Originally Posted by rjg883c

I agree with most of Thumper's post. But not the parts that mention 'suicide' or 'death by accident'. Death is the easy way out of an accident. At least if the other option is a head injury. I will probably shame myself here, but that really doesn't bother me. Before getting too upset, read the next paragraph carefully and think about what it means.

I am a better then some other riders, and far better then most. That doesn't mean all other riders, so anybody can put themselves in that select group. This is based on my years riding, and racing, off road. And 40+ years, but only a few hundred thousand miles due to riding in big city traffic, of riding in an area that allows for riding 24/7/365. I only mention this to prevent the posts about my lack of skill or any charge that I'm scared. I bet that happens anyway.

My last desert race ended badly. When I woke up 6 weeks later, I had no memories of my last race, or the prior 4 years. After learning how to roll over, sit up, talk, walk, etc. I spent a few years recovering. While these skills were easier to learn(relearn) at age 21 then when I was a child, I will never be proficient enough at them that people will not immediately recognize I have a problem.

Eventually I returned to college, changed my major from Political Science(pre law) to computer science, and worked for a couple of decades as a programmer/analyst. It wasn't Silicon Valley money, but I earned enough to allow me to not work and instead help my parents after they became old and infirm. My life wasn't bad, by most standards it was pretty good, but if I had a chance to do it over I wouldn't bother.

I mention this because my injuries occured off road while wearing a DOT FF helmet. It would be easy to receive the same injuries during a minor fender bender, or slip in some water while turning a corner, and riding without a helmet. So if wearing a helmet for a few minutes, or hours, at a time is really that bad then don't wear it. Just don't depend on an accident, and possible head injury, ending your life. It might begin a new life.

I was lucky enough to already be in college and planning on a career that didn't involve too much 'work'. My job then, working for Pizza Hut, was and is beyond my ability. Just as a lot, most(?) jobs, would be. Or perhaps the lucky part was that my injury didn't impair me intellectually. Head injuries can be much worse. FLAME ON!

Ron

Originally Posted by Bkellyusa

I take it that you are out riding again. is that correct? Form what you said aboutt he extent of some of your injuries I am surprised.

Originally Posted by rjg883c

Riding again? Sort of. I couldn't ride for 3 years after my accident. But motorcycles, on and off road, had been my 'thing' for 7 years. The main reason I began riding again was because gas got so expensive, fifty cents a gallon. It wasn't easy and it meant starting out on smaller metrics and working my way up again. It was made more difficult by my size, or actually my lack of size.

Motorcycles were, as they were during the late '60s and early '70s, my main/sometimes only mode of transportation during the '80s and '90s. IN 2001 my mom developed lung cancer so I retired to spend most of my time taking her to doctors, hospitals, etc.. After a couple of ambulance rides to the hospital E.R. and hospital stays/surgeries she asked me not to leave her alone.

So I put my life on hold for the last decade. I truthfully wish I hadn't bought my '07, but at the time my mom was improving. She passed on 8/6/12 and I am still trying to get back into life. Thanks for the interest.

Ron

Originally Posted by Bkellyusa

Ron,

I hate to reply but how could you be unable to work at Pizza Hut but till ride a motorcycle?

Your story is very touching and very inspiring as well. I am moved that you took the time to take care of your own parents. I am hoping that you are now starting a yet another new life and and hopefully and even better one.





Brian

Originally Posted by Zig Zag 2010

I have found when someone is telling you what "real Harley owners" do they are really admitting their own insecurities and/or stupidity. You wouldn't believe the crap I've heard over the years...
Just picked up my first FF this year for cold weather riding. I can't believe how much I like it... so warm and comfortable....light years ahead of how they used to be.