Triumphrat

Topher · 03-11-2007

Hey guys and girls, got a story to share with you in hopes that you all will cheer me up with some positive advice this forum is well known for. On march 1st i was on my way to work in San Francisco and was hit by a large suv making an illegal left in front of me. [please bear with the bad grammar and typing this is all being typed with one finger]
I just got out of the hospital with two broken arms, two broken wrists, three broken teeth, stitched lip, and a fractured pelvis. The accident was totally unavoidable as this guy was bombing down the street, failed to use a directional, and cut across two lanes to mow me down. With the exception of my left wrist i hope to make a full recovery, am insured, have a loving wife and family to help me through the next few painful months.BUT...MOTORCYCLING IS MY LIFE! I have ridden probably just about everyday for the past three years of my late twenties. I enjoy every aspect of it and had planned on making wrenching on bikes a carreer. With this big change in my life my wife doesn't every want me to ride again. I don't blame her as she was certainly almost widowed last week I Just don't know how to even start to fill this void in my life...thanks for listening. -topher

sweatmachine · 03-11-2007

ouch, that sucks man. Heal fast, get the SUV driver's insurance to buy you a new bike.

Get well, get well soon, we want you to get well!

bonnieblackinfl · 03-11-2007

Damnn man, your a tough dude! I keep waiting for the day when no one sees me or cuts me off in an intersection like that. Have a fast recovery and get back in the saddle if that's what you want to do. I hear if you double up on your pain killers it doesn't hurt as bad! :wink:

Greg

SCCTrim · 03-11-2007

Wow man, glad you aren't injured any more seriously than you are. Your another to add to the growing list of injury's of member's on this forum. It's only been 10 days since this occurred, emotion's are probably still somewhat elevated.

Both your's as well as your family's...just remember that this isn't a reason to give up riding, It's just a reason to evaluate where you are in your life. A reason to be grateful for where you are and what you have..( regarding family etc...not material things )...if you need inspiration, look to Ozbon...as well as other's who have recently had recent injury's while riding.

This is not a reason to stop riding, it's a reason to be grateful...take it easy man.

:upthumb:

bikerboy · 03-11-2007

Topher,

Im realy sorry to hear about your R.T.A it sounds awfull I hope you make a fast recovery. My advice is to try and focus on healing for a bit first, put thebike on the back burner, because as Trim said you will be a bit all over the place with your emotions. (Or maybe you will be okay , because you sound as hard as nails). Biggest peice of advice though is: not to dwell on it. Your ALIVE!
Take care,

Ben

rc · 03-11-2007

hi topher
hey you are lucky to be here , get well soon .

REVOLT · 03-11-2007

Amen that you are alive...I wish you and your family the best as you recover. As you may or may not know...I too went down in late January, although I was not injured as serious as you, I understand your wife's concern as mine felt the same...Focus on healing now, Focus on Family, Focus on your life...I would not tell someone "how" to live their life, but when you are healed...and ready to ride...That is when you and your wife should reflect. I am also Motorcycles...I am surrounded day in and day out...It's all I think about...within reason. But Family...I could never replace.

God Bless...

whoa · 03-11-2007

Thank God your talking about it man. I understand your wife's concern, and frankly can't blame her. Only you two can decide if you will be riding the road after this, but you have time before dealing with that.

I stepped off my Harley at 100mph from a defective rear brake seize and spent quality time thinking about riding as it was being rebuilt.

My next comment is not directed to your accident, but to us riders at large. Yesterday, we had a safety talk with a motor officer. One of the topics was saving our ass, even though we are not at fault (how to not be a victim).

He told us he has to make on average two major evasive moves a week while on patrol. Even though they are rarely even partially his fault, his point was had been paying full attention to riding he would have seen hints someone was about to screw up.

russerts · 03-11-2007

Yep,
You do have to assume that you are invisible, and that people won't do the right thing. I spent a year on my Matchless 650 in L.A. back when I was young and couldn't be killed. I remember three times in the first two weeks that I would have bought it if I hadn't been the one to take evasive action because of somebody else's mistake. After that I didn't keep track any more because it was so common.
I learned the <real> kind of defensive driving that year- noticing where other drivers are looking, seeing a front wheel begin to turn out of the corner of your eye, etc. That experience stood me in good stead throughout my driving career.
But, last year when I got a bike again after 25 years without one of my own, I realized that I really had to pay attention and take it up a level to be back on a bike. I'm even planning the MSA course for this year - I know I can always learn something new!

WS · 03-11-2007

Please retain a Lawer for all possible options concerning your health and finances.