[Jeff in Kentucky]

I started out riding a dirt bike, so I was used to falling about once a week, usually with no injuries- I learned to get away from the bike as we were going down. I broke my toe first- I kept riding but with steel toed boots, and limped for a few months. The two broken lower leg bones put me on crutches for 3 months, and not walking very well for 6 months. I rode very little after that, and sold the dirt bike when I was 16 to buy my first car.

Some people never get back on a motorcycle after a serious crash, but almost everyone drives a car again if they are physically able after a serious car accident- the cage is safer, and there is no bus or train to everywhere people need or want to go. We all weigh the risks and benefits, and make our choices.

[eternal05]

…was in a car. I was dead-stopped in a sudden traffic jam on the freeway, just over the crest of a hill. Got rear-ended by a speeder who flew over the top of the hill going 60mph. Luckily, German engineering saved my life (thank you little Jetta) and I walked away without a scratch (the car wasn’t so lucky). All the same, I was paranoid as hell from then on, and have been especially nervous about anybody tailgating me since then. I leave extra following distance now so that I can brake slowly enough so as not to get an unexpected prostate exam from the jerk behind me, and even then I still get twitchy.

Getting over your fear is important; you don’t want to be controlled by irrational urges. But that fear is there for a reason! You suffered a horrific accident, and you should give your mind and body some time to recover. Don’t think that pushing yourself to start again right away is necessarily the best thing to do, and certainly don’t force yourself to do anything you’re not ready to do, just because you feel the need to make progress. Take it easy, breathe, relax, and give yourself time to enjoy yourself. Hopefully, the rest will follow.

[Napoleon357]

I wish you godspeed on your healing.

[paulurmston]

.. for your kind words.

It really was one of the most scariest things I have experienced in my life so far, and hopefully it will be the last.

I don’t think I will be jumping into the saddle this week, but I think around May I’ll be finally healed enough to hold a bike, and start slowly but surely again.

Anyway, if anyone has any ideas what my next bike should be.. let me know.

Am looking at the Kawasaki Versys 2010 model… for my tall height I think it will be much more comfortable than the ninja 250.

Well, if anyone has one, or drove one for a test drive… would love to hear the feed back.. but yes. Around a 600cc touring is what I am looking for.

[Ben]

Really glad to hear you are alright paul! Crashing is always a tough; I know from experience!

Ben

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