Heartfelt thanks again to all who responded to the thread about my wreck last week. It has been a rough few days.

After long hard thought, I decided that riding has been too much of a part of my life for too long to just give it up easy. So, this morning I called Erin and ordered a replacement dot helmet, identical to the one that saved my life. I will be posting my testimonial on their website in the next few days.

It's not a matter of weather or not I can ride. Sure, I am logical enough and capable, (once I heal) to get on a motorcycle and ride it from point a to point b, it's just a matter of weather or not I will be capable of enjoying it. This is not my first go round with the asphalt, but previous go rounds were different. I.E., they were in a younger time and life, and preventable. In other words, I felt like I learned from them and could ride safer and prevent them in the future. With this one, there is no learning. There was simply nothing I could have done to prevent it. Nothing.

So, I have arranged with a close long time friend and riding partner to borrow his road king for a day, and give it another go round. Just see if I can really enjoy it, before dropping the money on a new ride. I will of course have to wait a good 6 to 8 weeks to heal before that will be an option.

Right now my life is a battery of tests, exrays, mri's, and pain. I took a few good licks, and even though there is not a lot of visible damage, my guts are a mess, and every little move still hurts and takes a toll on me. Right now I am good for maybe a couple hours a day. Lunch with the folks today wore me out. I was done. I have another meeting with the orthopedic tomorrow to review and discuss tests and bloodwork, then maybe I will know more.

Of course, insurance is another matter entirely. I had a lot of money in that bike, and had just in the last few weeks got it someway completed to my liking. The insurance accepted a list of my modifcations, and said that they would try and get as close to replacement costs as they could. I suppose we shall see.

That is not what worries me though.

What worries me is being crippled up during my busiest season. This is the time of the year when I make the money that gets me through the winter months. Although the insurance should be reimbursing me for lost wages, my attorney says that I am in a very bad position starting out by being self employed. Reimbursement for self employed wages are the toughest to obtain, according to him, and he says not to expect much.

The stress of the overhead of the business marching on and slowly eating at my cash reserves and equity while I sit here unable to do anything about it is cause enough for my poor mental condition, at the same time I am trying to wean myself off the hydrocodone and not become addicted, plus my main stress reliever, my hobby, has been forcefully ripped from my grasp, and I may not be able to reobtain some of those thing I've worked for for quite some time.

Additionally, I am attempting to find it within myself to forgive the man that did this to me, at least in my own mind, and release that bitterness before I allow it to destroy me. That is proving to be a difficult task as well.

All in all, I suppose I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in, and I guess I looked at ordering the new helmet, as a sort of symbolic step on the road to recovery. I only hope that I can enjoy this hobby now, as much as I have for the 14 odd years preceding.

Ya'll look over your shoulders now, ride safely, and thanks again for reading the nonsensical ramblings of a somewhat drugged, deranged man, whose life has currently been turned on it's head.

 

Just finished reading your initial post about the crash.

Yes you are indeed lucky to be alive much less posting stuff already.

Your one step at a time approach to getting back on a bike makes perfect sense to me. I rented a couple of bikes after having some knucklehead cross my path on the freeway back in Dec '05. You'll know pretty quick if it's still in your blood or not to ride.

Godpseed towards a fast recovery.

Only real advice I can offer, not that you're asking, is to find a motorcycle accident specific lawyer. You may already have someone you've worked with but in this case I feel you would benefit more from someone who specializes in these kinds of cases. Ask around. I'm sure someone local to you will come up with a good recommendation.

There are ways of getting this guy to pay $ without having insurance.

As far as forgiving him, not doing so will not change that which has already occurred. Keeping that hate will only prolong your recovery.

And finally, yes... I think the man upstairs may have had a bigger plan for you on this earth. It's now up to you to earn this extra time that you and your family have been granted and to use that time wisely.

A prayer has been sent.

Good luck and keep us updated,

Primo

 

Yeah skip the hate, he already did the damage to you.. hate will just burn you up inside. I dont suggest loveing them tho hah... Just get ur life back.. the one u might love.

Do get this guy to pay... serious. Forgivness is good, and forgive him.... but forgiveness shouldnt stop you from getting this guy who did this to you.

 

Not sure you're going to hear/read any truer words.

 

your words and the diary of what your going thru is benefiting others. Awareness of what happened to you and relating to your recovery is nothing short of inspirational. it awesome that you are already comtemplating forgiveness. its a tuff call, however it all starts w/willing yourself to be willing to forgive. God can be tremendous help here. please make sure your fully capable mentally & physically before taking that RK for a spin, you owe it to yourself and your riding future to not rush back into things. again, may God continue to bless you and keep you.

 

I think it is awesome that you are ordering a new helmet! Motorcycling is in the blood. It is a sport, a feeling, a rush that nothing on earth can match. Sure, you are going to be a little paranoid and edgy at first, but once you start to see, smell, and taste the wind; I think you will be bit all over again! Once again, good luck in your recovery efforts and I cant wait to hear about your first ride! Heal safe bro!

 

it's always inspiring to hear riders that get back on their bikes after a wreck...much respect to you.....hope for a speedy recovery for you....god does have a bigger plan for you

 

Well, the new ACC arrived yesterday. How's that for fast??? Once again, fits perfect.

Now all I need is a new left hand, a new left shoulder, a new left knee, a new lower back, and of course, a new bike, and I'll be ready to ride.

Too bad that stuff cannot be mail ordered, eh

 

Good to hear you are mending - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I appreciate you telling about your experience as you continue your journey. What you went through is a lesson for all of us in so many ways. Your protective gear saved your life; wearing all the right protective gear didn't keep that truck from hitting you. Risk acceptance is an important part of riding. Believing in yourself and your skills is, too. The Good Lord carried you through the crash; there's no doubt that you are blessed. Time and your instincts will tell you when to ride again and when it's time to get another bike. Be strong, heal well, keep the faith, and know that there are many, many folks out here that are keeping you in their prayers.

 

Another Ditto for these words. Find Your Grace.