Biker Death - Squires Cafe [Archive] - SV650.org

Anonymous

14-05-04, 08:35 AM

Had a really busy day at work last night, so decided to go to Squires for a smoke and a coke to unwind. Sun was shining, i was on the boil - was going good.

Anyway, rounded the corner just before the cafe, to be greeted by a closed road, an paramedic car, 3 T5 police cars, and 2 vans. I back tracked and found an alternative route to the cafe through south milford.Whilst on route, i was passed by an ambulance heading towards the scene of the crash. I arrived at the cafe about 10mins later. Parking the bike up, i walked over to the road side (the crash was under the bridge about 10 meters from the cafe), and had a quick look what was going on.

There was a biker, on a stretcher, in the back of said ambulance, and they were frantically working on, CPR etc... anyway, a crowd developed to hope for the biker, after about 15 mins, the most depressing sight of my life.... and one which has changed my entire outlook on bikes - they gave up CPR, placed a blanket over his head and closed the door of the ambulance. The police turned back towards their cars, looking dissapointed. Another victim on Yorkshire's roads. Another family getting that dreaded call. Another fellow biker not returning home this evening.

Ive seen friends end up in hospital after nasty crashs, and its had no real affect on my attitude. After seeing a biker die in front of me, on minute being alive, next minute a bleeding, shaking mess, then dead, im completely changed. Im questioning whether its worth me having the bike, is it worth the risks....

Any body else felt like this after seeing something similar? How did you get over it? Its really getting me down... any advise is welcome...

Im not going to point fingers at whose fault the crash was, thats not what i need help deciding... as i know the answer already. what i need help deciding, is do i keep the bike now my hearts not really in it. Is it just a phase - will it pass?

:cry:

Jabba

14-05-04, 08:43 AM

... as i know the answer already. what i need help deciding, is do i keep the bike now my hearts not really in it. Is it just a phase - will it pass?

:cry:

I take it no other vehicle was involved?

If so, then this fact should give weight to your decision. Ask yourself the question as to how you ride and do you take unnecessary risks, and give yourself an honest answer.

It's terrible seeing another human being shuffle of this mortal coil in an accident, even when you didn't actually see the impact, and you will be in something of a state of shock. Don't make the decision now. Leave it a few days.

There are a few coppers and paramedics lurking about on these Forums - they may offer a little advice on how they deal with such things. But remember, despite seeing such things routinely, they still ride their bikes.

This might not be quite the right time to say this, but I think the Poll unnecessary as only you can answer your question for you.

Cloggsy

14-05-04, 08:54 AM

Life isn't about 'What if...' Life is for living & if you ride a bike, you do it because it gives you pleasure - Lets face it, none of us need to ride bike, we do it because we want to... This includes all the risks involved :!:

I've got a wife & two young children (8 yrs & 7 yrs,) do I want to leave my wife husbandless or my kids fatherless :?: Of course not... But let's face it, you could get run over by a proverbial bus tomorrow (so to speak) so enjoy life, enjoy what you do until you don't enjoy it anymore :roll:

I have seen autopsy's, I've seen a couple of people who have committed suicide & that isn't nice, but that has underlined to me just how precious life is & just how important it is to live life to the full. It is my belief that you only get one innings & this is it, it isn't a dress rehersal - nobody knows what's around the corner...

Sid Squid

14-05-04, 08:56 AM

Might I gently suggest a change to your poll question?

How about: Is living worth the associated risks?

There is no doubt that you are sooner or later going to give up breathing, (later I hope, much later), it isn't negotiable, it's the only certainty of your life, for my part I hope to do as much living as is humanly possible before that happens, there is a chance that you could turn your toes up doing just about every conceivable activity you can imagine, biking isn't any different.

Mrs Patch

14-05-04, 09:21 AM

This is Patch

First off let me say i am really sorry that you saw this and condolences go out to the family of the guy/gal

This kind of experience affects us all when we are subjected to it. Many years ago i found myself acting as part of the "coroners office" to the british forces when I was in the SIB. amongst these duties I had to investigate many fatal accidents and sudden deaths, including witnessing the post mortems at the Military Hospital Munster.

I was affected by the exposure at the time and to a certain degree can remember every death I ever attended or investigated (I am talking a lot in the space of two years but I know many have had to go to more).

Eventually I came to the opinion that we are all given a life and that each life has a different time duration, some are long some are short and some don't even get passed the cot (I investigated 13 cot deaths in 2 years). What is important is not how long your life is but what you do with it whilst you have the chance and the legacy you leave behind. We can not all be famous but we can all make the difference to someone while we have the choice.

As to whether biking is worth it? Dunno its what I choose to do. I have lost too many friends who have been killed on their bikes but have also lost biking friends who died otherwise, specifically; a great buddy of mine Tim Hicks who was a soldier and biker serving in NI and who was killed in the M6 plane crash, another called Nigel Sims an airman and great biker who gave up biking and bought a Capri, it was a while ago, and died in it. Both these two are remembered as they made a positive impact on my life and their lives though short were important.

We on the site here suffered the loss of VTwin, and our founder Kevin last year. I don't think any one can underestimate the positive effect of both these guys.

It is always a searching moment when we are confronted with death but we have no right to expect a long life and no duty to spend our lives trying to achieve age. The important thing is what you will be remembered for and by whom.

I wish you well in your coming to terms with this and hope that you will use the experience as an opportunity to understand your life purpose.

splke

14-05-04, 09:26 AM

condolences to the bikers family :(

Obviously a harrowing experience for you, not nice at all.

I think a year ago i would have had a different view on this but.....
I was diagnosed with a form of lung cancer in December last year, and after having half a lung removed and the subsequent 3 month recovery and the time bomb to my next check up !! I know that i would rather die doing something i love, than lying in a hospital bed not knowing when, or if i would see my children again.
Live for today as you never know what will happen tomorrow.

Anonymous

14-05-04, 09:30 AM

thats what confuses me most - the attitudes expressed here are all attitudes and beliefs i held strongly up until about 5.15 last night... now im not so sure about the "take risks and live" philosophy.

the crash wasnt the bikers fault.. a car gave up his right of way on the far side of a brow of a hill to let another car coming the other way through, although there was no need for him to do so as both would fit through. the biker was going about45-50 in a 60 zone and had no place to go but into these cars.

Some might argue that old line of "only ride as fast as the distance you can safely see to be clear..." etc... but even one of the police officers said it was a damned stupid thing for the car driver to do. A thread on here has already discussed priorities.

Moo

14-05-04, 09:54 AM

All very sad even more so if the rider wasn't at fault.
Is biking worth all the associated risks my answer was yes doing what you want is worth it you never know whats going to happen tomorrow, you just have to play as safely as you can.

Cloggsy

14-05-04, 09:55 AM

goode262

14-05-04, 10:23 AM

As many of you know I got rid of my brand new SV 3 months ago. I gave a couple of reasons , but the main one remains the inherent risk was too high for ME.

I have taken almost 28 years to find a hobby I really love, and biking is it. It was such a catch 22, and I started thinking more anout the risks as the initial thrill of having a bike wore off. My conclusion is that I have had many wonderful experiences during my lifetime , and risking all of them just to ride a bike wasn't worth it. Sure I may ride for 20 years and never have a bad accident, but the risks are very high.

I feel very comfortable with my situation now that I have had a bike. Its something I really had to experience, but I feel very privileged to have had 3 accident free years on 2 wheels. I have had my biking experience, and am moving on to finding other things that interest me. The new Mazda RX8 being one of them!

I would hate it having a ride and then thinking about an accident or safety, it spoils the ride, but it is a reality. My decision was thus to pack it in. Biking is wonderful and many riders are probably not as pessimistic or dont worry as much as me, and are very comfortable with their situation. I was unable to feel comfortable with the risks any more, so the entire experience was becoming less enjoyable.

Being a biker feels special, with the comeraderie, but you cant ignore your own person if you are uncomfortable with the risks.

I hope everyone has a great summer riding, and I'm glad I'm still made to feel welcome on the forum although I no longer ride.

I hope everyone understands I this is only what I feel is right for me, and appreciate to hear from the other side of the fence.

Dont forget MotoGP on Sunday :wink:

U.K.Ajay

14-05-04, 10:46 AM

This sort of thing is hard for any witness, biker, policeman, ambo crew etc... the thoughts of what you saw will never leave you but time is a great healer, and right now I would just give it that....time.

I think you will come to your own decision but after a while you may feel that biking is what you love and that you want to give it a go again. Take it easy, rest up, but do not give up your dreams and loves in life. They are important.

Georgie Monster

14-05-04, 11:34 AM

As a inherant part of what i do i have had to draw conclusions between the pain and suffering i see and how i live my life. As an EMT in london i have whitnessed some very harrowing moments made even more harrowing by the fact that these broken victims of accidents are not the true victims, it is their families who are left to grieve, and moan thier loss. Three weeks ago i buried a good friend at the age of 21, another victim of a motorcycle SVA (single vehicle acciedent) seeing the effects on his family and friends does lead you to questions about why we do what we do. Only we can ask these questions and only we can answer them for ourselves. Brad's death could have been avoided, a little more trainnin, the dealer could have said no to him test riding such a big bike, the list is endless, we make choices in life for better or worse, that is life.

i have made my choice, i choose to live everyday of my life to its fullest, not putting off to tomorrow what can be experienced today. (except possibly bills!) because no one can predict the future, we could be poppin wheelies on our 99th birthday, or fighting terminal cancer at 19, we don't get to make those choices, we only get to choose how we spend what time we are given. choose wisely ladies and gents.

i choose to ride for better or worse, selfish or not i make my choice and accept the risks that it brings, along with the great benefits!

not preaching just my take on things.

play safe.

dave :D

Cloggsy

14-05-04, 11:37 AM

Loubie

14-05-04, 12:00 PM

I agree with Cloggsy and my heart goes out to the families who lose their loved ones.......but......as said before, life is not a rehearsal and I too have two young boys and a husband. I could get knocked down by that 'bus' tomorrow. I have only been riding for a year and won't give it up, I enjoy it, it is something for ME. All I know is that I take care when I am out and just enjoy. When our time is up it is up. :|
:!: Take care

jonboy

14-05-04, 12:04 PM

I actually think it's a very personal and individual decision and I applaud everyone (regardless of their decision) who makes a definite choice.

What I can't comprehend is someone who rides a bike and hasn't actually sat down and thought about it seriously and then when they have an accident are shocked at the risks that have "suddenly" appeared.

.

Loubie

14-05-04, 12:09 PM

Totally agree

dokotela

14-05-04, 02:03 PM

Its always going to be very shocking and distressing to actually witness someone dying in front of you. In my life as a medic, I must have personally witnessed many hundreds of deaths, and seen probably thousands of dead bodies, including lots of children. Its easy to become hardened to it all, and in many ways this is THE only way to cope with it, but I would just say this to getyerkneedown, it will eventually get easier, and although you will always remember what you saw, time is indeed a great healer.

As for the risks, well life is just full of risks; its a matter of balancing them up against the benefits. I've no doubt there are lots of policemen/women, ambulance crews and lots of drs who ride bikes (see "quick quacks motorcycle club" a group of dedicated biking docs). These guys between them see most of biking's deaths, and it doesn't put them off. At the end of the day its a personal decision. Although I would hate to leave my wife and 2 young children as the "victims", I just find the thrill of going round a corner too great to give it all up. Maybe that is selfish, but life is here to be taken, and its really pretty boring without any risks.

Ride carefully.

Julian

iainp999

14-05-04, 02:04 PM

I go through phases like this, although I've never seen anything like what you did.

I read an interview with a musician yesterday. He was describing the meaning behind one of his songs and how it was about our own mortality and using every minute we have. He said "it is harder to live than to die". At first I thought he was talking about people taking their own lives but after reading between the lines I think he was speaking metaphorically i.e. it is easier just to coast through life without really doing anything than to get out there and live.

I have probably not done justice to the original text but I found it pretty inspiring.

I hope you can come to a decision that you are happy with anyway.

Loubie

14-05-04, 02:06 PM

DITTO!

come on you Toons!

iainp999

14-05-04, 02:14 PM

come on you Toons!

thanks very much! :-D

Peter Henry

14-05-04, 02:22 PM

Well mate, I was just about to send a light hearted message to let everyone know that in about half an hour I am to collect my new SV and go for a spin in the Spanish sunshine. Your mesage made me back off from the hopefully understandable excitement that I was feeling.
A few years ago a friend and his girlfriend were T boned by a car at high speed going home one night and unfortunately they are both no longer with us. I have lost family through illness and age etc but have to say for a mid twenties indestructable red blooded male- this was a real slap awake. The grief was tangible almost unbareable. From that day our group of about 12 experienced bikers drifted apart, unable to be in each other's company, due to those who were not there anymore. Petrified of a slip of the tongue that mentioned their names- Bob and Tina!
But you know what? I continued to ride bikes, of course with one or two breaks along the way due to tight finances on getting wed etc. Owning and riding a bike is sooooooo dificult to explain to those who do not get it. This persuit possibly more than any other routine aspect of our lives carries recognisable risks. these risks we are willing to accept to remain one of what we all feel is a special breed. You all know what I mean here.

That is why you get the nod from bikes you pass along the motorway and dual carriage ways etc. We all have that bond, that kindred spirit. A sad sight such as the one you witnessed should do one thing,that is to get you to just take a check on your normal riding manner and perhaps to mentally assess any silly risks you might often take and just maybe adjust slightly.This can be done without removing the enjoyment of your hobby and will not remove the spectre of the accidents out there completely but it will see you avoid more than most!

For me after 4 years out of the saddle I am going to pick her up now and head to the hills of Benahavis for a 40km round trip just to get a feel of her. I do not do this lightly and without understanding the potential dangers, but I do it with the knowledge that I have a wife and fourten year old son to support,(and 8 month old boxer Roxy!)
My heart goes out to anyone hurt, injured or killed in any bi8king accident and my thoughts lie with their close one's.
Assess the situation , dust youself off, clear your throat and move on I say.

Loubie

14-05-04, 02:22 PM

:D
Very welcome

zx6man

14-05-04, 02:32 PM

that bit just under the bridge at squires is very nasty, and have seen a lot of near misses.....bad news indeed. 2 in as many weeks.....sad

brumster

14-05-04, 02:38 PM

re: most comments...

Absolutely agree. There is a proportion of the 'risk' that you can control - for example (keeping it with biking for now, although ofcourse this is more a general rule in life, not just riding a 'bike) you make the concsious decision to commit 100% into a fast, blind, left-hander and you have to accept the risk involved... when you discover a tractor blocking the road half way round, you have to accept some of the results of your actions.

But this, like has been said, applies to anything in life - so while I'm not saying disregard it entirely, there's little value in going through your whole life passing on any risks whatsoever. You'll end up missing some of the most magical, memorable moments you could hope for - and then, one day, you'll no longer be in a position to do it and will wish you had. It's the same old story; nothing you haven't heard before. You try something and you might fail, but at least you gave it a go. Far worse is to never try it, and live a life of regret.

Partaking in motorsport myself, I am quite aware of the dangers involved. Not only this, but a good friend sits in the car with me and tells me where to go, accepting the same risks but with even less control himself. But I came to a point in my life where something happened, and it was clear in my mind that I needed to make the most of every day I had, to never regret a bad move and to absolutely embrace every right one. And since doing so, I've had some absolutely magical, heart-warming moments - although probably insignificant to a large majority of people, I've felt some sort of wonderful warmth and contentment fill me up and make me feel like, at that very moment, I'm on top of the world. It's different things for different people, but it doesn't matter - find your thing

Accept that risks are an inherent part of life. Accept that accidents happen. Get out there and do whatever floats you boat...

...unless you're an axe wielding psychopath, obviously :D

Play safe, boys and girls...

iainp999

14-05-04, 02:48 PM

Get out there and do whatever floats you boat...

<picks up axe>

...unless you're an axe wielding psychopath, obviously :D

<puts axe down and trudges off>

brumster

14-05-04, 02:49 PM

LOL :lol:

Stig

14-05-04, 03:01 PM

Any body else felt like this after seeing something similar? How did you get over it? Its really getting me down... any advise is welcome...

:cry:

I can tell you from experience.............

My best friend, Mark, of some 12 years was killed on his bike. We met when we first joined the army and managed to get posted to the same places throughout our career. We were as thick as thieves and did everything together. I left the army after 12 years and he stayed in. We still kept in contact, even when he was posted overseas. I remember vividly when the call came through that he had been killed on his bike. I went stone cold and felt so numb. It shocked me more than anything has before or since.

He had a bikers funeral and people turned up from all over the world to be there. I led the Herse through his home town to the church for his service on my bike. That was the last time I rode a bike for the next 4 years.

I don't think I stopped crying for a year. Every now and again it would hit me like a bolt of lightening, just when I wasn't expecting it. "****, he aint here no more".

It's now been 5 years since his death, I am back on bikes and I love it. I still miss him, that will never go away. But its not right to let something like this get in the way of my own life.

I guess what I am trying to say, is that things people see and experience shouldn't necessarily have an impact on your own life. Just look at it as a reminder that we are always vulnerable on our machines, if you keep that thought in the back of your mind, you will always be one step further away from the poor chap that died in that ambulance.

God bless you Mark, still thinking about you m8. Make sure the bars open when I get there :drink: :wink:

Stig

14-05-04, 03:08 PM

I dont intend on getting there anytime soon :wink: :wink: He can wait, had to wait for him enough times in the past :lol: :lol: :lol:

ARAF

14-05-04, 03:54 PM

Everyone has their own personal level of risk and safety which they won't exceed.
If motorcycling is presently exceeding that limit, you must decide to either: -

1/ Give up and find something else to get your 'rush' or

2/ Do something to bring motorcycling back within the boundries.
The second option could be anything from a new lid and leathers to safety training with IAM, ROSPA, BMF etc. or changing to a slightly different discipline like off-roading until the yearning comes back.

Araf

Sledgehammer

14-05-04, 04:05 PM

I agree with everyone who says we ride for the pleasure and do understand the risks. my Father who has been into bikes since the day dot
done numerous track days even got his knee down on occasions so i have heard. he passed his advanced riding test and basicly anything to do with bikes he did. sadly he died in an accident 4yrs ago. at that stage i hadnt riden a bike in my life, 3yrs later i had passed my test and was riding not sure if i did it to prove anything but i have to argee riding is 100% pleasure and was the best choice i ever made i just wished my late father could have converted me sooner :(

My thoughts go out the friends and family of the rider.

Anonymous

14-05-04, 05:12 PM

its always sad to hear about someone dying but if someone dies in a car not many people give up driving, someone dies in a plane crash - people dont stop going on holiday, look at how many die from drugs, drink, cigarette and yet people still do it.

Biking is dangerous which is why I spend money on protective kit, advanced training etc. my best friend died 10 years ago aged 27 of cancer and the last thing she said to me was live your life your way.

so this year I am, have separated from hubby (didnt love him anymore), sold the house, cleared my debts, got some great babysitters and get out on my bike as often as I can. Life is short and I dont want to wake up in 20 years thinking I wish I had done that.

Akula

14-05-04, 05:30 PM

simon-temple

14-05-04, 05:55 PM

Well it's not the first thread I wanted to post to after joining last night... :shock:

I agree with ARAFs second point. I have just got back into bikes after various breaks mostly enforced by lack of funds. My previous bike was a TZR250 which I learnt to ride on the back roads of Cumbria. When I think of the risks I and my friends took my skins crawls and I sometimes feel sick thinking of the impacts and how they could have been worse.

So, what to do?

BikeSafe next Friday at the Ace, Saturday an off-road course and sometime during the summers' end I will hopefully start an advanced riding course. I want to reduce the risks I make with my riding and look out for the risks other people take.

I know how my mum felt now as my girlfriend has just started riding and was smashed of her baby Virago four weeks ago by a u-turning driver. She got up and went out on the courtesy bike, as soon as her leg was better. She's a little late home now but I have to fight worrying about it as it will not help.

I do question whether or not it is worth all the risks and hurt, but then I focus on my ride, try to be perfect and take a couple of flowing corners exactly as I wanted receive a knod from a fellow bike and it makes sense.

I don't want to die in a bike accident, but then I don't want to be left on the side line think 'I wish...'

keep safe. :grouphug:

jonmelkay

14-05-04, 06:17 PM

This thread has struck a chord with me. For those that read BIKE you will see my letter printed on page 10 of June's edition. It responds to a column in the previous month's mag.

I have also dealt with detahs and had 2 teenage moped riders die in my arms.

How do I cope with these and other road deaths and continue to ride ? I don't know but the most stupid sentimental of things which most people would discount without a thought can make me cry.

Maybe I need to see the shrink but that would be too logical.

Does that make sense? I just typed as I felt

leatherpatches

14-05-04, 06:22 PM

This thread is one of the most sobering and thought provoking I have read on any forum. I have not lost anyone to a road traffic accident and pray I never will.

I'd like to say my thoughts go out to the biker mentioned in the original thread and more close to home, to sledgehammer, peterhenry and bigape, who have all posted deeply personal comments about their loss.

Threads like this have a purpose: they remind us all that we are seriously mortal and need to take care when on our machines...for our loved ones' sake, if nothing else.

Spike, my hat's off to your for your courage in the face of a difficult situation. I admire your attitude, mate.

My respect for posting here as you all have, and in respect of the original question - you only really regret the things you haven't done in this life.

chutz

14-05-04, 06:37 PM

This has been a very interesting and sobering thread for me. I see a few nasty RTA victims at work and have thought about the risk of me being one quite a lot, especially of late after a few near misses with people pulling out on me etc.

I still think that the pleasure I get from the bike outweighs the risks involved but try to make sure that I minimise the risks as much as is possible without taking away all the fun. I find I'm riding familiar roads a tad slower than I did a few months back and am less of a rush but I still enjoy the ride.

Life is a risk in itself and the good bits involve having something to lose but not losing, such as love....... :oops:

Think hard before deciding to chuck it in but wharever your decision be safe.

Logie bear

14-05-04, 08:19 PM

Firstly my thoughts are for the poor guy that died and his family.

Reading some of the posts this evening almost had me in tears and I'm sitting here at work, there are a lot of people on this forum who have suffered because of the untimely loss of dear friends and family and have shared thier thoughts and feelings with us all, we all have or will experience this at some point in our lives, death and taxes eh.

What we chose to do in life has an effect on everyone, and what you chose can be limited due to committments, family ties, debt, or dissability, not everyone has the total freedom of choice.

Back in 1995 when I was about to get married, my head was spinning with all the arrangements and keeping everyone happy, so I ended up not enjoying the build up at all.
I walked up to a roundabout not far from my wife to be's house to meet some relatives and direct them down to our place.

At the roundabout there was also a young guy in a wheelchair, dissabled from birth he had no choice but to put up with being wheelchair bound for life and just get on with it.
We got talking and when I told him why I was there and that I was getting married in a couple of days he said laughing, "getting married, never mind things could be worse".
That sort of sobered me up a bit, and he was right, I was worried about things so trivial and in a few days the wedding would be all over, and this young lad was confined to his wheelchair for life and was having a laugh.
Aparrently he was waiting for a lift to go and play basketball.

It taught me to think about things a little more and put a value on the effect it has on the quality of my life, and always remember, no matter how bad you think things are, there are millions out there who dont have the health, freedom, or ability to be in the position you are now.
Life is too short to waste, think of all the young childern who never make it and why you are bitching about your situation or where you are now, get out there and do it for them.

I have a wife and two little boys and I would hate to leave them if I was killed in an accident, but I hope to God that I die before them, just not right now, I want a few years of hooning around on my bike.

Sorry for droning on, but life is for the living, so live a good life in memory of those we miss.

Rob S (Yella)

14-05-04, 08:23 PM

I was told about 3 months after my accident in October last year by my consultant that he has seen people with pelvic injuries as bad as mine before. But they all died, So I am lucky to be here.

Being told that that hit me harder than most people realise, It made me realise that life is precious and also very fragile, I am now permanently disabled. It also made me realise I should enjoy life while I can.

I was convinsing myself to ride again (When I can walk again) and would have done so in a year or two.

BUT

I now know that my wrist will not bend much more than it does now ever again, this is my throttle hand. Try and do a throttle twist type movement without bending your wrist back. You cant.

In a way I was relieved that I wouldn't have to make the choice and get back on a bike again and face the risks. Also I was very sad as I miss it already. The point I am trying to make is that we make our own choices and given the choice I would probably have rode again but in a way I am releived that I have a reason not too. Does that make sence.

Sledgehammer

14-05-04, 08:25 PM

life is for the living, so live a good life in memory of those we miss.

Exellent Advice and a very heartwarming story.

Barty_b0y

14-05-04, 08:58 PM

lots of folk no this but anyway

i got t-boned last year i was on a dual carrigeway tootling along and whoommpphh

oops broken leg

anyway that was october the 24 and on febuary the 24 i was still in plaster with no fusing of bone at all with and operation coming on the very next day

my bone marrow wasnt fusing the joint

so bone graft from my hip to my leg and my broken tibia plated by a bit of 4x1 steel and 6 screws ( they look reall neat on x-ray)

out of hospital on not sure but say the 1 of march

2 weeks later i was riding

and yes i do appreciate the fact WE AS HUMANS ARE NOT HE-MAN
WE DO GET HURT WE DO DIE

everyone in my family apart from my brother say "your not going to ride it again are you " sure as hell i am i didnt buy it to look at

i just say to them when my time comes i want to be doing whatever i want to be doing as long as it makes me happy then im happy

if my time comes and im on my bike then so be it if not then so what as long as your happy there is no question

id sooner be happy and riding than sad and not or saying "that used to be me"

i dont really like the idea of crashing one bit no sireeeee but i dont wanna sit around wondering what if either

what if i rode down that road on my bike and lady luck granted me 3 wishes (can i have 500 more and you let me no just before i run out :D)

i`m gonna keep hoping and praying i find her one day :D

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY ITS YOU THAT MATTERS HERE

Rob S (Yella)

14-05-04, 09:35 PM

Barty boy said

anyway that was october the 24

Thats when I got broken as well.

Normally I wouldn't keep talking about my accident because I don't want to put people off but this thread is very thought provoking. I suppose a reminder of how vunerable we are from time to time makes us more aware. Think of the good times we have had and are going to have and keep the rubber side down.

Avianblue

17-05-04, 02:41 PM

I guess this sort of topic will alway crops up from time to time. By definition I think we've all done the risk assessment, subconciously or otherwise, and decided that the benefits outweigh the dangers.

But it's not a static thing. Every time we hear or see an accident we do the assessment again. If the risk is still within our own acceptable bounds then we carry on. If not, we quit.

I've been fortunate that I've never really known anyone who's been killed. But that changed last year when a fellow paraglider pilot (and friend) died in an accident on the South Downs. This was on top of a bad year or so when another friend was left a paraplegic and another was lucky to survive but is still unable to walk properly. I didn't fly for 6 months afterwards - but then realised that the benefits still outweighed the risks. I have to admit though that had it been someone really close then that would have tipped the balance.

Ride safe people!

Dave

Iansv

17-05-04, 03:53 PM

Asked myself this the day I went to pick up my first bike and within 200 yards of the dealer there was a bike on its side and a guy being loaded into an ambulance.

Decided its worth a go and not looked back since, i've known plenty of former bikers with horror stories about their mates, another mate who's dad lost both his legs... But i still choose to remain on 2 wheels

Its all part of the risk as far as i'm concerned, hopefully if anything bad happens i won't regain conscienceness :(

carelesschucca

17-05-04, 04:02 PM

It's always a shock when people pass away, I've been unfortunate to have seen two people killed at knockhill in the last two years, both of them run over by other bikes, and plenty more be serriously hurt in other incidents...

It does make you wonder and worry, specialy as I'm there watching Family race, I enjoy it when he's out there, but I can never relax till he comes into the pits...

But what ever happens, I couldn't stop biking, its everything to me...

paul cooper

17-05-04, 04:25 PM

Well here's a reply, that maybe isn't directly related, but maybe it has some parallel. Nothing to do with biking, but in a sport that I enjoy a great deal. I had a bad accident in which I nearly bought it, there's a whole string of emotions that you go through.
Nearest the time of the accident (first couple of days), my thoughts were that I'll never do this again, after 3-4 days, when I new I was going to live & have all my limbs, I thought to myself, yes I'll do it again once, just to proove a points, Then afte about a week I decided that why should I let a 'lightening strike' stop me enjoying my passion. After 2 weeks I set myself a challenge to get basck into the sport by a certain time.
That was 12 vyears ago, I beat the target & have never looked back.
I guess what I am getting @ is that your emotions are geared very much to the latest incidents, or @ least mine were----I can only tell you my experience, be positive, I was, but it would have been so easy to disappear down the whirlpool & never do what I enjoyed again

wheelnut

24-05-04, 11:56 PM

I just found out today that this lad who was killed was the son of an old friend of mine. I used to be good friends with his auntie and will be seeing her at the weekend.
Petes Dad was killed several years ago whilst a marshall in the yorkshire forests on a car rally.
I shall pass all your thoughts on to his family and friends.

Thanks :cry:

gerbilion

25-05-04, 08:16 AM

Sorry to hear about your recent experience mate not nice at all :(

Ive just been excepted into the fire service as a retained fireman, this is such a scary thought.... on friday there was a biker killed 5mins from one of the staions i will be covering, this is such a nasty thought that in a couple of months i will be there doing that sort of emergency call... going to cut bodys out of cars or scrapping bits up off the road :(

I must be mad doing it ! and the time i have to deal with ma first body is far from a plesent thought, it will happen and providing i dont forget that it should be easier to deal with ! however the lads and gals at the station are a fantastic bunch we all help each other out and we are a 'family' ! and im sure that will make things easier as the support will be there.

this is very similar to the biking community we help each other out and look out for each other ! its all part of being a biker.... i have unfortunately had mates who have been killed in bike accidents and i know that they wouldn't want me to give up something i love so passionately !

Take care mate, chin up and try not to think about it too much !
kev

timboid

25-05-04, 08:32 AM

Hi Guys
I haven't read all these posts (management pressure) but these posts do crop up with alarming regularity. Firstly my condolences to the rider & his family & to you the witness - really not a nice thing to see.
But life isn't all about nice things is it? Without the bad how can we judge the good.
All you have is right now as the past is written & the future can make its own mind up. I rather childishly take great comfort from lines of movies - this springs to mind for this situation
"Its not a tragedy to die doing what you love".
Might seem quite twee but its true, would you like to live in a hermatically sealed existance with no risk - when do you feel most alive, readying yourself for bed or swinging your leg over your SV? Then ask yourself how many people die in their sleep?
Lets be careful out there, after all its all we can do.
Here endeth the semon for today

davyf

25-05-04, 10:00 AM

This is one of my pet hates people who choose to apply a completely different set of rules to road use. It happens everyday people pulling up & giving way to people who don't have right of way. They never seem to be answerable for there stupidity & the consequences always slap someone else. We see them every day in there different guises 45 in a 70 limit, stopped dead over a hill (look at that lovely tree etc.), waving people out when they don't know what is going on (yes sure you give way but don't put me at risk for your stupidity & lack of observaton). All protocols only work when everyone uses the same one.

MarkSVS

25-05-04, 10:20 AM

I always hate reading posts like this. Since I joined this site I have read about far too many of us losing our lives.

Yet still I choose the bike over the car every morning.

Is biking worth the risk? I suggest it is. Almost anything has a degree of risk attached to it...even breathing. If you enjoy it, its worth the risk I think.

Two weeks from now I will be trading my SVS for a GSXR-750K4. :D I'll be changing from a 70bhp bike to a 130bhp bike...another 'calculated' risk. I have a lovely wife and a baby on the way yet I have no hesitation in carrying on with the activity that I simply love. In fact, my wife is determined that I carry on, so much so that she paid the deposit on the new bike!!

When your time is up, your time is up. There's nothing you can do about it. :(

Flamin_Squirrel

25-05-04, 11:45 AM

...When your time is up, your time is up. There's nothing you can do about it. :(

Other than expect stupidity. Ride safe :!:

howardr

25-05-04, 02:33 PM

Having read all the comments so far, I was inspired to say many things.

"Yeah sure, stay at home, wrap yourself in cotton-wool and die of boredom!"

Blah, blah, blah

I saw my best friend die on his bike in France many years ago - went off the edge of a mountain pass :shock: - it ain't nice. Did I stop riding? Hell no.

I came to terms with it, in the sure and certain knowledge that he died doing what he loved.

I have an 8 year-old daughter who may want to ride a bike when she gets older.

Do I want her to? Hell no.
Would I stop her? Hell no.

It's a tough call.

Just ask yourself: Do you want to be sitting in the sunshine, sipping wine, and looking out at some gorgeous scenery when you're 65 thinking "****! I forgot to enjoy myself"

HKP

25-05-04, 03:20 PM

I also agree with Cloggsy. I have a family and my wife has recently attended the scene of a bike accident and helped (trained first aider). She was shaken by the incident but still allows me to make the decission whether to ride or not. Life is for living, but its also not to be thrown away.
If your constantly worrying whilst riding its likely to distract you and that could lead to the accident your worrying about having.
Take your time, make the right decision for you.......

Safe riding everyone....

jonboy

25-05-04, 03:50 PM

I saw my best friend die on his bike in France many years ago - went off the edge of a mountain pass :shock: - it ain't nice. Did I stop riding? Hell no.

Jesus that must have been tough. All credit to you for carrying on riding.

.

Fizzy Fish

25-05-04, 05:04 PM

wow, this has all been very sobering, but helpful to hear at the same time.

it's so true about getting out there and living life, and I have often heard people say that they would rather die doing something that they love. I know that personally whatever happens I will never regret the fun I have had riding a bike

squirrelciv

25-05-04, 07:07 PM

Hi guys, I'm a bit late on this topic, and I may well be repeating someone else's view(haven't read all replies yet, sorry) but I thought I'd chuck in my 2p worth anyway.
Seems to me that absolutely everything contains risk, from bike riding to eating a burger. Half the problem with modern life is we are all too aware of the risks nowadays. In the 40's/50's smoking was considered good for you! To live life to the full today in this all too enlightened times is to learn the art of risk assessment, and not worry over thing you have no control over. Failure will lead to a life choked by fear.
To this end, and this my own personal opinion, I do all I can to limit the risks and put aside issues of chance. For example, My bike is properly maintained, my protective clothing good quality, and my riding stile defensive. These things I have control over. However, the high insidents of motorcycle accidents and the injuries sustained, is not. But just because x% of bikers have accidents does't lead to the conclusion that I will.
If you toss a coin, chances are 50/50 for heads to show. If you toss it 100 times, all showing tails, the chance of heads next go is still 50/50.
To conclude, do what you can to limit your risks, then live your life.
Sorry for the lecture, didn't mean to preach, but I've faced a few gosts in my time, and trust me fear of what might be is the worst.