he was speeding up the mountain. Sucks to hear the person lost there life because of another persons stupidity.-

Ducati Joe wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:40 AM: Very unfortunate the way Sally Mata was taken on Sunday. I will pray for her husband and the family she leaves behind. Godspeed Sally, we won't forget you.-

Ryan wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:45 AM:Just as clarification: Last year's accident was caused by the young man crossing the double yellow and hitting Sally. Yesterday's accident was caused by a two trailer tanker truck pulling across the double yellow in front of Sally. She was an excellent, safe rider and always stayed within her limits. Rest in peace.-

SAD wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:20 AM:I pray for her and her family. But @ least she died doing what she loved.-

Chip wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:37 AM:This is sad. First she gets taken out by someone riding over his head, now she's killed by a semi truck making an illegal U-turn on a tight twisty road. Why no mention of what's going to happen to the idiot driver? Who makes a U-turn across a double yellow line on a twisty steep road with tons of blind corners? Will the driver be charged with manslaughter? Probably not! As has happened time and time again our legal system will prove that you can easily kill a motorcyclist with your car/truck/whatever and walk away with a financial slap on the wrist. R.I.P. Sally.-

to gordon wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:51 AM:thoughts and praiers go out to the ladys family. tanker trucks arent that fast to begin with

MotrFinger - Ray wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:58 AM:Oh my. I can't believe I spoke with her on Saturday and this happens on Sunday. Godspeed Sally RIP. My condolences to her entire family.

semi trucks wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:03 AM:arent even supposed to be using south grade! I used to work on Palomar, and those trucks would be going fast around corners and in the oncomming lane. What a sad thing! hope this accident will change some things with these inconsiderate semi trucks

ToGordon wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:05 AM:A tanker truck speeding UP the mountain? Right... Tank trucks go up there every day to haul down Palomar Mountain Spring Water. Another thrillseeker dies on Palomar Mtn...

A. wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:21 AM:I'm so sorry to hear about the woman. I saw the accident and I've been very depressed about it. My prayers go out to the family.-

To ToGordon wrote on Oct 1, 2007 11:45 AM:She wasn't a thrill seeker! She was a 60 year old woman enjoying a Sunday ride on her bike. The truck driver made an illegal u-turn over a solid yellow line. She was in her lane and obeying the law. Unfortunately she gets taken out by someone who wasn't. Not all motorcyclists are thrill seekers. My condolensces go out to Sally's family. May she rest in peace.-

RCH wrote on Oct 1, 2007 11:51 AM:Why is it that people think they can make U-turns wherever they want? Next time you make a U-turn in the middle of the block, remember this. ToGordon wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:05 AM: ...Another thrillseeker dies on Palomar Mtn... ? She was 60 years old, I doubt she was dragging her knee around the corner. the truck made an illegal U-turn. My condolences to her family.-

CamperGoingHome wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:33 PM:I was going down the South Grade on Sunday, I always pull over to let bikes go by. It is dangerous road, no doubt about it. How many bikes going round a corner could stop if there was a stationary object in front of them, legal or illegal?

CamperGoingHome wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:43 PM:I was going down the South Grade on Sunday, I always pull over to let bikes go by. It is dangerous road, no doubt about it. How many bikes going round a corner could stop if there was a stationary object in front of them, legal or illegal?

Harley Driver wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:54 PM:RIP Sally. I have driven that road during weekdays, and I have seen tanker trucks cut corners and cross the center line. I am not a thrill seeker, just out to enjoy the drive and the scenery. Gordon, if you met that tanker truck head on in your car, you would be in a world of hurt.

Rocky wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:35 PM:I will miss riding with Sally, she was a great rider, she showed me how to ride smooth, while riding behind her. Many of riders tried to catch her, but she was to fast for them - she had style, grace and was pleasure to talk too. Sally was happy to tell you her age, at 59 she told me she loves to ride and this is what she wanted to do, I was fortunate to have known her, she was one of the best riders on the hill she loved to ride all the time even during the week nice to talk with, I really liked her a lot, She will be missed by all of us, and I will miss her a lot. best wishes. And Ben Im sorry for your loss, be strong. Best wishes

Jc wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:44 PM:Sally was a friend of mine. I met her at Escondido Work Out. I will miss seeing her there. Please post when her funeral will be.

Where in the article wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:51 PM:does it say that the Tanker Truck was making an illegal u-turn? Where does it say it was a semi? I'm curious where everyone is getting their information or are people reading the blog and assuming that is part of the article? I'm not familiar with South Grade Road but I'm pretty sure that there are places on any road where it is legal to make u-turns. Now before I get flamed - I'm not defending the driver of the truck, nor am I placing blame on Sally. I'm just curious about the content of the blogs since much of it makes assumptions NOT included in the article.

mountain resident wrote on Oct 1, 2007 3:35 PM:Not only do the trucker do stupid things. Just today I had guy so close behind me that if I stopped he would not have time to avoid driving up my butt. After turning off up to palomar you could hear his motor as he flew up the road.

I Don't think wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:10 PM:It was a U-turn. I'm pretty sure the water truck was making a left turn, pulling out of the water station where the truck fill up. If so, there's a long straightaway before the driveway, giving anyone going a reasonable speed time to see a truck pulling out... I'm not saying Sally was speeding, but many of the motorcyclists there do...

Blue wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:23 PM:Everything in life isnt always a RIGHT or Wrong. some... [stuff] is just a misfortunate accident. REALLY, stop tryna find blame with such a vague story. unless u were there u really dont know what happen. She died doing what she loves to do and i should be so lucky to die happy on my ride too. not in my house robe and some dingy ol' house slippers! Ride on Sally Jean Mata!, up in Heaven!

Jackie wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:04 PM:We will deeply grieve for and miss Sally and the way she touched our lives. She was a loving woman with many gifts to share with the world. She was also a safe and careful rider as others have noted. We will always be in our hearts and in the hearts of her other family members.

Peggy wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:05 PM:Sally was a patient of mine at Valley Center Dental, I cleaned her teeth last month, and spoke to her last week when she brought her elderly mother in to the office for dental work. She was a very nice person... She will be missed.-

Andrew wrote on Oct 1, 2007 11:39 PM:I'm not sure how many of you were at the scene, but it is something I will never forget. I was one of the three riders that were first on the scene, not more than 30 seconds after the crash. My girlfriend was the one stopping the downhill traffic, the other rider was keeping Sally's neck immoble and I was the one screaming down the mountain to get cell reception to call 911. The truck was a three axle tanker with a trailer. He was making a legal U-Turn and was part way into our lane. Not sure exactly what happened a few seconds before we arrived, but if Sally was going at any speed, the truck would have been difficult to avoid. I did not know her, but this is something that will always be in the back of my mind when I ride. A very sad day for all who knew or rode with her. She will be missed...-

ray wrote on Oct 2, 2007 1:09 AM:Sally, we will miss you...I was amazed on how you handle a bike on them twisties. I've always seen the back of your bike since you are always ahead of the pack, but never had a chance to talk to you...I did save your picture taken saturday before the crash...You were a great rider and safe one at that. I know, I've tried to follow you when you passed me but you are way too smooth... I hope you didn't feel any pain... May your soul rest in peace and prayers to the ones you've left behind./

sunday rider wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:59 AM:I never had the pleasure of meeting sally but I will pray for her and her family. As motorcycle riders we need to look deep inside and realize that it could have been anyone of us that day. We are involved in a sport that danger is a large part of the rush. I have always said that things happen for a reason and that when it is your time there is no escaping it. With this said, ride on the streets for fun and take it to the track for speed.-

Melissa wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:57 AM:Sally will be greatly missed, she truly was an amazing person. I am one of the lucky ones who had the pleasure of meeting her. My thoughts are with you Ben, take care and be strong... GODSPEED

SPEED wrote on Oct 2, 2007 5:29 PM:Met Sally quite a few years ago on Palomar Mountain. I was amazed at her skill level, and wished to become such a rider someday. A couple years later after I had lots more riding time under my leathers, we met up again, and put some good runs in. I offered to take her to the track several times, but unfortunately was unsuccessful at making it happen. I think she would have really loved it. I'm going to miss you Sally. Thanks for the good times!

2wheels wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:42 PM:My husband was riding up on Palomar Mtn today and spoke with the officer that was on the scene Sunday. Just for everyone's knowledge, apparently it is totally legal for the Palomar Mtn water trucks to make a uturn at that turnout. I guess they are unable to make the right turn into the gate and have to turn around and then turn left into the gate. As crazy as it is, they can do it. All of the years of riding up there and he never knew that. Very sad...

chixgix wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:53 PM:I was riding Palomar Sunday and will never forget the feeling I had of knowing that one of the people who understood why we love riding so much may have been hurt. I can't get it out of my head and I just want to remind her family how much everyone is thinking about her. Please don't forget...she left doing something she loved!

Tracker wrote on Oct 2, 2007 11:32 PM:SPEED wrote on Oct 2, 2007 5:29 PM: " Met Sally quite a few years ago on Palomar Mountain. I was amazed at her skill level, and wished to become such a rider someday. A couple years later after I had lots more riding time under my leathers, we met up again, and put some good runs in. I offered to take her to the track several times, but unfortunately was unsuccessful at making it happen. I think she would have really loved it. I'm going to miss you Sally. Thanks for the good times! " All this mention of Palomar Mtn and taking Sally to a track...I'm getting the hunch that she regularly engaged in riding too fast for conditions, and likely contributed to her own demise.

Jackie wrote on Oct 3, 2007 8:08 AM:Tracker, that just isn't true. Please remember her family and loved ones are reading these posts and don't be so insensitive. Sally was a very safe and careful rider. Even if the what the trucker did was legal, he was still partially in her lane and what happened was an accident through no one's fault, especially not Sally's.-

2wheels wrote on Oct 3, 2007 9:10 AM:Sally was a great rider, and NEVER rode over her head. I have had the pleasure of riding with both her and her husband on several occasions, and although they are very quick, they were always very safe. Their riding style, equipment, and skill level is impeccable. I talked with the officer yesterday as he did his investigation of the accident, and as long as there is 200ft of straight rode, anyone can make a U-Turn on a double yellow line after a blind curve. Althought this may be legal, this is very dangerous. I could imagine Sally's surprise heading out of the left hander, and getting on the gas and seeing this truck turning in front of her. I feel that the Palomar Mtn water company should have their trucks go up the North grade of Palomar, and then down the South grade so these huge vehicles can make the left turn into the gate. I feel although this will be more expensive for the company, it will save lives in the future. I have been riding Palomar Mtn for 14 years, and I never knew on this particular section this company was doing these U-Turns with these huge vehicles.

Ryan wrote on Oct 3, 2007 1:42 PM:... Thank you for all the kind and loving comments. It matters little to me if the tanker performed a legal or illegal U Turn. I'm sure he is suffering too with what happened, and I want him to know that all is forgiven. [She] put her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. And although my heart aches badly for her, I have the greatest joy and hope, that by the mercy, power, and love of Christ, I will be reunited with her someday. She died doing what she loved, knowing all the risks, and she died with her husband there. Please be careful on the mountain and always be prepared to meet your Maker. She was.

NewCruiser wrote on Oct 3, 2007 5:51 PM:I arrived at the corner where a girl was waving at bikes to slow or stop. I stopped and slowly went around. There was the horrific accident before me. I could only wait the twenty or so minutes until the paramedics came and then sadly turned around to go down the back Palomar road. My thoughts go out to all involved. I've only had my cruiser for two weeks though I rode sport bikes in the eighties when I was younger. The danger never goes away.

Long time resident of Palomar wrote on Oct 3, 2007 7:02 PM:I have witnessed an unbelievable amount of carnage on the roads of Palomar most involving motorcycles. Much blame is being cast around. This time some blame the truck, what if it were a cow in a blind corner? Blame the rancher? How about a boulder or land slide, blame the road dept.? How about a fallen tree or a deer, who to blame then. I dont know if speed was a factor in this accident but to all the bikers that do speed slow down! You dont know what's around the next curve. I hope some good can come of this tradgedy by making bikers aware of the dangers that can be in the road ahead. Palomars roads are not a race track, they are roads to be shared by all. I morne the loss of another life.

2 wheels wrote on Oct 3, 2007 9:59 PM:To Family and Friends: Please let us know, or Escondido Cycle Center know if there will be a "ride day" for Sally. I would love to pay my respects to her, and help the family in any way I can.

Seesm wrote on Oct 4, 2007 9:47 AM:The story was not really clear, but how could it be only Sally and the driver (truck) know what really happened. Anyway all of you trying to read past what is actually written in the story or people's post make me laugh. Bike's are what I love, but they are dangerous, Cars are ok but they too are dangerous. Bicycles are dangerous and walking can be dangerous. EVERYTHING that is fun is dangerous. Heck I know some relationships I have had have been dangerous. Live your life to the fullest as tomorrow is promised to none of us.

Bummer wrote on Oct 4, 2007 11:58 AM:Ryan and Jackie we are sorry for the loss of your mom. I know that with your strong beliefs in the Lord Jesus Christ that you will see her again. There is another person who saw the accident first hand...he is going to take a long time to get over this and will suffer a great hole in his heart. I have no opinion about the accident other than it was the day Sally was called home and Ben is left behind. I wish all the family comfort...-

1998R1 wrote on Oct 4, 2007 5:34 PM:I too have had the pleasure of following Sally's beautiful riding style. She had grace, skill, and as said NEVER driven over her head, It seems each time she was not at fault. 2Wheels said it best go up the East grade and down the south, a U-Turn in a truck is nuts, seems like a short cut. I feel the truck should not do a U-Turn no matter how legal it is it is still unsafe. 1st time she was hit by a motorcycle and now a truck. For the residence of Palomar, motorcyclists bring alot of money to your local economy and are people just like you we all love the mountain. It is beautiful to be there and out in the open on a motorcycle. I have been going to this mountain since 1989 and will continue to go on my bike to enjoy both the mountain, the people, and the PUBLIC road. RIP Sally we will all miss you. My prayers are with her husband my heart goes out to you.

Irene S. GSX1000 wrote on Oct 5, 2007 9:55 PM:I just recieved the bad news about the drastic accident of Sally. I am totally sad. She was like an idol for me, every time I saw her driving her bike at Palomar , I always said, "one day I will be a such good driver like her". I'm going to miss you Sally. I want respectfully send all my love and hugs to her family. (I don�t know is the funeral is already finish, but it is not, please, can some one say where and when will be?. Thank you.)

ALAN wrote on Oct 6, 2007 11:26 AM:I HAVE NEVER MET SALLY, BUT I KNEW WHO SHE WAS AND HAVE BEEN PASSED BY HER ON A FEW OCCASIONS. I KNOW SHE WAS ONE OF THE FASTER RIDERS ON THE MOUNTAIN, AND ALSO ONE OF THE SMOOTHEST AND SAFEST. IT IS VERY SAD TO KNOW ONE OF THE LONG-TIMERS IS NO LONGER WITH US. MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.

Whipped Dead Horse wrote on Oct 7, 2007 11:15 PM:Okay, folks...enough about Sally and all of your meaningless rhetoric about your motorcycle prowess, your infinite wisdom about riding skills and unsupported speculation about the cause & fault in the accident. Leave that to the experts and reconstructionists. Get off this subject and go read something with more substance like world affairs!

Richard wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:14 PM: You know, I purchased my 2007 Yamaha R1 in June and had big intentions on hitting up Palomar Mountain. I have ridden to other places such as Julian and Santa Ysabele but havent been to good ole Palomar Mountain. I found out about this accident through a guy I sold a helmet to. This hit me big time!! You would think it is just you and the road....not!!!! I am sorry to hear of this. I dont know Sally and never got the privilege to ride with her but from reading about her, she sounds hip and hard to keep up with! From what I hear, she doesnt ride no cruzer neither......WoW!! My heart goes out to Sally and her family. R.I.P God Bless Ride Safe

Silver ZX10 Marc wrote on Oct 9, 2007 9:29 AM:R.I.P. Sally

Rick wrote on Oct 9, 2007 2:40 PM:I will carry your picture with me always

chris wrote on Oct 12, 2007 12:04 PM:my brother was almost killed in a mc accident. a school teacher ran a stop sign,i still ride today but alot more caution.if u ride where u are hard to see ahead of u just be more cautious.i am not saying sally was at fault or the truck driver was.we all have to drive real defensive in areas where u can not c ahead very far. if u can make a u-turn legally it still might not be a bad idea not to. never insist on the right of way.its a law we all can live with. R.I.P. SALLY

Maria wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:05 PM:Thank you all for your comments and insights about Sally Jean Mata. She will be missed by everyone that she touched in her lifetime. Her memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20th at Emmanuel Faith Community Church. We will post the final details on Monday after we meet with the Pastor.

Irene S. GSX1000 wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:17 PM:Hello Maria, I would like to know if you have all the information about the memorial service. I hope you do not forget to post it on this webside. Thank you so much. Irene

anthony wrote on Feb 6, 2008 3:28 PM:this is very sad too here, Dmae cagers