My thank you to Kiwi Bikers

[Gone Burger]

What a year it has been. From even before the crash this year has truly tested me as a person in more ways than I could ever have expected. Coming out of an abusive relationship at the start of the year after trying to get out for 2 years, selling my house after a year on the market to be able to get away, major negative equity and loan after loan to pay for it all. To finding that day of freedom and the happiest day of my life without a doubt, riding along the road on the same bike I had been test riding for 9 months with the biggest smile on my face. Then fucking it all up but running off the road.

Through my recovery I have lost a lot of friendships, and the real ones sure have shown through. It has been very isolating and brought on a fight to stop depression settling in. Losing a job and a career of 10 years was something I had hoped to not face, but once again would not change that if I were ever given the chance. Living alone through it all was an incredible test for me, one I would never change given the chance. I learned to go without food for a week, how to get myself off the floor after collapsing and being there for 6 hours, how to handle two large and farking full on dogs whilst not being able to move more than snail’s pace, to splitting my own firewood with 4 vertebrae only freshly healing.

8 months later I am sitting here in bed at 3.40am almost desperate to sleep. 8 Months to the day without a night’s sleep and it brings a whole new meaning to rotting brain. Not the best look when trying to start a new career and engage the brain to work harder than ever before. I can proudly say that I said goodbye to ACC quite some time ago now, even though they were pushing to keep me on their books for a while yet. A new case manager pushed hard to change my mind, but I wanted off, and I wanted to be back on my own two feet and have worked very hard to get there.

Just over a month ago, I got back on my bike. A terribly shaky start and I was throwing up afterwards when my body spat the dummy. I went down to the South Island for 4 days riding just a week later and that has been that hardest thing I can honestly say I have ever done in my life. But now that I achieved that goal that I set for myself I can step back and take it all much easier. Each ride is getting easier, and I am getting more stable on the bike. My mind is focussed as I won’t let it be anything else. And short trips are getting me that road time I need so very much to become a rider again.

To go from where I was to now being engaged to the most remarkable man whome I only meet the first week out of my neck brace, this will be a year to remember.

I have thanked many people in person and on here but I need to do it better. There has been a lot of grief about the donations that Kiwibikers raised for me, and to be honest some of the words said because these were raised for me set me into depression and made me take 10 steps back from where I was. But at the end of the day all you need to know is that the ONLY reason that I am back on a bike of any kind is because of you all and the incredibly generous assistance you have given me. I brought back my written off bike with my credit card (the bike was on full finance with upside down finance on top of that). And have slowly rebuilt it bit by bit with the money that was raised by you all. And it was enough to get it back on the road, at a safe height for me, and allow me to do the only thing I have wanted to do since it happened. Ride. Without these donations I would not even be back on a 250 and would be a long way off from getting there.

I know so many of you have a real issue with the fact this ever happened. And I assure you I never asked for it to happen and it caused me more pain that I could handle at my weakest time. But Kiwibikers are the only reason I have made it to this point and this real point of happiness in my life. I sit here in quiet tears as I think of the generosity involved, and all those who have supported me through every step of the way. Grateful? More than you can ever imagine. Why me? I will never know and you all have your own opinions about that.

But I thank each and every one of you with all of my heart for the help you have given me. For the firewood that was organised, for getting me to a supermarket when I could not walk another step from malnourishment, for calling to ask how I was doing, for your words of strength and support that have been so uplifting, for getting me back on a bike and making me happier than I ever thought possible in my entire life. This will never be forgotten. These are tears of gratitude

Tomorrow morning at 6.30am I ride up to Manfield to attend Karel Pavichs' Prorider course to help me settle into the new style of bike. I’ve done 3000kms in the month and need all the help I can get to be a safer rider. I am so excited to be getting to the course I have done twice before, the very one I was only 2 weeks away from doing when I crashed my R6.

One cannot put in words how I am feeling. Give me all the grief you want to those who have an issue with me, I am strong enough to take it now. But suck it up and just accept that fact that I am thankful for it all.

Love and hugs and thank you from the luckiest girl alive. :heart: Pie

[Sable]

Good on ya.

[dangerous]

shit, after that speal I dont think people will quite no how to answer, I think those you talb off wont need to actually.
Karel's courses are great she does an awesome job, and having raced with her several times she has a lot to offer.
May be the finle chapter for you could be the s/i kb rally you spoke to about with Genie, come down meet some more people that will blow you away then continue riding south with them, any one of them will treat you like a queen each night... and by the time you get home Id be suprised if you even remember this thread, 1500km, a clear head and the real start of a beter new life.

[FJRider]

Well said girl ...

[insomnia01]

Hats off to you little lady... words of true strength :clap::clap::clap::clap:

[sinfull]

Yeah well, the aters will always be the aters, jelousy i say, cause their mrs aint got an arse like that !
I had no esitation in elping out when that mate of yours started the donation thread miss !
The elpers will always be elpers, when someone needs it and hell, they don't even have to be cute !
Look forward to one day meeting ya man and perhaps following ya again over that hill ya seem to love so much !

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3yf15kikC_g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Paul in NZ]

Its just life Katie, at best its a lumpy old thing for many (although you did get a big one this time) - please don't over think it. Don't worry about any donations etc and other peoples opinions too much. Just resolve to do the same for some poor schmuck some place down the line.

Anyway - have a good day and stay out of trouble

[riffer]

Yes well I'd tell you to calm down and take stock, but knowing you that's not going to happen. So I'll just say go hard, and I hope you and Jason keep building that better life.

:)

[Crasherfromwayback]

Nice one Katie!

[Tigadee]

Hats off to you for your courage. Ride on, sister, ride on!

While those who had issue with the donation thing may feel they have a legitimate concern, what better way would there have been for Kiwis and in particular, KBers, to show their support for one of their own?

Where were these detractors then in your road to recovery? Pay them no mind, they obviously have their own personal issues to sort through, if they think they can hold such a high moral ground as to so quickly judge without knowing all the facts.

[Genie]

Way to go Katie-Pie. Yeah, don't listen to the negative shyte that some people insist on flinging around.
You are way above that type of vermin.

I'm so proud of all you've acheived and accomplished in such a short space of time.
Your resilience whilst lying in that ditch shows what courage and stamina you have.
For one so fine and beautiful, you're amazingly strong and courageous.
If I have half of what you're made of I'm doing great.
Life can give up some challenges and how one faces those challenges shows the true workings of that person and you, my adorable friend, are someone that many look up to and respect.

Have yourself a fantastic day with Karel, hope you're not too tired from all the early morning typing and as Mr Dangerous did mention, South Island Rally in two weeks and five days, you and Jason should pop on over for the weekend, the Takaka Hill is waiting. December 9/10/11, it's going to be so lovely, the venue is simply....blissful.

Love and hugs to you from me.:love:

[Hinny]

Ooooooohhhhhhhh! :niceone::violin::love:

[Hinny]

[QUOTE=sinfull;1130198728]Yeah well, the aters will always be the aters, jelousy i say, cause their mrs aint got an arse like that !

OOoooohhh again! :msn-wink:

[White trash]

You're welcome. I'll graciously accept a home cooked meal and a box of Heinekin as way of gratitude. As you're now promised to another man, we can forgo the blowjob.

[Crasherfromwayback]

. As you're now promised to another man, we can forgo the blowjob.

Being engaged hasn't stopped you blowing people!

[p.dath]

What a tough slog you have been through. It seems you are now surely back on the path upwards, and I wish you well.

[Berg]

Welcome to the upward side of the rollacoaster.:niceone:

[dangerous]

You're welcome. I'll graciously accept a home cooked meal and a box of Heinekin as way of gratitude. As you're now promised to another man, we can forgo the blowjob.for half of the Hinie box ill help out with ya BJ :doh:

[chanceyy]

its been a funny ole year for you girl and re the donations/support/friendships its all about passing it forward if/when you can

so glad your on the positive side of life onwards & upwards girl, just keep looking forward and not behind you :)

[PrincessBandit]

All the very best for your continued road to recovery. You've been through so much and showing your strength in getting on and facing each challenge with every ounce of courage you can.
Take it easy on yourself, don't push too hard, ignore the detractors and keep faith in yourself and those who love you.

:hug:

[SMOKEU]

Katie, I read your blog entries and had a look at the videos you posted on there. That really made me take a good, long look at myself and my riding habits as it could have easily been me in that position. It really did make me sad to see what you had to go through, and I wish you all the best for the future.

[caseye]

Hey Katiepie, welcome back mate.You have highlighted a few things that many would never have otherwise known about, collapsing for 6 hours, cutting wood with a broken neck, handling two great big mudgekins of dogs without a harsh word , all of those things on their own are things most could not! have done.
Hey, it was the easiest thing in the world to help out the guys who started, the for katiepie thread.Paying out then in advance should it ever be me or another guy/girl I know who rides.
Lifes finally settling down a wee bit aye, well don't sit still for too long girl, there's bikes to master and roads to eat(te he he ask Fatt Maxx to induct ya into the FBMC) we'll soon get those ribs covered up.
Have a great day, tomorrow, and the next day and remember, "little steps".
We are all damned proud of our katiepie, it's an honour to call you a friend, so enjoy friend, enjoy the freedom that our little bits of coin helped to recreate, keep making us bloody glad to have helped one of our own, cause you were, are and always will be a KB'er and a biker.

[Daffyd]

You know, prolly many of us didn't know you, or maybe not even have heard of you. (Me for one.) But reading your blogs and posts. One cannot help but have the greatest of admiration for you, the courage you've shown. I, too, hope that you can make it to the KB SI gathering,
and would love to meet you, maybe even give you a big hug. After watching you having the halo removed we admired yor courage even more. We love you, Katiepie, that's why we were honoured to help. This new fiancee is one hell of a lucky guy! Ride safe my sweet!

[scumdog]

Good on ya girl - a great example of tenacity!:niceone:

And remember: 'The glass is always half FULL'.

[Woodman]

Wow, didn't know all that was going on.

Happy you got through.

[Fatt Max]

Great words mate, thanks for sharing it with us.

Your courage is an inspiration

I'll see you in February

Love from Fatt, Mrs and Mini Max

[ducatilover]

What an inspiration, I'd like a glass of your awesomeness.

Ride safe and keep smiling Katie. :Punk::Punk::Punk::Punk:

[TLR4Lifel]

Burn the fukn haters :apint: when the chips are down, that's when ya find out who ya true friends are. Glad you've pulled through and are stronger for it. Ride safe sister :drinkup:

[ajturbo]

hey matey...


glad you have started to find your way again.. it helps to have a great partner too...:Punk:

[Gone Burger]

I made it up to the course on my dearly loved bike safe and sound. Against the gale force winds, with one hours sleep in 2 days, torrential rain and I bike I hardly know at all, I rode into the coruse late very sheepishly. Karel stopped her teaching and gave me a huge hug telling me how relieved she was I made it in the weather. Wow - what a storm that was. The Himatangi straights were intense. I don't usually mind riding in that weather at all, but have never done so on a light sports bike with fearings. A whole new story. I had no choice but to duck down behind the screen and lean on the tank with my knees tucked in. This helped hugely with the amount I was being hit by the winds, and I was still from one side of the lane to the other. Weeeee this is good fun! I laughed out load at the situation. I certainly don't ease back into things do I? My only concern was my neck... leaning over so much ment a much more aggressive angel on my neck, and the pain was huge. The course was incredible and I loved every moment of it. Leaning over with my head turned as far as my vertibrae would allow me, running through puddles and a gust of wind picked you up and shifted your line.... Now THIS IS LIVING! Loved it.

The ride home was completely different. I put all the things I had been shown through the day together. Battling the wind was easier, I didn't hesitate with nerves mid corner, I shofted my weight from one side to the other not giving a shit for the very first time about people telling me not to do that. And you know what? I had a smooth ride home, with no nerves or hesitation and a little confidence. One hell of a happy girl.

I sit here tonight with a very angry neck. I am currently doing electrical accupunture on it, and have tears in my eyes from the pain. Everything in angry. Everything but me. I feel complete. I feel more confident, I feel more in control and more relaxed.

I feel like a rider again. I will book in for another training course these next few weeks.

I have a bike and I am riding again. Last night were tears of grattitude, tonight these are wet eyes from happiness (oh, and pain. Not so tuff after all)

xx

[chanceyy]

ah doll your tuff :) awesome you had a great day .. must fill you in on the alternate route if the himitangi straights are rough its a wee bit more sheltered and easier to ride ;)

congrats on getting ya mojo back ;) and I reckon an angry sore neck is totally worth the aggrevation with what you accomplished today :)

[superman]

Good on ya Katie, I've never heard anyone handle themselves through the amount of adversity you faced with such a high level of positivity in the past year. I hope I'd be able to do the same if any horrible situation eventuates.

I'm definitely jealous of the track time you got, I need to head to one sometime soon.

[The Pastor]

I seemed to of missed most of the BS that went down, but those people need to take a good hard look at them selfs.

Who would get upset because of the charity of others? Stuff like this makes me embarrassed to be on this site.

Katie, Im glad you seem to be on top of things, I wish you all the best for the future.

-Rm

[Paul in NZ]

I seemed to of missed most of the BS that went down, but those people need to take a good hard look at them selfs.

Who would get upset because of the charity of others? Stuff like this makes me embarrassed to be on this site.

Katie, Im glad you seem to be on top of things, I wish you all the best for the future.

-Rm

Oh come on - I can think of a 1000 better reasons ;-)

[The Pastor]

Oh come on - I can think of a 1000 better reasons ;-)

better reasons for what?

[ajturbo]

way to go matey..!!! well done..!!!:Punk:

[sinfull]

better reasons for what?

There's one !

[brumax]

Hey, Katie, the shout went oot to help a matey, those that gave wi ther heart didnae care where u spent it , if it was me i would have spent it more wisely!! on whisky for the pain and a vmax coz they are bonnier than R6 :-)
I am lucky to have met you, theres dudes on here who put dosh in the pot and they have never set eyes on ye, says alot about Kiwi Bikers, as for the wingers, what life do they really have? and! ill tel you this!! reading your blogs and chats on here , wot one of uz would have had the balls to have gone through all that you are goin through , and come oot the otherside, Not many i bet,
admiration is wot i have for you and i hope all your pain goes soon and you and Mrbiker have a wonderful life together,
and mind! ive got your tour roon the alps mapped oot, :-D
Ah the best
Bruce

[Paul in NZ]

better reasons for what?

Being embarrassed to be on this site (its not as funny if you have to explain it)

[Billy]

What a year it has been. From even before the crash this year has truly tested me as a person in more ways than I could ever have expected. Coming out of an abusive relationship at the start of the year after trying to get out for 2 years, selling my house after a year on the market to be able to get away, major negative equity and loan after loan to pay for it all. To finding that day of freedom and the happiest day of my life without a doubt, riding along the road on the same bike I had been test riding for 9 months with the biggest smile on my face. Then fucking it all up but running off the road.

Through my recovery I have lost a lot of friendships, and the real ones sure have shown through. It has been very isolating and brought on a fight to stop depression settling in. Losing a job and a career of 10 years was something I had hoped to not face, but once again would not change that if I were ever given the chance. Living alone through it all was an incredible test for me, one I would never change given the chance. I learned to go without food for a week, how to get myself off the floor after collapsing and being there for 6 hours, how to handle two large and farking full on dogs whilst not being able to move more than snail’s pace, to splitting my own firewood with 4 vertebrae only freshly healing.

8 months later I am sitting here in bed at 3.40am almost desperate to sleep. 8 Months to the day without a night’s sleep and it brings a whole new meaning to rotting brain. Not the best look when trying to start a new career and engage the brain to work harder than ever before. I can proudly say that I said goodbye to ACC quite some time ago now, even though they were pushing to keep me on their books for a while yet. A new case manager pushed hard to change my mind, but I wanted off, and I wanted to be back on my own two feet and have worked very hard to get there.

Just over a month ago, I got back on my bike. A terribly shaky start and I was throwing up afterwards when my body spat the dummy. I went down to the South Island for 4 days riding just a week later and that has been that hardest thing I can honestly say I have ever done in my life. But now that I achieved that goal that I set for myself I can step back and take it all much easier. Each ride is getting easier, and I am getting more stable on the bike. My mind is focussed as I won’t let it be anything else. And short trips are getting me that road time I need so very much to become a rider again.

To go from where I was to now being engaged to the most remarkable man whome I only meet the first week out of my neck brace, this will be a year to remember.

I have thanked many people in person and on here but I need to do it better. There has been a lot of grief about the donations that Kiwibikers raised for me, and to be honest some of the words said because these were raised for me set me into depression and made me take 10 steps back from where I was. But at the end of the day all you need to know is that the ONLY reason that I am back on a bike of any kind is because of you all and the incredibly generous assistance you have given me. I brought back my written off bike with my credit card (the bike was on full finance with upside down finance on top of that). And have slowly rebuilt it bit by bit with the money that was raised by you all. And it was enough to get it back on the road, at a safe height for me, and allow me to do the only thing I have wanted to do since it happened. Ride. Without these donations I would not even be back on a 250 and would be a long way off from getting there.

I know so many of you have a real issue with the fact this ever happened. And I assure you I never asked for it to happen and it caused me more pain that I could handle at my weakest time. But Kiwibikers are the only reason I have made it to this point and this real point of happiness in my life. I sit here in quiet tears as I think of the generosity involved, and all those who have supported me through every step of the way. Grateful? More than you can ever imagine. Why me? I will never know and you all have your own opinions about that.

But I thank each and every one of you with all of my heart for the help you have given me. For the firewood that was organised, for getting me to a supermarket when I could not walk another step from malnourishment, for calling to ask how I was doing, for your words of strength and support that have been so uplifting, for getting me back on a bike and making me happier than I ever thought possible in my entire life. This will never be forgotten. These are tears of gratitude

Tomorrow morning at 6.30am I ride up to Manfield to attend Karel Pavichs' Prorider course to help me settle into the new style of bike. I’ve done 3000kms in the month and need all the help I can get to be a safer rider. I am so excited to be getting to the course I have done twice before, the very one I was only 2 weeks away from doing when I crashed my R6.

One cannot put in words how I am feeling. Give me all the grief you want to those who have an issue with me, I am strong enough to take it now. But suck it up and just accept that fact that I am thankful for it all.

Love and hugs and thank you from the luckiest girl alive. :heart: Pie

I seriously doubt anybody that helped you through your journey,Whether it be financially,Physically or morally would have had it any other way and certainly dont require a thank you!!

In the past I have been amazed at the tenacity shown by only a handful of people during their darkest times,Three of the most inspiring people I have had the pleasure of helping in those times are,Jos Mason from NZBADD,Dee wintle and now yourself.

Growing up in Nae Nae during the 50s,60s and early 70s and having raced motorcycles for exactly 40 years this month,I thought I was reasonably resilient and able to deal with anything,But having watched and listened to the stories of you 3 has taught me how tough I really have to be to survive and the bonus for me was,When I suffered my own tragedy recently,Dee and Jos were the first 2 people to contact me and guide me through the dark times and for that I will never be able to repay them.

No young lady,You DONT owe anybody a damned thing,We owe you for giving us the inspiration we would otherwise be blind to and for that WE thank you.

Oh and fairings is spelt "ai" not "ea" fear is something motorcyclist's dont feel haha!