Coming back from a wreck?

[aproud1]

Just wondering if anyone out there has a story about returning to riding after a serious accident? I was hit by a drunk driver on the way to work a sunny morning in August. Still recovering, 2 broken arms and a broken leg. Likely would have been a lot worse had I not been sporting my helmet, armored jacket and gloves.

Anyway, I can’t seem to stop thinking about riding and getting a new motorcycle again. The Guzzi content is that a new Guzzi would likely be what I’d go with and I know I’d be well taken care of by my friends at Cadre.

Am I crazy to want to ride again? The missus thinks so.


Have mostly been a casual observer on these forums. Haven’t had a Guzzi since May of this year but still kept an eye on this particular forum.

My W800 before and after.

[guzzisteve]

I've had to learn how to walk 3 times. You can't think about what might happen, only about the present. It literally took years of riding before my legs didn't get tensed up while riding. Had to reteach myself to be relaxed. Let the bike do what it does w/o imput, why I ride w/one hand. Good Luck w/your recovery.

[Dirk_S]

My riding mate is a BMW guy, and into sidecars. His dad was also a big sidecar enthusiast, and was recently killed in a motorcycle accident. That family death led to one of his cousins choosing to quit riding, but not my friend. I think to some, it’s a risk well known, and to others, it’s a risk not understood until it hits home.

[Scout63]

I was hit head on by a car when younger. I quit for about two years then couldn’t not ride any longer. I’m still scared but can’t stop. Everyone is different I guess.

[pehayes]

I'd be happy to put you in touch with my brother Vin.  About seven years ago we were doing a Route-66 tour through Arizona.  He had a 65mph head on with a left-turning Toyota pickup.  I had to pull him out of the ditch and put him in a helicopter wondering if I'd ever see him again.  Several years of surgeries and rehab.  He's now on a full sized Indian and probably rides two or three times the annual mileage that I do.  He seems over it.  My hero.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[twodogs]

Rolled a dump truck in June of 94 and did not ride my bike till March of 96, like guzzisteve I had to relearn and lived in the present.
Get busy living or get busy dying, I always ask folks if they were ever in a bad auto accident and then listen to their story and recovery and when they finish I ask if they still ride in a auto, they never flip me s%&:# about riding a bike again, to a lot of us a bike is a way of life and accept the good, bad, and ugly 😉
Bruce

[blu guzz]

Proud:

Did you have a V85 with an aftermarket saddle?  If so, I think we talked at Cadre once.

In any event, everyone is different and healing physically and mentally.  Many people don't consider the mental aspect as well.  Since I don't know you well, I suggest considering some form of counseling.  My wife is my best counselor in most everyday situations, but for this, maybe someone unbiased? 
I think we all have those moments of doubt in regard to the hobby.  Sometimes, just a close call or seeing some cage driver make a move that makes you think "I'm glad I wasn't on the bike". 
Maybe you will choose to sit it out for a season or several seasons, just don't come back until you are ready in all aspects to do so.

Speedy Recovery and Best regards,

[twowheeladdict]

There are those that "Rode a bike in college".  There are those that are casual riders that might go out one Saturday a month. I'm sure there are several other categories of riders as well, but then there are those who can't think about not riding.

I was taken out while sitting still in 1987.  Totaled the bike.  I bought a small fishing boat.  Then I was perusing the local paper and found a 10 year old Honda 550 four SS that I ended up buying for $400.  Stopped riding to work, and stuck to riding out in the country.

When riding gets under your skin, or in your blood or whatever other euphemism you care to use for the addiction, it is hard not to think about the joy it brings.   

[Dave Swanson]

I am also a member of the broken bone club, but never thought for a moment about giving it up.  I am glad you are on the mend!

Women often times want to neuter their partner.  Giving up one's gonads is a voluntary thing.  Once handed over though, they never get handed back.   

[Stretch]

Good Luck, man!

I hope that you heal well and quickly and it doesn't put you off riding.

No one has promised us tomorrow, and there are no guarantees....
Carpe diem!

                                   -Stretch

[Stretch]

Women often times want to neuter their partner.  Giving up one's gonads is a voluntary thing.  Once handed over though, they never get handed back.   

Very true of some women - one reason why divorce lawyers stay busy! 

On the other hand, your woman might think you crazy, love you anyway, and let you live
your life the way you want to.

Speaking just for myself, if my partner said, "It's me or the motorbikes!" - "Bye!" would be my response......


                                                        -Stretch

[aproud1]

I've had to learn how to walk 3 times. You can't think about what might happen, only about the present. It literally took years of riding before my legs didn't get tensed up while riding. Had to reteach myself to be relaxed. Let the bike do what it does w/o imput, why I ride w/one hand. Good Luck w/your recovery.

Thank you Steve! You must be pretty good at walking (or learning to walk) by now!

My riding mate is a BMW guy, and into sidecars. His dad was also a big sidecar enthusiast, and was recently killed in a motorcycle accident. That family death led to one of his cousins choosing to quit riding, but not my friend. I think to some, it’s a risk well known, and to others, it’s a risk not understood until it hits home.

Sorry about your friends dad.

It's a good point about the risk. After my accident, my boss, a counterpart and one of my friends all sold their bikes.

I'd be happy to put you in touch with my brother Vin.  About seven years ago we were doing a Route-66 tour through Arizona.  He had a 65mph head on with a left-turning Toyota pickup.  I had to pull him out of the ditch and put him in a helicopter wondering if I'd ever see him again.  Several years of surgeries and rehab.  He's now on a full sized Indian and probably rides two or three times the annual mileage that I do.  He seems over it.  My hero.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Wow! Thats quite the experience Patrick. I've helped friends with a flat tire and other issues on a road trip but that is another level. Glad Vin made it.

Proud:

Did you have a V85 with an aftermarket saddle?  If so, I think we talked at Cadre once.

In any event, everyone is different and healing physically and mentally.  Many people don't consider the mental aspect as well.  Since I don't know you well, I suggest considering some form of counseling.  My wife is my best counselor in most everyday situations, but for this, maybe someone unbiased? 
I think we all have those moments of doubt in regard to the hobby.  Sometimes, just a close call or seeing some cage driver make a move that makes you think "I'm glad I wasn't on the bike". 
Maybe you will choose to sit it out for a season or several seasons, just don't come back until you are ready in all aspects to do so.

Speedy Recovery and Best regards,

Thank you! That was very likely me.

I have a guy I see who I can't get to until I'm more mobile. Honestly it's mainly because of my wife but thats a whole different story!

I've looked back on some of the memorable close calls with a definite different light on them. Since I'm not sure when I will drive a car again, I'm likely to sit out at least one season!

There are those that "Rode a bike in college".  There are those that are casual riders that might go out one Saturday a month. I'm sure there are several other categories of riders as well, but then there are those who can't think about not riding.

I was taken out while sitting still in 1987.  Totaled the bike.  I bought a small fishing boat.  Then I was perusing the local paper and found a 10 year old Honda 550 four SS that I ended up buying for $400.  Stopped riding to work, and stuck to riding out in the country.

When riding gets under your skin, or in your blood or whatever other euphemism you care to use for the addiction, it is hard not to think about the joy it brings.

I considered getting something when I can and sticking to country riding. As long as it wasn't raining or below 40F I commuted to work on my motorcycle. It actually made the commute enjoyable! That said, when I think about my closest of close calls, it was during that commute.

I am also a member of the broken bone club, but never thought for a moment about giving it up.  I am glad you are on the mend!

Women often times want to neuter their partner.  Giving up one's gonads is a voluntary thing.  Once handed over though, they never get handed back.   

Thanks Dave!

I agree about the gonads.  Honestly, I think this situation is just making some other issues painfully obvious.

Good Luck, man!

I hope that you heal well and quickly and it doesn't put you off riding.

No one has promised us tomorrow, and there are no guarantees....
Carpe diem!

                                   -Stretch

Thanks Stretch! At this point, in my mind, I don't seem to have a choice. I think about riding all the time. Except maybe when I was in the ortho trauma unit and they were hitting me with dilauded every 4 hours....

[Texas Turnip]

Five years ago a pickup pulled out from a side road only 3 miles from my home. Most know I've ridden in 49 states and all 254 counties in Texas. Anyhow, I ended up with 15 broken bones, alive and dead, repeat till I improved. Had to learn how to walk again, but my balance has never been 100% since the wreck so I gave up motor cycling after being on one since I bought a '51 Harley 74 in 1959.
 I thought I'd go crazy if I couldn't ride, but I stay busy with doing odd jobs and volunteering at the American Legion here in Lindale.

My shop is still open for riders. A few months ago I rescued a broken Guzzi with my trailer and brought him here. Still help the Texas Rep in hosting the GRIT rally here in Lindale.

Good luck with your decision that only you can make.
Tex

[kballowe]

There are many of us that have been down that road, and recovered and went back to riding.  My wife stills rides passenger.  Bless her little heart.  I allow this, partly because she's such a great detailer, and she always brings money.
 






 

[Tkelly]

After I hit a cow and broke my thumb in 1984 My wife and I sold all our bikes,mainly because our kids were young and I had had a few minor crashes and close calls over the years and I felt it was the responsible move and I could get back when the kids were grown and I was 60.My resolve lasted about 11 years until I bought a farmers 400 Yamaha at age 50 and never looked back.I justified it on the grounds that riding kept me out of the shrinks office.If you are an old guy and get healthy enough go for it!

[mhershon]

I got spit off an R75/5 BMW in 1972, an early one before they lengthened the swing arms. I was on Hwy 101 near King City, CA, riding over the 70mph limit by maybe 10mph when the bike began to shake its head. The shaking got progressively worse no matter what I tried to do, gas it or ease off or squeeze the tank with my knees. It threw me over the bars. As I flipped and flopped down the road I could watch it follow me in the lane, breaking stuff off itself and my clothes from the hard saddlebags scattering on the road.
That was a long time ago and I can still feel the sensations today. I broke a collarbone and scuffed myself up pretty good, ground a place in my old Bell above my ear.
I fixed the bike, meaning I replaced all the hurt parts but we, the dealer and I, couldn't find anything wrong with it that would have made it wobble and crash.
I sold it and told the buyer what had happened. He bought it anyway. People thought I'd fallen asleep or that I caused the crash somehow, couldn't be the fault of such a fine machine.
I've ridden ever since but I can't tolerate a bike that shakes its head.
I could certainly understand a person who might quit riding after an accident. It's either in your blood or it isn't.

[John A]

I understand the dilemma. I walk funny but I’m determined to keep doing it. I’m deformed from being mangled a few times and given up for dead or brain damaged. I always made it a goal to have a bike either repaired or replaced by the time I was healed enough to ride. For me it’s been the right choice. Injury and disease will take a toll on us but I think it’s best to keep going no matter what. I’ve had to go to three wheel contraptions because my legs don’t do what they are told sometimes and I ran out of turn signals ( the thing that breaks when I fall over at a stop). I can’t ride as long or as often but it’s something I won’t quit just yet.

[twowheeladdict]

Very true of some women - one reason why divorce lawyers stay busy! 

On the other hand, your woman might think you crazy, love you anyway, and let you live
your life the way you want to.

Speaking just for myself, if my partner said, "It's me or the motorbikes!" - "Bye!" would be my response......


                                                        -Stretch

Let you?  LOL! 

[Stretch]

Let you?  LOL! 

Yeah - poor choice of words. It implies allowing one to, also implying that a partner has some sort of authority over one.

Maybe, "doesn't interfere with you choosing how to live your life."

Or, "leaves you alone to make your own choices about living your life."

Peter Egan wrote a column about that whole subject.

"I'm surprised your wife let's you have a motorcycle."
"So am I, every time."

(Mrs. Egan has bought her husband several motorbikes over the years. He made
a good choice there, so he did!   ;-)"

                                                        -Stretch

[Tkelly]

Your lawyer will appreciate if you wait until after you settle your case before getting back on a bike.Insurance lawyers love to tell jurors you are ok if you are back riding.

[redrider90]

Women often times want to neuter their partner.  Giving up one's gonads is a voluntary thing.  Once handed over though, they never get handed back.   

I got really sick for 6 years or so. Every time I brought up selling my bike my wife said don't do it you will regret it later.
I get it that she emasculated me by telling me what to do so I kept my bike and bit my tongue.
   

[tommy2cyl]

Everybody is so different.  Hard to offer advice on this topic.  So many different facets influencing your decision including age, health, family, responsibility, etc. 
When I was a younger man and racing, whenever I had an 'incident' on track, never once thought that I would quit.  It was the activity that gave me the most pleasure and completed my soul, so no thought ever on stopping.  Of course, a lot of advice from friends and family to stop the foolishness, except my wife, she was always in my corner.  Regarding getting back on a bike, really depends on one thing after all is said and done:  Do you want to?  I don't know what type of riding you do, but you might consider a small displacement bike (KTM 390 as an example, I know, not pretty but fun) and do more back country roads and mild off road to get away from traffic as much as possible.  I find as I get older, the "roads" less traveled seems to be where I find my most fun factor. If that all goes well, gives you a base to get a second larger machine.  See what I did there? 

[SIR REAL ED]

Great anecdotes!

Reminds me of the story of the race car driver who was often asked how they could possibly race cars when they knew how dangerous racing was.  Supposedly the reply was:

Race car driver:  "Where do you expect to be when you die?"
other person: "I expect to die in bed."
Race car driver:  "How are you able to get into your bed at night?"

[Guzzi Gal]

I am also a member of the broken bone club, but never thought for a moment about giving it up.  I am glad you are on the mend!

Women often times want to neuter their partner.  Giving up one's gonads is a voluntary thing.  Once handed over though, they never get handed back.   

Misogyny aside, I'm with Dave. Giving it up isn't an option I'd consider unless I'm physically unable. Decide if riding enhances your life enough to overcome lingering apprehension; if it doesn't, no worries. You're welcome here, regardless.

[Bulldog9]

Just wondering if anyone out there has a story about returning to riding after a serious accident? I was hit by a drunk driver on the way to work a sunny morning in August. Still recovering, 2 broken arms and a broken leg. Likely would have been a lot worse had I not been sporting my helmet, armored jacket and gloves.

Anyway, I can’t seem to stop thinking about riding and getting a new motorcycle again. The Guzzi content is that a new Guzzi would likely be what I’d go with and I know I’d be well taken care of by my friends at Cadre.

Am I crazy to want to ride again? The missus thinks so.


Have mostly been a casual observer on these forums. Haven’t had a Guzzi since May of this year but still kept an eye on this particular forum.

My W800 before and after.

First, Heal up friend! Glad you are able to even consider riding again. Some are not so fortunate.

Are you crazy? OF COURSE!  lol, and the madness is a wonderful thing.

I've only had one accident in my 40+ years of riding and it was 18 years ago. Got pushed off the road and low sided on the Cherahola Skyway.  Injuries were not from the road or impact, the jacket, gloves, boots, pants and helmet did their work. The issue was the bike tumbled over me twice as I slid down the road/drainage ditch. Ended with fractures to 2 vertebrae, severe bruising on my back buttocks' and thighs, and something punched a hole in the back of my left leg. The rest of me was lightly bruised.

I was too sore to ride initially, but was back on one of my other bikes in a couple weeks, but was far more cautious. The accident was 50% my fault for riding too fast to safely avoid an oncoming car in my lane, hold my line and stay on the road. I permanently slowed down, and still have a cold chill in blind left hand or reverse radius turns.

Most important is to fully heal. Were it me, I would take the year off, focus on Physical therapy, let your bones fully knit (takes up to a year) get your strength back, then ride again. The mind and emotions may mess with you, but process it. I'd say if you are nervous to the point of distraction, you are not ready to ride. You have to be 100% present in the moment. Take your time, rule nothing out, let nature and your heart take it's course.

[aproud1]

First of all, thank you all very much for the stories and reassurance. It really makes me feel a lot better and not so alone. I really don't have any family that ride. Just my "gang" of 3 other guys.

Five years ago a pickup pulled out from a side road only 3 miles from my home. Most know I've ridden in 49 states and all 254 counties in Texas. Anyhow, I ended up with 15 broken bones, alive and dead, repeat till I improved. Had to learn how to walk again, but my balance has never been 100% since the wreck so I gave up motor cycling after being on one since I bought a '51 Harley 74 in 1959.
 I thought I'd go crazy if I couldn't ride, but I stay busy with doing odd jobs and volunteering at the American Legion here in Lindale.

My shop is still open for riders. A few months ago I rescued a broken Guzzi with my trailer and brought him here. Still help the Texas Rep in hosting the GRIT rally here in Lindale.

Good luck with your decision that only you can make.
Tex

Thanks Tex!

There are many of us that have been down that road, and recovered and went back to riding.  My wife stills rides passenger.  Bless her little heart.  I allow this, partly because she's such a great detailer, and she always brings money.
 






 

Sounds like a very good deal to me!

After I hit a cow and broke my thumb in 1984 My wife and I sold all our bikes,mainly because our kids were young and I had had a few minor crashes and close calls over the years and I felt it was the responsible move and I could get back when the kids were grown and I was 60.My resolve lasted about 11 years until I bought a farmers 400 Yamaha at age 50 and never looked back.I justified it on the grounds that riding kept me out of the shrinks office.If you are an old guy and get healthy enough go for it!

My daughter is 21 and has her own place. Funny enough  down the street from the hospital I was in. She helped a lot and got me through one of my most painful moments.

Your lawyer will appreciate if you wait until after you settle your case before getting back on a bike.Insurance lawyers love to tell jurors you are ok if you are back riding.

It's been moved to a criminal case and is the state vs. the drunk uninsured dude who hit me. I'm not even sure when I can drive a car yet so riding a motorcycle is further down the road.

Everybody is so different.  Hard to offer advice on this topic.  So many different facets influencing your decision including age, health, family, responsibility, etc. 
When I was a younger man and racing, whenever I had an 'incident' on track, never once thought that I would quit.  It was the activity that gave me the most pleasure and completed my soul, so no thought ever on stopping.  Of course, a lot of advice from friends and family to stop the foolishness, except my wife, she was always in my corner.  Regarding getting back on a bike, really depends on one thing after all is said and done:  Do you want to?  I don't know what type of riding you do, but you might consider a small displacement bike (KTM 390 as an example, I know, not pretty but fun) and do more back country roads and mild off road to get away from traffic as much as possible.  I find as I get older, the "roads" less traveled seems to be where I find my most fun factor. If that all goes well, gives you a base to get a second larger machine.  See what I did there? 

I like your plan!

I rode anywhere I could. Commuting, camping, country roads. Riding my bike to work was the best way I could find to make my commute enjoyable. But lots of near misses... thinking I'll get something when I can and not commute.

Misogyny aside, I'm with Dave. Giving it up isn't an option I'd consider unless I'm physically unable. Decide if riding enhances your life enough to overcome lingering apprehension; if it doesn't, no worries. You're welcome here, regardless.

I really appreciate that. Starting to think I don't have a choice. Thinking about riding and the trips I've done seem to always be on my mind. So many good memories and anxious to create more. I didn't get hooked on the morphine but am definitely hooked on motorcycling.

First, Heal up friend! Glad you are able to even consider riding again. Some are not so fortunate.

Are you crazy? OF COURSE!  lol, and the madness is a wonderful thing.

I've only had one accident in my 40+ years of riding and it was 18 years ago. Got pushed off the road and low sided on the Cherahola Skyway.  Injuries were not from the road or impact, the jacket, gloves, boots, pants and helmet did their work. The issue was the bike tumbled over me twice as I slid down the road/drainage ditch. Ended with fractures to 2 vertebrae, severe bruising on my back buttocks' and thighs, and something punched a hole in the back of my left leg. The rest of me was lightly bruised.

I was too sore to ride initially, but was back on one of my other bikes in a couple weeks, but was far more cautious. The accident was 50% my fault for riding too fast to safely avoid an oncoming car in my lane, hold my line and stay on the road. I permanently slowed down, and still have a cold chill in blind left hand or reverse radius turns.

Most important is to fully heal. Were it me, I would take the year off, focus on Physical therapy, let your bones fully knit (takes up to a year) get your strength back, then ride again. The mind and emotions may mess with you, but process it. I'd say if you are nervous to the point of distraction, you are not ready to ride. You have to be 100% present in the moment. Take your time, rule nothing out, let nature and your heart take it's course.

Guess I shouldn't have asked if I was crazy! I really like your advice. I was kind of thinking along those lines. Maybe get something that I can work on while I'm mending.

[greer]

Some years ago my Sportster and I were hit head on by young driver who apparently fell asleep.  He told the authorities he didn't remember anything but yanking the steering wheel hard to the left.  It was one of those "shit happens" things and I never doubted getting back on a bike.  My various treatment teams helped me every step of the way from day one.  As somebody said, motorcycles are in you or they're not.  Riding is risky, and the decision to ride needs to be pondered long and hard, especially if you share your life with another person, even more so if there are children in the mix.  We need take it easy on the ultimatums, especially when we don't know the whole story.  A younger couple are dear friends of ours, and it was tough on her when he decided to pursue a private pilot's license.  She was terrified of the risk and what it would mean to lose him, on so many levels.  I advised her to get him to agree to a hefty life insurance policy so that she and the family would be well set if anything were to happen.  That seemed to have done the trick, and now she is supportive without a grudge.

aproud1, not to stick my nose in, but as you said, some more important issues may need to come to the forefront at this time.  The accident has forced you slow down physically, so now you have the time to stop and take a hard look at things.


But when you are ready for a bike  , if you'll fit on it, I might suggest a Suzuki TU250.  It's classy looks might fit the bill for a while, and it's light and cheap, so as not to tax you physically or financially as you recover.  Worked for me!

Regardless, hope you'll keep us posted, and know we're with you as you come along.

Sarah   

[Dave Swanson]

Misogyny aside, I'm with Dave. Giving it up isn't an option I'd consider unless I'm physically unable. Decide if riding enhances your life enough to overcome lingering apprehension; if it doesn't, no worries. You're welcome here, regardless.

My intent wasn't to be misogynist, but I can't help but reflect on the many times over the years I have been told by a male that was admiring my bike "I'd love to have one, but my wife would never allow it".   The desire to emasculate is not uncommon.  Plenty of exceptions though such as my wife. 

[Moparnut72]

My wife is not thrilled that I ride but she goes along with it. I did make one concession though. She has been nagging me to get an inflatable vest after one of her friends hit a deer while traveling at 70 mph. He was beat up with a broken collar bone and a couple of ribs. He has said he probably wouldn't have survived without the vest. I got a Helite lanyard type. She feels a bit better about my riding.
kk

[Guzzi Gal]

I really appreciate that. Starting to think I don't have a choice. Thinking about riding and the trips I've done seem to always be on my mind. So many good memories and anxious to create more. I didn't get hooked on the morphine but am definitely hooked on motorcycling.

Time is your friend when it comes to recovery.

I'm glad you didn't get too cozy with morphine. That shite took my mom out quick after shoulder surgery. She was gone within the year at only 59.

My intent wasn't to be misogynist, but I can't help but reflect on the many times over the years I have been told by a male that was admiring my bike "I'd love to have one, but my wife would never allow it".   The desire to emasculate is not uncommon.  Plenty of exceptions though such as my wife.

Sounds like they chose the wrong life partner! I admit to being a bit of a rare bird. I bought my husband his first bike, and signed him up for the MSF course.

I'm positive you meant no harm. If you'd use the word lover instead of women, I wouldn't have blinked. Equating a motorcycle to a lover makes perfect sense! Maybe having young children makes me more sensitive to how stereotypes, especially negative ones, subtly impact our everyday life.