....I'm done!

In thirteen months, I've laid her down twice. Both slow speed turns laid down on the left side. Both times with full gear (leathers, helmet, gloves). First time five broken ribs, punctured lung, fractured shoulder. and broken scapula. One month intensive care, two weeks hospital and 6 weeks of physical therapy. Really the whole thing was my fault. Just a lazy day ride through some minor twisties; beautiful day, great scenery and I was too relaxed. Got into the corner too far and hit some gravel on the pavement.

This second time was the same story. Same road, about 10 miles further into it, but different. I FROZE! I actually drove the damn thing right into the ditch and couldn't make it lean to save my life. Five broken ribs, broken scapula and fractured collar bone. The serious stuff.......a fracture of the C-2 vertabrae at the top of my spine. Within 1/2 inch of at least partial paralysis. That's enough for me.
I was considering a trike by next spring, but maybe I'm done for good. I will be in a full neck brace for at least 5 weeks, then ct's will determine any further steps such as surguries, etc.

Anyway, a big thank you to everyone on this site. You have made the past three years a great ride and I would send any of my friends here for help, advice and friendship. This is a wonderful bunch with more info available than any book I've seen. I thought I might lurk around for awhile, but frankly, it's really painful for me to watch from the sidelines. I'm 68 years old, and was beginning to question my eyesight and reflexes, so in a way this may have saved me from a worse fate.

Good luck to you all with the wind in your face and I'll keep a little corner of my prayers for each of you.

Well I have only been around this forum for a short time, but I hate to hear the bad news, Yes there are other things to consider in life than riding around on a motorcycle, and quite frankly to hear you talk I think you have made the right decision for you. There are other things to enjoy so I wish you the best at finding them. Good Luck with this round of medical problems. David

I think there is and will come a time when each of us has to make that decision

find a new hobby....and enjoy life and your health a little bit slower

rick

dryriver, bless you brother that you're still kicking and breathing. Some day all of us will come to this decision...Take'er lite and enjoy the rest of your life!!!!

It is your right to decide to hang up the throttle. You're still breathing so that's the good part in this. Hey, if you decide not to ride you could still stay involved by helping others to do mod's or even write a book or column or something.

..dl..

You're always welcome here.

Prayers are with you for a quick recovery and we'll miss ya on the forum.

I hear you. Good luck, and hopefully your path to recovery will be short and successful. New days bring new oppertunities, and perhaps a gentler hobby may be more up your alley. Have you considered sky diving, platform diving, or bungee-jumping? There's also ultimate fighting, sumo wrestling, and skiing in the alps. They won't bring quite the sensation of riding the *, but it's something, right?

Best of luck!
Jay

Dryriver, Heres to you for a quick recovery, and a healthy life. Your decision is a sound one. The roadie is a heavy and top heavy bike. Not saying thats bad, but you have to pay close attention slow speed operation or it can go over easy (but you know that with your experience) with no options of recovery. I myself took a break of twenty five years before riding again. I truley enjoy it now that I live in a rural area. I enjoy riding much more now than trying to survive in city traffic. City traffic is the reason I took the break, too many angry drivers out there that could give a hoot about anybody or thing except themselves. Got run off the road too many times. Now Ive got 10 more years until I'm 62 and retire for good. But I definately see triking my roadie when the day comes. So no matter what choice you make "Live your dreams"
I wish you fair winds and followings seas!
r/dennis

Not making light of a tough time but buy a Can Am Spyder.....

http://www.spyder-roadster.com/