| Author | Message | ||
     Phatkidwit1eye |
It's been a crazy few months for me and my family. My brother in-law was in a really bad accident on his bike. As much as I want to doctor up the story I wont. He was out on a local charity poker run that went threw Nebraska and Iowa. The last leg of the trip was threw Iowa which has no helmet law. He wasn't wearing a helmet. He was coming around a curve and hit patch of gravel. I'm not to sure how fast he was going but if I remember the road he was on it was probly around a 45mph turn. So he was probly going around 60mph or so. When he went to low side he was able to ride it out into a ditch.the thing that made it worse was the farmer who owned the land had cut down many small trees leaving alot of small stumps all around the ditch. We spent two days in ICU wondering if he was going to live or not. They ended up having to drill a hole in his head to help lessen the pressure. By the grace of God he made it threw but the damage was far worse than I would have ever thought. He broke his back again (broke it when he raced mx when he was younger) Broke his collar bone,Shoulder blade,broke most of his ribs,broke his left arm,broke his jaw, nose and shattered his knee cap. It's been so frustrating for me b/c it always seems that when we all head out on our bikes. I always seem to be reminded by my Mom and sisters to make sure my dad and brother in-law wear there helmets. I preach and preach til I'm blue in the face but no one wants to listen to me and thats what hurts me the most. I wear gear every time I ride boots gloves helmet and jacket no exceptions. I know this wouldn't have been that great of help to him but if he had a helmet I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have to worry if he was going to live or die. At least my Dad finally understood what I was trying to get across. I've never seen my Dad cry and he apologized and swore he would never not ride without a helmet and was sorry for how much of a slap in the face it was to me every time he didn't wear a helmet. I had to spend a few days convincing my Dad not sell his bike. The mans worked his hands to the bone and his only real want was to own a brand new motorcycle. I'll be damned if he doesn't keep the one thing he's always wanted. It's also been tuff on my sister and their 9 month old son. I'm not to sure how she has held up so well. Luckily shes a teacher b/c she doesn't have to work during the summer. It's funny you never know who your friends are til something like this happens. The ones who are supposed to be his friends bailed and the ones you never thought would be there to help are. I took my bike out a few times after all this and I can't quite find that feeling that I once had when I rode my bike. I love riding so much it's one of the few things in my life that brought me so many new ideas and feelings. I just look at my bike and I can't find the will to ride it at this point. I have a few projects to keep me busy like restoring my 1970 Ford Bronco. Every time I walk into my garage to grab a tool I see my bike under that cover and wonder when I'll be ready to enjoy riding like I used to. Sorry for the long post but this is one of my few outlets where I know every one is as passionate as I am about riding. Also if anyone will be in the Omaha area around late August we will be having a dinner and silent Auction for him at my uncles bar and grill. | ||
| Chaser |
Sorry to here about this. I hope he recovers well and I wish your family the best. About your riding you and you alone will know when your ready to ride again. I don't think riders tell other riders enough to ride you own ride. | ||
| Bomber |
Kid -- if your heart's not in it, likely neither is your head -- it's important to keep you head on the ride, and if you're not able to, for wahtever reason, spin some wrenches on the Bronco -- any mistakes you make there can be redone the urge to ride will return, I'm thinkin, and when it does, you'll know your family is ion all our thoughts, bud -- stand tall, and help them by being who you are, the guy that they count on . . . . . | ||
| Henrik |
Ron; really sorry to hear about your brother-in-law and your family's trouble. I'm hoping for a speedy and complete recovery. I can only imagine your frustration about the protective gear. On the other hand, please understand that you did all you could - each rider chooses the level of risk/protection that they are comfortable with. Unfortunately, many are blissfully unaware of how dire the consequences can be. I'm sure you will start riding again, and I'm sure you'll rekindle your love for the ride. Just be patient - you'll get there. All the best Henrik | ||
| Kaudette |
Best wishes to your family and I sincerely hope his recovery is both speedy & complete. For the gear, it is one of the things I can't get over - kind of of like seeing children jumping around in back seats of cars without seatbelts and/or child seats... Take care. | ||
| Lurch |
Hey Ron, I am in Omaha, and would love to help out if I can. You work at FDR huh? I was there for 8 years...still know alot of peeps. I have a Busa now after I sold my 2000 x-1. ping me at buellevltwn@hotmail.com with your details and we can get together.... John | ||
| Sportsman |
You're brother in law had a bad accident years ago so he's been riding a long time. The gear issue would be different if you were teaching him how to ride, but you weren't. As far as the thrill of riding being gone, a accident can do that, it makes you look at it very soberly. When you do go riding again you'll probably be more restrained, aware, and a safer rider. Time helps, his recovery will help, and your Dad will need a riding buddy. What happened, happened. Things have changed, but it is the way things are for now. This could bring your family to be very close, so try to find and dwell on the good that can come from it. edited by sportsman on July 26, 2004 | ||
| Southernmarine |
Ron, I wish you and your family the best and will pray for them and you. You're doing the right thing, like Bomber said, if you're heart's not in it, you're head likely won't be either. Unfortunately it takes something like this to wake others up, and sharing your story with us is a reminder for us to keep an eye out for others and ride safe. Thank you for sharing. Again, my prayers are with you and your family. | ||
| M1combat |
Thank you for the reminder Ron... Your brother in law will be in my prayers. | ||
| Outrider |
Ron...God Bless. You and your family will come to terms with the situation in time. In the interim, do what you feel you need to. Family is most important and time passes quickly. For personal suggestions, I fall back on Bombers post. He is a great friend and a wise man with a wonderful family. All the things I cherish in life and I feel you do as well. | ||
| Phatkidwit1eye |
Thank you for all your support and prayers I am as always greatful to all of you for your help and support. He is finally at home and has a long road of rehab ahead of him. They drugged him up so much in the ER that he still doesn't remember exactly what happened. I talked to him and asked if the accident was caused by his Yammy Raidien seeing a Buell and getting scared right off the road. I guess his memory is coming back cause he was pretty sure that wasnt what happened. Lurch..Yep I'm at FDR, but for how long I dunno. Since chase decided to pull out I'm not to sure whats going to happen down at crown point since thats where I work. As for the Benefit Dinner it's going to be August 22nd from 1:00pm-6:00pm. I think it's a 5 dollar Spaghetti dinner. It's at Franks Tree House 6500 Railroad Ave-it's about one mile south of Joe Tess Fish. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Phat...my best wishes to you and your family!! While I hate to read these stories, I'm glad my Buell friends post this information. I have a number of friends (including my wife) that don't understand my insistance on wearing the proper gear. Those stories help to show the consequences on not being prepared to ride. | ||
| Lurch |
Ron, If anything happens at FDR, let me know. I did hear of an impending layoff...1500 people. I hope you are not affected. I got tired of that stuff and left 7 years ago. I am at CSG now and can probably help you if you need it. John | ||
| Captainkirk |
Phat, I wish the best for you, your BIL and family. My friends/family sometimes accuse me of being anal about wearing gear-be aware that some good comes out of everything. You may have just saved a life without knowing it. The will to ride will return. Don't rush it. Leave the cover on it if it feels better that way for now. You're in our prayers. |
