Fishermen flock to Washington County’s Scoggins Valley Park at Henry Hagg Lake, but it’s also a great place to ride a motorcycle. Located 5 miles southwest of Forest Grove, Or., the man-made lake was formed after the construction of the dam in the mid-1970s. The road offers up a 10.5 mile ride route that circles the lake and traverses a number of picnic areas and boat launches. The roads at Hagg are mainly long sweepers and they can be rode fairly aggressive for experienced riders with an appropriate motorcycle.
Unfortunately we learned today that a group of approximately 18 riders were traveling around the lake yesterday when on the first right hander after the Boat Ramp (there is a bridge) one of the riders Kenneth Dawkins, age 36, crashed into the guard rail and died at the scene. Another motorcyclist, Viacheslav Kostyushko, age 21, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was discharged from the hospital. There is more information posted HERE. Another motorcyclist survived, but was taken to a local area hospital. According to reports, Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to the scene and are still trying to determine what caused the crash.
I didn’t know Kenneth Dawkins (KJ), but I wanted to sent my condolences to the family. He was an experienced rider and the founder of Pure Speed Icons (PSI). This accident is very unfortunate and sad. Please be careful out there. KJ leaves behind an ex-wife and a 10 year old son.
As I learn more I’ll update the post and provide any additional details on services and fund raising to help the family.
RIP.
UPDATE: August 19, 2009 – Per the below IMPORTANT comment — KJ leaves behind a girlfriend of 9 years and they had a 15-year old daughter of which he was the father figure besides an ex-wife and 10-year old son.
UPDATE: August 20, 2009 – Forest Grove News Times provides more information on the accident HERE. Police request that a third rider known as “Chucky” call investigators to give a statement about the events.