Fortunately we where wearing the our gear when we had our off New years Eve 2006.Summer I used to only wear it some times.Not anymore,its always on now.
The Injuries to Nath where purely because I had an open face for him and no gloves.The knee was opened up as I had a 50mm piece of bike or car penetrate it and snap off inside and then had 10 staples under the gauze to hold me together.
I had on work boots,Motodri Jacket,Levis's and fingerless leather gloves and a full face. Yes I now ride with an open face but thats not for the look its due to the lack of visbility I dont like with a full face.the boy said he wont get back on and I myself have said I wont go two up with anyone.If I am responsible for their safety and wellbeing I cant be if some other causes a dismount such as what happened so I wont take on the responsibility.
The bike I had for just a little under 3 monthsand it got written of due to a bent frame and I asked the assesor for it to happen, so I changed it to a Harley 8 months later hehehe
Yep, it's certainly personal preference and you have to weigh-up the "cons" of not having protective gear on. I'm the first to admit that in the summer you're likely to see me cruising round in jeans & a T-shirt with maybe a leather vest or denim jacket at night and either my Johnny Rebs or other footwear (never thongs etc). I've also worn 3/4shorts with Doc Martins and my trusty flame shirt.
When I had my crash I was decked out in jeans, boots, long sleeve Harley t-shirt, Leather Jacket (that I've had for 10+ years now) and a leather/denim vest over the top of it all...........and I still snapped my scapula in a big way. The ambo's wanted to cut off my jacket & vest but I wouldn't let them and they just had themselves a feel around my upper body as i told them everywhere that was hurtin' from bad to seriously killin' me. The Emergency staff also wanted to cut off the leathers and I managed to sweet talk the nurses into just helping me get out of them......oddly enough they got my pants off with no dramas It took 2 nurses and 2 orderlies to get me out of the gear by rolling me onto both sides while supporting my neck (which was in a brace) The doc's etc were amazed that with the damage to my scapula I hadn't completely smashed my rib cage and sternum in the bargain.......I put it down to the gear. I had hit my bars with my shins on the way over and busted the mounting....but not my legs.......I just had pain, bruising and pretty sore knees.
Here's a photo of my shoulder/back. It looks pretty good until you notice how low the left side hangs (sorry about the hairy back ladies!) and then a pic of my calf (which had been protected by my Johnny Rebs) and that bruise is after two weeks......it just kept bleeding. Then finally a pic of the accident site, a few degrees this way or that way and things would have been very different! I was wearing protective gear and here I am nine weeks later still off work (no pay), unable to drive my car and if my bike was fixed I wouldn't be able to ride yet either. I've just started physio and the orthopaedic surgeon is advising that they stil might have to operate. My shoulder blade is "bent" and will remain that way.
Will I ever ride without my leathers again?
Probably
The way I see it, if you're gonna go, you're gonna go no matter what. My mate had his leg snapped on his 2.5hr old Harley when he was hit at an intersection by a drunk driver.....my mate was stopped. I know two brothers who have also been on the wrong side of a curb, one just had muscle damage and the other, like me snapped his scapula. I've seen worse pictures than that girl (anyone ever see that photo entitled "for the love of my Harley? That churns your guts!) but it is certainly a reminder that you have to be realistic.
07FXDC: With or without the gear when your times up then its up, but insaying that the gear helps those who arent recalled just yet. a little anyways.
Mega :Are you all healed now?
And no I am not saying to anyone "You have to wear it" its your choice
arrhh the pain the pain I remeber it well. sympathies I been there ...
Have just found out from a report today Ihave been given a 5% permanent disability in my left leg from the insurance company specialist Dr.
