| Author | Message | ||
     Marcodesade |
I want to start by thanking you all for everything you've done for me. I've made friends here, learned so much about motorcycles and life, and bought and sold some great hardware. Court, Zac4mac, Jdugger, and too many more to name --- much love and respect. It's with so much sadness that I say goodbye. On February 25, 2012, after a great morning on California's Highway 74 (aka Ortega Highway), I stopped for lunch at Hell's Kitchen, then headed back toward the Orange County Line. The next thing I remember, a disembodied voice said, "Relax, buddy, the paramedics are on the way." I later learned I had been discovered, unconscious and bleeding, in the middle of the road about a mile from the County Line --- miles from my last memory. The evidence indicates I hit a nasty dip (I know just the one) while fully committed in the turn. Lowside, probably stopped by guardrail or some other stationary object. I asked the paramedics to promise me they wouldn't let me die before I could say goodbye to my wife and thank her; they would only promise to do their best. As you can tell, their best was good enough. Gratitude. I suffered 4 compound fractures of the left tibia, 2 of the left fibula, 5 fractured ribs (one puncturing a lung), broken left clavicle, broken left scapula, and hairline fractures of the right big toe and pelvis, as well as a little rash, some facial bruising, and some soft tissue stuff we're still teasing out. I was wearing my helmet, gloves, leather jacket, and cruiser-style high-top boots. I had gained 20 lbs. and couldn't get into last year's leather pants and A-stars boots. mighta made a difference, I don't know. Kinda wish I had bought new ones anyway. ATGATT. No weight on my whole left side, so crutches and walking are a distant dream. I will walk again and, I hope, someday run. So many broken bones. Not one in my head, back, or neck. Gratitude. So many people rallied to comfort and help me and my wife --- professionals, strangers, friends, people I thought didn't even like me. Gratitude. I've been home since March 17. Rehab/physical is moving along ahead of schedule, but this is a long road, and baby steps are all I have. Work and school are coming, but will wait, maybe a long time, till I'm ready. I love that fuxxing bike. It's the most fun I ever had without a girl. It became a part of my very identity. I love it. But I don't love it more than my wife, my friends, my work (well, maybe), my school, my life. I can't do this again and, even if I could, I won't put the people who love me through it again. I hate for that to be my last ride, but it was. I'll miss you all, and will always treasure our time together . . . Marco | ||
| Rogue_biker |
I'm very sorry about your accident. I wonder though, if you can remember where you were found? I would like to know what "dip" it was that forced you off the road. I know it's a long shot but I frequent Hwy 74 (OC to Riverside direction only) and would like to have the 411 so I can be careful when I ride towards the OC. I wish you a quick & painless recovery. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
To a speedy and complete recovery | ||
| Black |
I hate to hear that that happened to you. You hang in there and let us all know if we can do anything for you. You might want to talk to Ratbuell. He survived a similar horrendous accident. God bless. | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
Wow. I hope things work out for you and your family. I know what you mean by "the most fun I ever had without a girl." Hang in there and thanks for sharing. | ||
| Marcodesade |
Thanks all. Rogue, the police report mentions my location as a mile east of the County Line. My buddy calls the patch "9 corners," for what I assume must be obvious reasons. Headed west from Riverside, Turn 1 is a right-hander and Turn 2 is the place. I've noticed several times the forks extending and rebounding back like if you were turning too fast on a city street. What I didn't know is that it's much more violent on one side of the lane, though which side that is escapes me. I'm thinking maybe a little faster than usual, a little rougher than I was expecting, and I lost control. I didn't think I was riding above my skill level, but my shattered leg speaks for itself. I really don't know, but there's no evidence, on my bike or my body, that it was anybody's fault but mine. God, I'ma miss that bike. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Wow! Okay I have to be careful there. I know the place. Though I haven't ridden in that direction for about a month and didn't notice anything unusual the last time. | ||
| Brumbear |
Glad you are on the mend when your done your done no regrets you'll find other things your family first and always brother. | ||
| Kenm123t |
Our prayers are with you and your family. Dont be a stranger once a bueller always a bueller. The bikes draw you into the fold the great people keep you there. Look up Ratbuell he had a similar accident he is good guy to talk with. | ||
| Dannybuell |
I hope you heal quickly. | ||
| Dhays1775 |
sorry to hear it. speedy recovery brother. | ||
| Jetbuilder |
God speed buddy. Red | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
I'm sorry to hear about your accident, and am glad that you're doing as well as you are. I understand well what you're going through- in Jan '08 I was hit by an SUV and suffered multiple fractures (tib/fib, humerus, shoulder, shoulder blade, wrist, pelvis). It took five surgeries and two and a half years of recovery to get to where I am- and I won't be getting any better (limited range of motion in left arm and right ankle/foot). At the end of every day my right ankle and foot are twice the size as my left- but I'm grateful I still have my leg. ATGATT saved my life. If you never ride again, I understand completely... what my wife, daughter, and family went through I wouldn't wish on an enemy. But you should keep an open mind about it- this year I'll be completing my first full season racing in Historic Moto Gran Prix. I'm forty-four, and did not ride my first street bike until I was thirty. I have no history of riding or racing motorcycles, but am now living my dream. Keep an open mind, use your head, and follow your heart. Best of luck on your recovery. | ||
| Nuts4mc |
at least you tried it - you won't go thru life asking "what if?" - rest - take care - take up a hobby you can sit and do (build an R/C plane,car,boat...buy a simulator for the PC-teach yourself to fly it before you actually do it) - set goals - do something to keep the mind busy and sharp...I have a feeling you'll be back someday. good luck | ||
| J_copeland |
I wish all the best to you and your family ! Prayers to you my fellow rider !!' | ||
| Fio835 |
Sorry to hear that. Best of luck and a speedy recovery. | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
Out for all of the right reasons. Fair winds and following seas! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Glad you are here to talk about it! Time to focus on healing and your family, and to appreciate both every day. | ||
| Sekalilgai |
All the best in your healing Ken | ||
| Freight_dog |
That sucks bad Mark. i am so sorry to hear about this. I am doubly sympathetic because I went over the handlebars today, shattering my right wrist. It was another inattentive driver pulling out in front of me. She stopped in time but I grabbed a handful of brake and it was just bit too much. Fortunately I was also wearing my brand new leather jacket kevlar jeans and helmet. The helmet took a good hit and my jacket is scuffed up but still usable and my jeans are a little torn. For me, I have my wrist in a splint and scheduled to see an orthopedic surgeon in the morning. I will probably need pins in my wrist. I am very sore all over and I have a mild tiny tear in my ACL, along with general bumps and bruises all over (I remember the bike landing on me) and every little movement is painful. The bike appeared to only have cosmetic damage, the forks looked straight and the frame wasn't even scratched, minor scuffs on the swing arm, and the left peg broke off, and of course the plastics are all scratched a bit. It looked like it could be ridden after replacing the peg, but I didn't get a chance to look too closely. Thank God for the gear, but I will definitely be re-evaluating my riding. As it is, I am looking at missing several weeks of work, and I stupidly don't have short term disability. I'm starting to think that I will limit myself to track riding only. It doesn't take much for catastrophe to strike on the road. Heal up Mark and good luck with your future endeavors. I feel fortunate to have been able to enjoy my riding all these years. | ||
| Byrdock |
All the best in healing up. Best advice, do what the docs tell you to do and don't try to exceed their limits by much. Only Superman can do that. Don't count riding out yet, it gets in your blood. And you might be happier with it. Remember, people get seriously injured or killed in cars and trucks ever day. That's what I kept telling people after my crash in 2010. Broke my neck, 6 ribs, pelvis in 3 places and collapsed right lung. I don't remember from 10 mins before to 30 DAYS after the crash, docs said that was to be expected. Took 8 months to heal up. Then crashed 2 weeks after docs let me go on my first ride, all 15 mins of it. I lost from seconds before impact to paramedic arrival. Shattered my right collar bone. Took a plate, 12 screws and cadaver's bone to fix. 4 months later got to ride again. I ain't gonna lie, it was scary as hell those first few rides. Made sure I didn't ride alone, safety in numbers. It took a few rides to get comfortable, but it was worth it. Good luck and heal well. | ||
| Nm5150 |
Maby your last ride until the next one,who knows?It will all work out.You may not like it but I promise it will work out.Always does. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Mark Sounds like a bad getoff, glad you survived. Heal fast and well. Don't be a stranger, you can still come here and get a vicarious fix. Zack | ||
| Oldog |
Get well soon, and As Zac said dont be a stranger Glad your still with us..... | ||
| Marcodesade |
Thanks guys. Saw my helmet today. Beautiful ICON Claymore model. Cherry red with chrome racing stripes and hot rod flames. The front and left side now look like that picture of the terminator, where the metal skull is peeking from behind the missing flesh of a face. It's just shaved down. I must have slid a ways. I had some facial bruising, smashed my glasses, but the brain bucket did its job. Harley called. Over $6K to fix the bike. It's certainly totaled. Sad for sentimental reasons, but selling the bike is now one less thing I have to think about. Maybe I will stick around; many pleasant hours here. But my mind is made up. I am a former rider, though (as a spectator) I remain an avid Buell enthusiast. (Message edited by marcodesade on March 20, 2012) | ||
| Brumbear |
There's always JEEP'S  | ||
| Xodot |
I Can;t fault you man after that adventure - best wishes brother | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Godspeed, friend. The choice you make is by definition the right one. Keep the happy memories close, and enjoy them while you are enjoying your loved ones. Rob | ||
| Ratbuell |
Best wishes after a serious accident. In July '08, as Black mentioned above, I sustained: -compound fracture, right tib/fib - fixed with muscle wrap, titanium rod, five screws, and a graft -shattered L femur (15 pieces). Also titanium with four screws -broken left hip. Ti plate, hinge and more screws -4 broken ribs -3 cracked vertebrae -punctured/collapsed lung -lacerated liver -bruised heart (the grinch's heart grew three sizes that day...) -severely torn R rotator cuff -TBI swelling and bleeding in the frontal lobe -TBI swelling and bleeding at the brain stem ...and they say I was flatlined for a portion of the helicopter flight. I went through serious PT/rehab, and with the exception of running (still can't do that) I'm back to where I was pre-accident. For the most part. I still ride. I was back on the bike for Thanksgiving that year, actually. But...I'm too stubborn (dumb?) to quit - and that's partly what got me through PT as well as I did. They said "do this", I said "it's gonna hurt like hell", they said "yep, but it's gonna help you"...and I did it. And we were BOTH right. I respect your choice about riding, and you'll never hear me try and convince you otherwise. Go with your heart. If you ever need anything - pep talks, "what was this like when you went through it", advice, anything - just send me a PM. Most of all, though - COMMUNICATE. Don't leave your loved ones out of the loop, and don't let them step back and "let you do this on your own". MAKE them get involved. They need to be a part of the process - the WHOLE process, start to finish, scary voices in your head saying "this is too hard" and all. They have got to be a part of it. Period. Ask me how I know that one. | ||
| Rodrob |
Best wishes for a full recovery. |
