By Jim Reece -
A deluge of motorcyclists passing through Amador County this weekend translated into crashes and injuries for three people. Many bikers were making the trek to a Reno, Nevada “Street Vibrations” event. A Stockton couple riding a 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle crossed the center line on dangerous Pioneer curves and crashed with an SUV Thursday on highway 88, east of Cooks Station. James Cook, 54, was driving the Harley and his passenger was Terry Cook. Both were seriously injured and were air-lifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with major injuries. A spokeswoman at Sutter Roseville Medical Center said the Cooks were in fair condition at the hospital Friday. California Highway Patrol reported that the Cooks were east-bound on Highway 88, approaching Nobb Hill at about 45 mph, when their Harley rounded a right-hand curve and Mr. Cook allowed the motorcycle to cross over into the west-bound lane. An approaching 2003 Dodge Durango veered to the right but was unable to avoid being side-swiped by the motorcycle. James and Terry Cook were ejected from the Harley. Craig Ziglar, 54, driver of the Durango, and his passenger, Stacey Ziglar, 52, both of Gardnerville, Nevada, were unhurt in the crash. Both left tires of the Durango were punctured in the crash. The collision occurred East of Mace Meadow Golf Course in a series of infamous curves that have been the scene of many motorcycles, automobiles and trucks crashes in the past. There was no clear reason why the motorcycle crossed the center line and CHP were still investigating the accident. On Thursday, another motorcycle crash resulted in major injury. CHP reported that Robert Lockwood, 66, of San Jose was riding his 2009 Harley Davidson east-bound on Highway 88, east of Cooks Station at about 3:30 p.m., when he failed to maintain the motorcycle within the east-bound lane. The Harley left the roadway at the south road edge. Lockwood was ejected from the motorcycle as it rolled over multiple times. He sustained major injuries and was transported by helicopter to Sutter Roseville, where he remained in good condition Friday.
