Crashed again (long)

[Momz]

Sunday, June 3rd ABATE of MI  Region 14 had its annual "Blessing in Hell, MI".

I road my I/S there and I did not take any pain killers, being officers Pan and I needed to be there,
Pam was assigned to sell 50/50 tickets and I sold ABATE memberships, bike raffle and field meet tickets.

We had literaly thousands of bikers, vendor, dealers, custom builders and of course all types of clubs (the 1%ers and Christian clubs, as well as a few GWRRA folks). We had an awesome band and a custom bike show.

After the last blessing I needed to go. I was in major pain and I needed help to get on my bike. I tried my best to be carefull and get my bike on the road out of the park,...however I  crashed on an uphill rise just before getting on the road.

I had the bike roll over to the right and over me. people rushed to get the bike off of mee and while lying there I found that my shoulder was far worse than before, my right hand hurt like hell as were my right ribs, but I thought I may have damaged my right ankle as it made a snapping sound.

We had the EMTs there and they examined me and suggested (strongly) that I be taken to the hospital. I absoltely refused, as long as my bike was rideable I was going to ride home.

My wife got my bike near the park entrance and we rode to the main road where I suddenly found that I had no front brakes!!!

Well by the grace of God we made it home (several near crashes on the way home) and my wife helped me off the I/S. And then I had to access the damage to my I/S. Broken fairing, damaged right saddlebage, damaged Kury brake pedal cover, bent right side Mick-O-Peg lever and right valve cover. And I've got to find why the front brakes don't function anymore.

I'm quite sure the bike will be repaired before I'm healed enough to ride again.

I believe that GOD had a plan,...or I might have been worse off. Of course I'm stubborn as a mule too.

[R J]

Stubborn as a mule, that sounds an awful lot like what my wife and kids tell me...

I thought I was just a big old huggy teddy bear.     

[Michael K (Az.)]

Don't know just what to say, just heal up, take 'er easy. Sheesh!

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Wow. That's a bad day. Prayers sent from Indiana for you to heal up fast and completely. And that you don't have anything too serious to deal with on the bike.

Keep us posted.

Mike

[tank_post142]

i dumped a cb750 in the late 70,s in hell. hope you stop crashing long enough to get better so i can buy you a beer at inzane!

[T-Bird]

Dude!!! I bet you feel like Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day"  Didn't you just have a spill 2 weeks ago?
Let Pam double you till you heal buddy. Prayers from East TN for a quick recovery

[Thespian]

 Maybe God is telling you to go trike brother. Just sayin. 

[Disco]

Glad you're kinda/mostly OK, but Dammit, George.  Stop that! 

[olddog1946]

Glad you're kinda/mostly OK, but Dammit, George.  Stop that! 

I"ll second that......

[larswlvs]

I'm glad you're OK and being a lifetime ABATE of Ohio member I appreciate you'r role in ABATE.Please take care and next time make sure you'r fit to ride before getting on your bike,we need our ABATE members.

[22Dasher]

OK i may piss some off here but here goes, first glad you're OK. Now if you knew you weren't capable of riding a bike with previous injuries why in the heck would you? You obviously have no respect or concern for yourself your wife or any other rider or driver on the road knowing and willingly taking upon yourself to ride injured not once but a second time and already stating you had several close calls on the way home. I'm sorry I have no sympathy for your pain but. I do have sympathy for your wife and the many other drivers on the road that you put at risk of injuring due to what.? What did you have to prove?  I know what you have shown at that's being irresponsible no matter how its put. This is far from being so called stubborn as you put it. I do feel for your wife for going thru this and for those emt guys that did what waste there time on you. 

 God gave you a brain freaking use it its not a plan he gave you and think of all  the what ifs you created for your irresponsible actions.

Rant off!!!!!!!!!!!!

[..]

Throw the frickin keys away until you are 100%. 

Other road users deserve that respect from you. 

[shooter64]

Aw man, when you re-injure an injury it falls into a new degree of pain. Hope you have lots of refills of pain meds. Better ride the Lazy boy for a while.

[Momz]

22Dasher
My previous injuries were not as bad as first thought. I would never want to put any other rider in danger, that includes my wife and riding partner.
 
As I said, I did not feel the need to use any pain killers (that includes asprin, tylenol, etc.) As a matter of fact I actually felt better than I have in a long time.

Most of us Valk riders in our fifties have our aches and pains. You may not, and I wish you nothing but wonderful rides and the greatest fellowship among your peer group.

[Jack]

So, you rode it home with no front brakes.....

[Momz]

Jack

A long time ago I used to ride a chopper with a spool front wheel.
But Valks a far heavier so they are harder to stop.

Actually my wife moved the bike to the park entrance and never used the front brakes (due to gravel roads in the park).

[Spirited-6]

OK i may piss some off here but here goes, first glad you're OK. Now if you knew you weren't capable of riding a bike with previous injuries why in the heck would you? You obviously have no respect or concern for yourself your wife or any other rider or driver on the road knowing and willingly taking upon yourself to ride injured not once but a second time and already stating you had several close calls on the way home. I'm sorry I have no sympathy for your pain but. I do have sympathy for your wife and the many other drivers on the road that you put at risk of injuring due to what.? What did you have to prove?  I know what you have shown at that's being irresponsible no matter how its put. This is far from being so called stubborn as you put it. I do feel for your wife for going thru this and for those emt guys that did what waste there time on you. 

 God gave you a brain freaking use it its not a plan he gave you and think of all  the what ifs you created for your irresponsible actions.

Rant off!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am with you on this.

MONZ; do you have a "death wish ?"

 

[solo1]

George, you have my prayers to get well.

 STAY OFF the bike!    I'm also a stubborn Dutchman but I learned something in my 84 years.  I would've taken the cage.

To refuse to go to the hospital, and THEN get on your bike again, well, let's just say that you are one stubborn rider.

As an instructor and a rep of ABATE,  no one would've disrespected you for not riding this close to your first accident.

Again, prayers for you to heal quickly.

wayne

[Ice]

OK i may piss some off here but here goes, first glad you're OK. Now if you knew you weren't capable of riding a bike with previous injuries why in the heck would you? You obviously have no respect or concern for yourself your wife or any other rider or driver on the road knowing and willingly taking upon yourself to ride injured not once but a second time and already stating you had several close calls on the way home. I'm sorry I have no sympathy for your pain but. I do have sympathy for your wife and the many other drivers on the road that you put at risk of injuring due to what.? What did you have to prove?  I know what you have shown at that's being irresponsible no matter how its put. This is far from being so called stubborn as you put it. I do feel for your wife for going thru this and for those emt guys that did what waste there time on you. 

 God gave you a brain freaking use it its not a plan he gave you and think of all  the what ifs you created for your irresponsible actions.

Rant off!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am with you on this.

MONZ; do you have a "death wish ?"

 

I hate to say it, but I agree here, I understand the urge and need to ride, but if you come off an injury severe enough to require "pain" killers you should think twice before getting on the bike and riding, the cage could have done, and would have been a lot safer. I am not trying to judge here but from what you wrote and the previous post you had with regards to the bike and pain, it is difficult not to think you a fool sir (and that is not meant offensively), as said think about the others you endanger by being "stubborn", not just your wife, but all who share the road with you.
I wish you a speedy recoevery and as Britman said throw the keys away until your 100%.
Heal well and fast.

[RTaz]

A.B.A.T.E.

American Bikers Aiming Toward Education.

Good example being set there George.

[old2soon]

A.B.A.T.E.

American Bikers Aiming Toward Education.

Good example being set there George.

What he said. Dad told me a LONG time ago-the head aint a knot to keep yer shoulders together. :coolsmiley:Use that frikkin brain you got and THINK DAMNIT. Get totally completely healed BEFORE you throw a leg over again. Get yer self well and then RIDE SAFE. Uh P S i'm guessing you weren't lookin fer sympathy??

[Jack]

A.B.A.T.E.

American Bikers Aiming Toward Education.

Good example being set there George.

Not a member but wondering when ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) changed to American Bikers Aimed Toward Education?  Must have been several yrs ago?

[RTaz]

A.B.A.T.E.

American Bikers Aiming Toward Education.

Good example being set there George.

Not a member but wondering when ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) changed to American Bikers Aimed Toward Education?  Must have been several yrs ago?

[Gryphon]

Not a member but wondering when ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) changed to American Bikers Aimed Toward Education?  Must have been several yrs ago?

Not currently a member, but I believe it changed in the early to mid 80's.  I'll have to go back and search through my cards to see when the change occurred.  If I can remember what box they're in. It was during the time when the focus turned more towards educating the public and being focused on pro-motorcycle legislation; rather than just helmet laws. 

[Momz]

To the member from Saginaw,...does it make you feel good to gloat?

Not on this board to look for sympathy, as many of us have gone down. We heal and ride again.
But it was obvious that I felt I could ride home (shock does disguise pain).

I would never suggest that anyone ride if they are so hurt or unable to functionally operate a motorcycle.

I do have a CT on the rear and I haven't locked it up yet (and there have been close calls in the past). So with a functioning rear brake, I was able to slow the bike enough to keep away from cars or/and judge traffic signals. I would not do that again,....the I/S is far too heavy for that.

But as I said before. GOD does have a purpose for me.

   

[Gryphon Rider]

OK i may piss some off here but here goes, first glad you're OK. Now if you knew you weren't capable of riding a bike with previous injuries why in the heck would you? You obviously have no respect or concern for yourself your wife or any other rider or driver on the road knowing and willingly taking upon yourself to ride injured not once but a second time and already stating you had several close calls on the way home. I'm sorry I have no sympathy for your pain but. I do have sympathy for your wife and the many other drivers on the road that you put at risk of injuring due to what.? What did you have to prove?  I know what you have shown at that's being irresponsible no matter how its put. This is far from being so called stubborn as you put it. I do feel for your wife for going thru this and for those emt guys that did what waste there time on you. 

 God gave you a brain freaking use it its not a plan he gave you and think of all  the what ifs you created for your irresponsible actions.

Rant off!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am with you on this.

MONZ; do you have a "death wish ?"

 

I hate to say it, but I agree here, I understand the urge and need to ride, but if you come off an injury severe enough to require "pain" killers you should think twice before getting on the bike and riding, the cage could have done, and would have been a lot safer. I am not trying to judge here but from what you wrote and the previous post you had with regards to the bike and pain, it is difficult not to think you a fool sir (and that is not meant offensively), as said think about the others you endanger by being "stubborn", not just your wife, but all who share the road with you.
I wish you a speedy recoevery and as Britman said throw the keys away until your 100%.
Heal well and fast.

I agree with the sentiments above.  There's a difference between courage/determination/perseverance and intractability/obdurateness/recklessness.  The moment you found you had no front brakes you should have pulled into the nearest safe stopping area and called a buddy with a pickup or trailer.  You "believe that GOD had a plan,...or [you] might have been worse off."  Well, when I discipline my kids, they get warnings before they REALLY catch hell from me.

[X Ring]

To the member from Saginaw,...does it make you feel good to gloat?

I don't think his comments are gloating.  He's saying you're a leader of ABATE, you need to demonstrate that by your actions.  I messed up my wrist about a month ago and haven't been riding since.  I want to give it the chance to heal before getting back on the Valk.  It's my right wrist.  Wouldn't be quite so bad if it was the other one.

Marty

[RTaz]

To the member from Saginaw,...does it make you feel good to gloat?

Not on this board to look for sympathy, as many of us have gone down. We heal and ride again.
But it was obvious that I felt I could ride home (shock does disguise pain).

I would never suggest that anyone ride if they are so hurt or unable to functionally operate a motorcycle.

I do have a CT on the rear and I haven't locked it up yet (and there have been close calls in the past). So with a functioning rear brake, I was able to slow the bike enough to keep away from cars or/and judge traffic signals. I would not do that again,....the I/S is far too heavy for that.

But as I said before. GOD does have a purpose for me.

   

No gloating, just expressing my opinion that's all.

Why are you singling me out? If you feel the need to explain your total lack of judgement to me save your breath.

[Willow]

George, I'm glad you're okay.  I wouldn't second guess you regarding your decisions.  If you think they were bad choices, learn from them and move on.  If others, from far away and only the accuracy or exaggeration of your own descriptions, think they know much better  than do you, then take it with several grains of salt.

As to those sanctimonious "riders" who insist that riding without a front brake is dangerous enough to park the bike and have it trailered, I have some info.  I've a good friend who never uses a front brake on his Valkyrie.  In fact, he never touches the bars or grips with a right hand.  He, like George, runs a tire on the back originally designed for a four wheeled vehicle.  My guess, and it is an educated one, is that he can ride circles around most here who have offered "expert" opinions.

Ride on, George.  Heal soon and well.  I'm sorry to hear of your and your bike's scrapes.      

[GiG]

George - Take time and Heal up.
I'm sure you and your buddies will be riding by my place flipping the bird again in no time. 

[Daniel Meyer]

Don't throw rocks. None of us are at 100% all the time.

Front brake probably just needs bled. Air can get in the master cylinder pump when at an extreme angle, especially if the lever gets actuated.

As far as riding it that way...meh. I've done it. I've snapped more than a few brake levers and once the entire master cylinder off. I would not consider it "unsafe", I'd just say, I'd need to make allowances in my usual riding style.

The clutch side is a little different story...but I've done that too.

 In fact, he never touches the bars or grips with a right hand.  He, like George, runs a tire on the back originally designed for a four wheeled vehicle.  My guess, and it is an educated one, is that he can ride circles around most here who have offered "expert" opinions.

He sure can. Guy usually doesn't wave either...  

[~ Timbrwolf]

. ...Rock on George. ..Ive banged gears with you from light to light. ..and I know you got it down ! 

. ...you have more heart.....and more courage. . ....then some I know.. 

[FROSTY1]

I tried to bite my tongue, but I can't.  I don't know why people post something like this?  Why did you?  I would be too embarassed and ashamed of myself and just know my fellow riders would want to ream me a new hole in my @$$ because I just put their family/friends in danger.    You should know better, especially if you are an "officer" of A.B.A.T.E.!!

In the first post you say you were in major pain and had to go so you needed help to get on the bike.  ??????   That should have been your first clue to stay off!!  

Then you try to backtrack and say "But it was obvious that I felt I could ride home (shock does disguise pain).  ????  and then you said:  "I would never suggest that anyone ride if they are so hurt or unable to functionally operate a motorcycle."  ????????

I guess I'm just not understanding this???  

YES GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU, but he also has one for my kids and grandkids, please don't mess that up.

[RainMaker]

I'll assume you posted this as information. 

Sorry to hear of the woes but glad you are now mending and will have the Valk back in tip-top shape before riding again.

With the adrenaline running, it's hard to realize that we should not be riding.  After my worst accident, I rode the Valk home with a broken collarbone and nerve damage to the left arm.  Once I got into the garage, realized I couldn't take off my helmet, gloves or jacket as my arms weren't working right. Spent the night at the hospital after my wife freaked out and took me to the emergency room. Should not have been riding, but I did and learned from the experience.  The next time I had an injury that limited my abilities (busted ribs) I took 6 weeks to do major maintenance on the Valk and did not ride.

Take care, get well and live to ride another day.

RainMaker

[Gryphon Rider]

George, I'm glad you're okay.  I wouldn't second guess you regarding your decisions.  If you think they were bad choices, learn from them and move on.  If others, from far away and only the accuracy or exaggeration of your own descriptions, think they know much better  than do you, then take it with several grains of salt.

As to those sanctimonious "riders" who insist that riding without a front brake is dangerous enough to park the bike and have it trailered, I have some info.  I've a good friend who never uses a front brake on his Valkyrie.  In fact, he never touches the bars or grips with a right hand.  He, like George, runs a tire on the back originally designed for a four wheeled vehicle.  My guess, and it is an educated one, is that he can ride circles around most here who have offered "expert" opinions.

Ride on, George.  Heal soon and well.  I'm sorry to hear of your and your bike's scrapes.      

I suppose if it's sanctimonious to call tell someone they shouldn't be riding when they are (a) impaired by their "major" pain and injuries, and (b) operating a 1000 pound motor vehicle with only 30% of its braking ability available to an operator who is used to having 100%, the combination of which caused "several near crashes on the way home", then I suppose I and others expressing similar sentiments are guilty as charged.

[Romeo]

Sorry to hear about the mishap George. Get yourself healed up. As far as the rest of this stuff, you are a big boy, you can live.........and die.........as you wish. i just hope and pray you don't  take out someone else when this happens the next time.

[Willow]

... then I suppose I and others expressing similar sentiments are guilty as charged.

Thank you, Gryphon.  Confession, as you well know, is good for the soul.    

[Gryphon Rider]

... then I suppose I and others expressing similar sentiments are guilty as charged.

Thank you, Gryphon.  Confession, as you well know, is good for the soul.    

[Momz]

Yes a short while ago I did ride my I/S to watch my wife train and to watch my younger brother go for his "M/C endorsement" class. And thats when I (re)realized that strong pain killers and riding don't mix. I (re)learned my lesson that day.

But I am in constant pain; it is a part of my life now. Surgeries may have helped somewhat, but I'm not ever going to be 100%. I've learned to cope with pain for years. As long as the pain is manageable and one feels confident in his/her own ability it should not keep one restricted. My two best riding buddies are both disabled. One lost his leg in a car/M/C accident (he was on his Valk) and the other has his right leg crippled from childhood polio (also a Valk rider). I'd ride with these guys anytime, anywhere. People adapt to their disabilities.

And I don't ride in large groups anymore. More for my own safety. I've seen many riders do dumb tricks/stunts that effect the safety of the entire group.  

Are we all cocky and so condident in our own abilities that we won't have an accident? I believe that paranoia is a good thing to have when you're on a motorcycle. It's what has kept me riding since 1971.

[B]

Glad you weren't hurt worse momz.
Maybe scrap the saddle bag and trike the I/S; keep the Rat Rod for short two wheel trips... Just a thought; we'd all like to see you hanging around for a while.
Thoughts & Prayers my friend,
B