BANGOR — Two couples who were riding motorcycles with a large group were injured Saturday when the drivers lost control of their bikes upon encountering a stretch of soft shoulder on Grindstone Road, a Penobscot County sheriff’s deputy said Sunday.
The first crash happened shortly before 12:30 p.m., when a motorcycle driven by Ronald Wellman, 51, of Belmont got out into the shoulder, causing him to lose control, Deputy Mike Knights said.
The second happened shortly afterward when fellow motorcyclist Albert Moores, 37, of Camden pulled over to help and also lost control of the motorcycle he was driving.
Wellman and his passenger, 52-year-old wife Holly Wellman, as well as Moores and his passenger, 37-year-old wife Randi Moores, all were injured and taken to Millinocket Regional Hospital, the deputy said.
Ronald Wellman suffered back injuries, while his wife suffered a head injury, Knights said, adding that Holly Wellman’s injury would have been much worse had she not been wearing a helmet, as her head struck a utility pole.
Albert Moores suffered a back injury and his wife complained of pain, Knights said.
The Wellmans, whose injuries were serious but not considered life-threatening, later were transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center. Knights said both remained there on Sunday evening. Their medical conditions were not immediately available.
Knights said that neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the crashes. He was assisted at the scene by Maine State Police from the Houlton barracks and by Patten emergency medical personnel.
