TWO motorcyclists are stable in hospital after the bike they were riding collided with a feral pig near Coonabarabran yesterday.
The male rider and female pillion passenger were part of a larger group travelling to the National Harley Owners' Group (HOG) rally near Adelaide at Nuriootpa. The group was from the Gold Coast branch of the HOG.
According to ambulance reports a feral sow walked onto the road about 8.40am yesterday with a litter of between six and 10 piglets.
The motorbike collided with the pig, the force of the crash killing the animal and throwing both riders from the bike.
Both were seriously injured and ambulance and police officers were called from Narrabri and Coonabarabran to attend the scene.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter brought in a medical team that worked to stabilise both injured parties. The man, aged 43, was transported via the helicopter to Tamworth Hospital. Medical staff confirmed yesterday he remained there in a serious but stable condition.
The pillion passenger, also described as in her early forties, was first transported by road ambulance to Coonabarabran Health Service and then redirected to Dubbo Hospital where she was also described as stable.
Coonabarabran Police said it was unusual for feral pigs to be in the vicinity of the highway at that time of day. They said the area surrounding the highway was well vegetated but the land directly adjoining the road had been cleared.
Gold Coast HOGs assistant director, and former safety officer with the group, Garry Luxmoore was not among the riders at Coonabarabran but said he understood the injured riders were both receiving adequate treatment for their injuries.
"From what I understand they are both reasonably comfortable. We wish them well and a speedy recovery," he said.
He said both riders had urged the rest of their party to continue on to the national rally.
"I believe they were both completely conscious and confident and they asked the rest of the group to continue."
Mr Luxmoore said members of the Gold Coast HOG undertook safety training and programs to ensure best practice.
"We take safety extremely carefully," he said.
"Unfortunately there are things that are completely out of the driver û or rider's û control."