| Author | Message | ||
     Mountainrider |
The crash is over and the healing has begun and while this is happening you think about a lot of things. The big thing will you ever ride again and I am not sure if I will or not. I have had several crashes but this one put the fear into me. A pole coming at you will do that,trust me. You think about all the people that know you and you realize just how great most of them are. I consider all of you my friends. There are very few people that I meet that I do not like. I feel like having friends is one of the biggest blessings a person can have. You also think about your family. What do they think about what you do and why you do it. Am I really crazy like most of them think or are they the ones that are crazy for not riding a bike and taking chances. Is it right for me to put them through this because I like risking my life? You also wonder why you are still alive and so many others are not. When is it your turn to clock out? I really beleive that everyone has a time clock and no matter what, when the time runs out it is over. You think about all the things that you could have done different with your life. I think I should have tried harder to improve life for my family. Betty always wanted a big house and I never was able to make it happen. What could I have done to make it happen? I wonder if me loving her more then anything else in the world was good enough to repay her for all the love she has given me all these years. I wonder what my kids would do if I had died? Who would help them with their problems? How would my grand children turn out? Who would take them fishing if I was not here? There are just so many things you thank about when you are down and out. You could write pages on what goes through your mind. The one thing I know for sure is that God has blessed me with a great wife and family. I have meet so many people during my life that has ment so much to me. A lot of them have become family to me. Before you go on your next ride take a moment and think about your life and your loved ones. Ask God to help you make the right choices during the day so that you can make it back home safe. I always say a prayer before going riding and I did not last Sat. but I still feel like I was being watched over. I want all of you to know that I will never forget all the love and support that everyone has shown. Thank you so much. William | ||
| Sleez |
william, best wishes either way, i have had some close calls, and have dealt with the hit and run death of my brother. i decided then that i will be me! regardless!! i of course will try and provide as good a possible home and help any and all of my friends and family as best i can, but to live my life to the fullest for me, as i may not be here tomorrow, due to mine or someone elses actions, either way!! heal well, and love your life, or change it until you do! | ||
| Blackbelt |
Awesome words William, I know how you feel, well personally not, but about 3-4 years ago my inlaws took a nice long trip from Michigan to Maine on my father in laws Electra GLide. They had an awesome time until... On the way back in Penn. They were just leaveing town (not sure which one) just got up, had breakfast, and headed down the road, when they hit a deer while they were traveling @ 60 MPH. the bike ended up being totaled, my mother in law just had bruises, but my father in law broke his hips, 2 vertebre, and his collar bone. I was sure there was no way he would ever ride, or even possibly walk again. He flat out told me that he would fix his bike up and sell it. Three years have past, and he rides to this day. In fact he still runs Marathons (crazy old coot). His crash was enough to scare me. My wife bought me a keychain right after that. It is just a simple keychain w/ the "Footprints in the Sand" verse engraved on it. I NEVER ride w/o it. I ride 72 miles one way to work on E-way. I have only been in one accident and I didn't go down. Trust me, God is always the first and last person I talk to on my bike.. 1st when see the keychain and put the key in the ignition, and last when i get done w/ my ride safe, I thank him/her/whoever, for keeping me safe and sound. Ever since my daughter was born, I hold her EVERY day, and never miss an oppertunity to tell her I love her. Words of wisdom William, but if you do decide to ride again, people here will be with you, if you decide to hang up your chaps (so to speek), stick around hear and tell stories. Life is good here, w/ or w/o a Buell. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Being a fella with 4 kids and a wife I too have had those thoughts but, My wife is very supportive of my hobby/love for bikes, so much that she encourages me to ride as well as our children. Kids are aged 7-14 and all ride dirt bikes of some kind. If she took riding a bike from me would be like taking the wings from a bird. My thoughts are that if your going then your going, nothing you can do to stop that. Just make sure your family are taken care of after your gone. Time goes on. I am not even going to touch that religion crap. | ||
| Doughnut |
What ever choice you make, just make sure it is the right one for YOU. Take care, be safe. | ||
| Ulywife |
William, Speaking from the wife's point of view, we love our husbands for who they are and who we are with them. It's not about a bigger house, newer car, more vacations, it's about being happy with each other and loving each other more today than the day we said "I do". Riding motorcycles does not come without risks. My husband has only been riding for 3 years and my daughter (age 11) has been riding with him since he brought the first bike home. While it scares me some days, I know how much they love it and just pray that each ride is safe and that they come home to me. Your accident was caused by a blown tire, not wreckless driving. Doesn't change the situation, but brings it to a different perspective. Your words brought tears to my eyes and I'm sure your wife and children will cry if they read your passage as well. I believe that when it's your time to go, regardless of what you are doing, it's your time. We just have to take the time to let our family and friends know how we feel about them and how important they are to us. We're glad that you are home and recovering from your injuries. Talk to your wife, you will probably find out that she knows you better than you know yourself. God bless, Kristi | ||
| Cowboy |
Thank God I live in a small rual area so I guess I will continue to ride as long as I am healthy how ever I do avoid larage cities.I feel that my reflexes have detirated to the point I do not feel safe in very heavy trafic. it happens as you get older. | ||
| Skyguy |
William, I have been involved in high risk sports all my life and nearly lost my life more than once. I understand what you are going through right now. I have been there myself. It is normal and healthy to take inventory of ones life after nearly losing it. Here are my thoughts take them as you will. Life is not without risk. No matter how you choose to live it. When playing with high risk toys do your best to minimize that risk but don't stop playing. Your friends and family love you for who you are. Try to change who you are and they might not like the person that remains as much. I have seen your passion for riding demonstrated on this board. If you decide to quit it is important you make that decision for yourself, not for your family. I understand this seems to be a strange statement. However, if you quit just for them you may come to resent your family. I don't say this for any other reason than I have seen it happen to others. On another note a front blowout on a motorcycle is extremely rare. I would take the tire to a qualified expert to see if it was defective or suffered a road hazard. Remember Firestone? If defective you may still get that big house. I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. You are truly blessed to have a wonderful family. IMHO you are already ahead of the game. | ||
| Sarodude |
William- Your post is very moving. I've not had a wreck - yet. Both of my accidents were very minor though the first one coulda been MUCH worse. I think about those things you posted ALL THE TIME. There is only one right decision - and that is the one that you come to. Thanks for the reminder of all that's precious. -Saro | ||
| Chasespeed |
Brother, I have never considered giving up on riding, even after the abuse my body has been through becuase of the boneheaded stuff I pull sometimes...sometimes its other peoples fault...regardless... No matter what my loved ones think, they will not even ASK me to stay away from a bike...as I woudl probably resent them for it..and they know it...as sad as it is... Do what YOU feel YOU need to do. BUT, liek was already mentioned, do it becuase it's what YOU want... I am always stuck dealing with what is best, vice what I want... I really hope you heal soon...and completely.. at this point, there is really nothign more you could ask... I am sure, based on what I read above, that is you share your thoughts with your family, they will back you up, no matter which way you lean. becuase, like you being concerned for their well being and happiness, they are concerned for yours... Good luck bro...and I cant speak for everyone on the board, but I think the general concensus is the same, we will support ya no matter which way you lean.. rest easy for now..you are alive, and recovering, and you have your loved ones...then, hopefully soon, you will beshredding the snot outta some tires.... Chase | ||
| Superbee24 |
Mountainrider. ONLY YOU can decide what you do. I spent 4 years as an Infantry soldier, the past 13 as an Austin, Tx Firefighter, and I have been riding motorcycles since 1979. To me, firefighter and rider are not things that I do, they are what I am. I could not or would not be happy if I was not doing both. Yes, I too have the same thoughts you have, and as you I do my best to be safe in both my career and pasttimes. I have been to more firefighter funerals as a member of the Honor Guard that I ever care to remember and yes I sometimes question whether I was not a safe as I could have been in some instances at work, but NEVER have I thought of giving up firefighting. For now , rest and recover. When you are ready, get back on two wheels if you are ready, enjoy if not time will tell you when to get back on. Ride safe, Pablo Ruiz Austin Fire Dept. | ||
| Kdan |
William, I hear you, but you need to ask your spouse and family a question. Do you want me to stop riding? Riding is in your blood. It's part of who you are, it's part of what defines you. Would they want you to be someone different? It's totally up to you, man, but I gave up riding for a previous spouse and after a long time I had realized that I had become someone I despised. Vanilla, homologous and normal. The people who loved me, didn't love me for being the person I had become. They loved me for the person I was when they fell in love with me. And that person rode. You may need to redefine your riding style, or tone it down a notch due to father time, but think about it carefully before you make any rash decisions. I have yet to ride with you and learn from you. Or I could be wrong and you could just be another nutjob with a penchant for speed and can satisfy that craving another way...But I don't think so. | ||
| M1combat |
"Would they want you to be someone different?" If it was me... I would certainly be a different person. That's a great point Kdan. | ||
| Buellfighter |
I have no choice, I'm hooked. 35 years ago I remember riding on the back of my dads Harley and letting me buy my first motorcycle with the money I earned from a paper route. He taught me how to ride and respect the motorcycle and it became so much a part of me that I couldn't imagine life without one. It sometimes scares me at the thought of not being able to ride and I'm not sure what I would do if I had to give it up. I really have no choice. Ride on. | ||
| Reepicheep |
A fair question is to ask yourself is also "do I have the discipline to ride slower and maintain a universally larger safety margin?" I had two minor lowsides, both had moderate changes in my riding style. I had one major "non accident" where the bike never even touched the ground, and nobody even saw it (unless Lafeyette made it around the corner faster then I thought, but I don't think he did). That last "non accident" fundamentally altered how I ride where, and the compensating controls I apply. | ||
| Mountainrider |
People I have been riding for so long and have had so many wrecks. When you ride fast you are living on the edge but the funny thing is I have never crashed going fast. This time it was a front tire that went down in a heart beat. Betty does not want me to stop riding unless I want to. She is a great wife and our love for each other is so great that I could not even explain how it feels. After I get better I will decide what to do. My X is messed up and I do not have the funds now to fix her with. I like her so much and we have had a great time together but I will sell her and use the money to help pay my hospital bills. Maybe pick me up a dual purpose bike to ride around here and to work. Right now I am just so sad and the never ending pain 24 hours a day is taking its toll. When I bought the Buell I had no ideal just how much I would love this bike. Not only did I fall in love with it but after people seen how I could get around on it they also started thinking that maybe these bikes were not so bad after all. I get email every day asking me about the bike and what all I had to do to make it handle like it does. Nothing will sell bikes like getting your butt kicked by one. Demo rides and winning races are great but people are not influenced until they see the tail lights going out of sight. I am so glad that I have been a part of the Buell group. One of these days there might just be a Uly in my basement,but only time will tell. | ||
| Jessicasdad |
I just wanted to add to what blackbelt said .. in the mornings when I leave the house around 05:15 I say the Lord's Prayer and then when I leave work I say it again .. two purposes .. one is obvious the other .. allows for the bike to warm up. I am NOT religious at all and could not even begin to tell you the last time I was in a church .. but I have a small magnet here at my desk that reads "I've got nothing against God. It's His fan club that I can not stand" .. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I've had all those thoughts too, I drive for a living, & I ride for fun. My mum died in a stupid car accident & my daughter was with her in the car but got away lightly. I've had a good few close calls here & there, but I can't imagine living my life any other way. I see stuff every day on the roads that makes me cringe, but I can't control other peoples actions. I hope you'll come to a point you're happy with & won't regret. My wife worries when I go riding, & she knows if she asked me to I'd stop, but she also knows that's part of what makes me, me. Get well soon. | ||
| Madduck |
MR, I've run fast and long way too often. As I've aged, many friends have passed that did as I did. My riding changed significantly in the last few years. Odd thing is I've changed my helmet from full face to half helmet. Love the sensation of speed, it just comes at much lower velocities now. Don't underestimate the impact your choice of riding gear has on your enjoyment of motorcycling. When traveling long distances of thru cities I go to flip up full face still. When racing the CF full coverage comes out, but 95% of thie time I feel the wind on my face and travel the speed limit or just a little over. Odd that your mileage goes up and you stay warmer too. Don't really need the top two gears on the beemer and the six speed in the harley is useless too. Find myself eyeing scooters too. Bicycles still look too dangerous tho. Take care of yourself and remeber that life is for the living. Met a lot of unhappy people avoiding death to have any fun. Hope never to tell another adult "that looks dangerous". | ||
| Blake |
"I've got nothing against God. It's His fan club that I can not stand." I think you may be lumping a LOT of very good folks in with a very vocal obnoxious minority. I'm a big fan of God.  I like your suggestion. Will start doing that myself. | ||
| Stealthxb |
This thread immediately brought me thoughts of my father who passed last August. His death was untimely and there was no warning, much like a motorcycle crash. My father never understood my passion for risk but he knew how to follow his heart. On the day he had his heart attack, he spent the day tending to his garden and flowers and he hit balls at the driving range. These were his favorite earthly endeavors. I would not be able to sleep at night if he would of passed working to further improve the life of my mother, my sisters or myself. He spent the majority of his life doing just that and the quality of all our lives suffered. It is because he spent his last moments on this earth doing what he loved that his death was acceptable to me. He improved all of our lives everyday by doing what he loved. When you pass, your loved ones will only take with them the memory of your passion. now ask yourself...is it fair to deny them that? | ||
| Glitch |
MR. Most of us have been where you are right now at one time or another. Last year, I had a fella run me off the road out of pure meaness. I had the same thoughts as you, but I soon got over it. I'm not sayin' you should "get over it" I'm saying, just take it easy, when you are all healed up and ready to ride, you'll know if you want to or not. You've got plenty of time to ponder weather or not you want to ride. Either way, I'll always look forward to seeing you. I'm real glad you wear your gear when you ride, I'll bet you would have been a lot worse off ifin you hadn't. | ||
| Drift |
Hang in there MR. One minute at a time dude. Focus on healing up and the activities that lend to that and the rest will take care of itself. As Glitch pointed out, you will know what you want to do when you get to that bridge. I know this, all of us will help you do whatever you want to do. | ||
| Henrik |
Good thought MR - just keep them flowing. You'll find an answer and a solution. I have a couple of friends that have gone through the same as you. Most have modified their street riding style to minimize risk, knowing full well that the risk can't be eliminated. One friend have given up street riding entirely and now only do track days. Give it time and you'll find what works for you and yours. In the meantime - heal well Henrik | ||
| Seanp |
MR, Keep your chin up, and understand that one way or another, whether you choose to ride or not, everyone here will support your decision. There are a lot of different levels of risk that we all take every day. Sometimes the risks are necessary for either personal or public reasons. Sometimes the risks are necessary just for the simple fact that you don't feel like you're really alive until you've taken some risks. But not all risks are necessary, and if you get to the point where you can't distinguish the necessary ones from the unnecessary ones, you need to take a minute to look at your life. Maybe this was God's way of telling you to take a minute to look at your life. It seems that you are using this "opportunity" as just that. So take the time for introspection, and whatever decision comes of it will be a well-thought one. |
