Well, err, yea I broke my back last year eh.

[inlinefour]

On the 2nd of Nov last year I was riding my 1997 CR125R down on the beach at Oakura and at about Ahu Ahu Road I hit a bloody big rock at full speed causing multiple injuries, including severing my spinal cord in resulting in me becoming a paraplegic and needing to remain in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I was bloody lucky as my cheap HJC skidlid did an awesome job and would appear to at some stage have hit the ground that hard that it popped in and out much like a plastic drink bottle. Once I had stopped moving at the accident site I knew straight away that I had broke my back and was not in very good shape. I did not know how bad a shape I was in until I came too in ChCh ICU many weeks later. At the site of the accident I would like to thank the couple who called for the ambulance, listened to me and what I said needed to/not to happen, as I am a RN and have a good first aid knowledge base and the chopper medic who made me comfortable and everything became blank after taking off in the chopper from the crash site. I'd like to thank the dude on the Kawasaki KX who took my bike back to his place, as I had no idea how or what was going to happen to it. I'd like to thank all the naki KBers/non naki KBers who offerred their support/money/help/time etc etc. Special thanks to:
SPEEDYGIRL
NADROJ
COASTER
DEVIANT ESQ and all the people who came in, sent cards, rung on the phone, replied to threads and started threads. Like I said I'm bloody lucky as I should really be dead and being a paraplegic is not a hard pill to swallow as:
1. I'm alive.
2. I have no brain injury, yes I was all ways this way...
3. I'm only a paraplegic, I should have come off alot worse!
After alot of reflective thoughts I believe that I'm now a better person. Yea, its a hard pill to swallow knowing that I can no longer ride the two wheeled toys that I cherished. However in time I plan on buying/getting fabricated a three wheeled toy and getting back on the road. Without the support/money/help/time etc etc of you all I do not think I would have pulled through, likewise all the support/money/help/time etc etc from my whanau/friends/workmates/significant other etc etc. It was a hard road to travel and it was not often easy. However as on the "Long Way Round", the road of bones has been travelled and I'm back on the nice sealed roads of Aoteroa and can see the way ahead nicely. I know what I have been through and alot of it I cannot/will not talk about very much. However there is an awefull lot that I'm more than happy to discuss. Should any riders, KBers or not have a hard road to travel and think that my support/money/help/time etc etc would be helpfull, please ask. For now I'm getting ready to return to the naki this sat in a 4 wheeled beast. I will be covering it with a few/maybe more stickers/decals/whatever to remind me that I'd much rather be on 2 wheels, however that is sadly not longer possible. If you see me wave/nod/bird/fingers/talk/ask for help or advice/tell me to STFU or just ignore me. For I am inlinefour the KBer and I love motorcycles as much as Ewan McGreogor, however I have fallen and will not be riding my toys again. :scooter:

[ManDownUnder]

Mate we've never met but - that gets my respect.

If you're ever up this way please get in touch.

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Mate we've never met but - that gets my respect.

If you're ever up this way please get in touch.

Could not of said it better myself mdu.

They only other thing i would like to say is you are are an insperation and your attitude is bloody awsome. I look forward to meeting you one day and buying you a beer.

[Drum]

Same here Inline. Respect to ya.

[u4ea]

youre a bloody legend in4!!!! be good to get the 3 wheeled plans in motion...catch ya on the road soon matey...:sunny:

[MyGSXF]

Hi John..

Awesome post!! As stated.. you are an inspiration, & your attitude is truely amazing! I wish you all the best with going home, & the start of your new life. :Punk:

If you come through Nelson.. would love to catch up!! :yes:

Jen :rockon:

[yungatart]

I echo what the others have said...we will be in the naki in July, would love to meet you in person.

[White trash]

Well at least you get to do wheelies in your chair now. That always gets the crowd going! :D

Good on ya mate

[Hitcher]

You've done well since your accident, John. I hope everything you need falls into place.

[Chickadee]

Like others have said you are an inspiration. Hope you get a 3 wheeled machine to enjoy riding again soon.

Good on ya! Moocho respect
HUG:hug:
Chickadee

[mark247]

Bloody awesome attitude man! That three wheeled beast you are on about certainly get my thumbs up! Good on ya.:Punk:

[Storm]

For I am inlinefour the KBer and I love motorcycles as much as Ewan McGreogor, however I have fallen and will not be riding my toys again. :scooter:

Maybe not the same toys exactly, but where theres a will theres a way and somehow I dont see it being too long before there a flash toy of some description taking the "pride and joy" label upon itself :D
Keep going strong mate, you're a bloody good example to us all :yes:

[Big Dave]

Mr T Nikau gets gigs as a public speaker addressing people about the attitudes necessary to overcome personal adversity. You could write a text book.

[White trash]

Mr T Nikau gets gigs as a public speaker addressing people about the attitudes necessary to overcome personal adversity. You could write a text book.
Better still. Get a race outfit built with hand gear changing. I'd swing off the bugger for ya!

[Korea]

However in time I plan on buying/getting fabricated a three wheeled toy and getting back on the road.

That sounds like a plan~! :niceone:
All the best, mate.

[Pumba]

Awsome post, Once again we have never meet but with your attitude your blood is worth bottling, good luck to any futre endevours you persue.




Better still. Get a race outfit built with hand gear changing. I'd swing off the bugger for ya!

That would have to be one of your better ideas ive read in a while:dodge:

[wildpudding]

Good shit mate, catch ya around

Stefan

[sugilite]

Total Respect to you.

[2much]

Respect to you my friend, and all the best for the future.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Hats off to ya mate... Real Brave of u to have the attitude u have and I for one feel that this attitude will get u v far in life... MY RESPECT... if u eva com down to auk give me a buzz wud love to buy u a beer or 2. Id learn fuckloads off ya.

Raj.

[Big Dave]

Better still. Get a race outfit built with hand gear changing. I'd swing off the bugger for ya!

You swing anywhere.

[Colapop]

Thank-you. You have become an inspirational and respected person in my eyes. No pity or sympathy here (I know it's not wanted or needed) all I wanted to say to you I've said previously. Ride well, John.

[chanceyy]

respect here to John .. & I wish you well in what ever you decide to do ..

will be a priviledge to ride with you one day :yes: when your on those three wheels :D

[jafar]

Excellent post inline4, your truly an inspiration to us all:rockon:

[Timber020]

If you ever need a place to stay in wellington, just sing out. Theres a room for you and your missus and a place in the garage for your trike (as long as it fits!) anytime.

Timber

[jimbo]

Gudday.Good on ya.Bet you enjoy being home.:rockon:

[ynot slow]

if you've been there you understand living for the day,no pity given from me just respect.family feel helpless but you can't do without their support.i met a guy in wheelchair whilst going through chemo,he asked hate to be you,i said likewise,we both agreed was good to be alive,then had a few beers,last seen he was zooming down the road and footpath with lights on.as a rn you see the worst when people are sick(mentally and physically)it's whats inside the brain that counts,every now and then we can be allowed to be pissed off with life,shit we've earnt the right to ,but i soon snap the fuck outer it,life is precious,well done.enough rambling from me.:rockon:

[MD]

Good to hear your spirit hasn't been broken. It's been a bit too quiet on here without you by the way.
All the best.

[crashe]

Well, I have meet inlinefour (John) on a few occassions...

I am looking forward to seeing John again in person so that I can give him those HUGS that I have been sending his way since 2nd Nov.

We have chatted on the phone a few times since then and sent many a text message to each other.

This dude is a lifetime friend.....
John, I am so proud of you of what you have achieved in such a short time.
Please travel safe on your way back to the Naki in your new car.


((((((HUGS)))))))) son from your Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[Oakie]

Nice post John. Funny thing to say but I feel uplifted whenever I pass Burwood now having seen how you've progressed through this. (What I really want to know though is what the hell that Chubb van is doing parked outside your block all the time?)

I'm looking forward to the challenge of doing that bit of shopping for you in Samoa too .... but please just promise me you won't wear it while riding your three wheeler .... or if you do, for God's sake wear some undies!

Go well John.

[Her_C4]

AWEsome post - wishing you all good things .:yes: :sunny:

[Brett]

Good on ya mate. I have been impressed with your attitude on your situation from day one. Very humbling, and a great role model. It would have been so easy to give up and feel very sorry for yourself, and rightly so to an extent. I sincerely hope you find another way to enjoy bikes, or another hobby that gives you the same buz.

Cheers

Brett

[Edbear]

Pretty much what everyone here has said!

I got out of my chair - thought I was going to die in it! Or during the 20+hrs per day I was bedridden! I value every step I take and every time I stand up!

It has been said that "That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!" Your strength will inspire those whose lives you touch!

Good on your attitude, it will serve you and your loved ones well! All the best for your rehabilitation. You know everyone is supporting you and those around you either directly or in word, (posts), and thoughts.

[zooter]

That is one humbling story man. Makes one owns troubles seem much easier to overcome so thanks.

[Deviant Esq]

It's time for John to head north again. We'll be driving out of Burwood for the last time (hopefully) this Saturday morning (June 9th). Since a condition of John getting the new car and actually being allowed to take it back up to Taranaki was to have someone with him, he asked me if I could spare a weekend to do just that. Always happy to make time for him, I said I'd do it. I'll get dropped off at Burwood on Saturday morning, jump in the new car and head north. We've sort of figured I'll be driving the South Island leg, and once we hit the North Island John will take over if he feels up to driving. I don't mind either way, since I like driving.

Anyway, if all goes well and the 6.05pm ferry at Picton is a wheelchair access one, we'll get on that and cross over to Wellington. Since we're expecting to leave Burwood in the morning, we'll be in Picton in plenty of time. The ferry is expected in Wellington at 9.05pm. It's rather short notice, but if there anyone who's able to put us up for the night (Saturday June 9) in Wellington, it'd be appreciated. Not too sure if we'll be able to have a drink somewhere or not... but I'd like to meet some of the Welly crew if we get a chance :)

Anyway Sunday morning we'll resume the trip northwards up to Taranaki, hopefully arriving mid afternoon. Won't be much time for a rest though, as we'll have to scoot to New Plymouth to get on a plane back to Christchurch - I have jury service on Monday morning.

Anyone who sees a late model Mitsubishi Airtreck with two devious looking characters in it and music thumping away, give us a wave. :niceone:

[inlinefour]

Nice post John. Funny thing to say but I feel uplifted whenever I pass Burwood now having seen how you've progressed through this. (What I really want to know though is what the hell that Chubb van is doing parked outside your block all the time?)

I'm looking forward to the challenge of doing that bit of shopping for you in Samoa too .... but please just promise me you won't wear it while riding your three wheeler .... or if you do, for God's sake wear some undies!

Go well John.

Unless I have a misses who will look after me and guide me, now that you have said it, I feel obliged to wear it with no undies now. The Chubb van belongs to a whanau member of one of the other patients. They are staying in that unit.:yes:

[inlinefour]

Anyone who sees a late model Mitsubishi Airtreck with two devious looking characters in it and music thumping away, give us a wave. :niceone:

Esp if your female, will sit on my lap and let me play with you... :love:

[Lissa]

I really admire you IL4... and cant believe the amazing attitude you have :)

Coming to Welly aye? Some one should plan something for ya...

DE maybe post something in meetings and events?

[willy_01]

We have never met but i have read your story from the start, good to see your getting out mate and heading back to the Naki, your out in bell block aye? if your ever out in penrod drive and see a big bugger (trying) to build a house come say hi, there is always a cold beer close!

Sam

[scrivy]

Better still. Get a race outfit built with hand gear changing. I'd swing off the bugger for ya!

I can see a date on my chair for you in the near future WT!!!!:yes: :yes:

[Joni]

I can see a date on my chair for you in the near future WT!!!!:yes: :yes:He's hopfully coming to the have a go day later this year... then you can show him how a real man rides a chair.... seeing he has only been out with Divvo so far :yes:

[sels1]

but if there anyone who's able to put us up for the night (Saturday June 9) in Wellington, it'd be appreciated:

Unfortunetly I already have house guests this weekend but hopefully someone will offer. I was thinking, if you keep us posted of your whereabouts, the cruisy Sunday morning Ride may be able to accompany you guys some of the way. I will put the suggestion up in that thread.

[SpeedyGirl]

Anyone who sees a late model Mitsubishi Airtreck with two devious looking characters in it and music thumping away, give us a wave. :niceone:

you two look devious at the best of times anyway!!!

[inlinefour]

you two look devious at the best of times anyway!!!

You offering or what?:love:

[SpeedyGirl]

You offering or what?:love:

ewwwwwww... brotherly love???? :dodge:

[sidecar bob]

He's hopfully coming to the have a go day later this year... then you can show him how a real man rides a chair.... seeing he has only been out with Divvo so far :yes:

Divvo?:yawn: :zzzz:

[Smokin]

Your a legend IL4 :niceone:

[soundbeltfarm]

good stuff john.

I'l call in and see you mate. didn't get there when you were in the naki last.
i had an accident myself falling through a bridge and landing on rocks 5.5 m down.
so was out of action for awhile.
see you soon mate.

[inlinefour]

ewwwwwww... brotherly love???? :dodge:

Anyone could be forgiven for thinking that I'm either royalty or from South Taranaki (or from Canterbury). :sick:

[ynot slow]

south naki ok,never ever mention canterbury as far as hurricanes go,naki forever,npc team with most will improve next time tag lol.