Katiepie graduates

[oneofsix]

good to read Katie.

[willytheekid]

Great to hear things are working out KP
Hope everything goes well with the (hopefully) new job & the new guy (great that he rides!)
Take care mate

[caseye]

"Small steps" ?is that the same as slow down??? I think Not! Great news on the job front Katiepie. A fella who rides aye, and NOT on KB, seems you've been playing things a little close to the chest.
Have fun girl, you've earned it.

[Geeen]

I must say "Yay for you!!" Good to see things are on the up and up.

[monkeymcbean]

I'm probably going to be sin binned, but.....(the famous, but..)

Putting the crash and the R6 aside, would I be right in thinking that her last bike had become something she almost grew to hate?
I understand that greater comfort was a big motivation for change but under the surface could there also be a possible cornering issue that was, for what ever reason, never really resolved?
I don't mean resolved by changing the bike but perhaps there was/is an issue with the response the rider has with the pegs touching down mid corner and a slight difficulty judging lean angle.
Its different when a rider leaves a bike behind because of comfort or has outgrown it or wants a different style etc but leaving the bike because its gone homicidal suggests a few things didn't go well in the relationship.

I rode a horse that had gone homicidal on me in my yuth! It would try to buck me off as I rode by parapoles....nasty, hated him after a while, ended up handing him over to someone else who he got on with fine. Different horses for different courses so they say!

[Gone Burger]

As life swings into action with full force I am on the computer very little these days. This is both good and bad.

I am not ready to be doing all of these things with such pace, but it seems that sometimes we do not have the option of when, but must take each opportunity that comes our way and appreciate things springing into action sooner than expected.

Firstly, my man is being incredible to me and looking after me VERY well. He has ensure I am going to one of the best physio therapists in Wellington and my progress is exciting to watch.

Sleep? Still just a couple of hours a night. Pain? Still about 7/10. I have finally landed a job that I mentioned before. I had a couple of wonderful options and have decided on one that fits with the lifestyle of me continuing to ride bikes in my time off, and spend time with my much loved dogs. I have now started there part time, and will be full time by the end of October. Its full on, but a very exciting opportunity that I am lucky to have.

But the biggest news is I have now been on my first two rides as a pillion. My partner had a BMW s1000RR to play with for the weekend, and I jumped on the back. A short ride over the takas on Saturday saw me easing into it and learning to hold my head up. I was VERY concerned about my neck and back, so much so that I totally forgot about my leg. I have not been able to crouch or bend this much for 5 months, so bending it up onto the read foot pegs hurt like crazy. My leg is still extremely swollen and the pain was high throughout the ride. This first day my neck and back hurt, but I coped and was very pleased with getting a first ride done and dusted.

The next day we headed up to Manfield to see some of the winter series. I was ok on the way up, but struggled GREATLY on the way home. I was shattered, and fatigue began to get the better of my. I could not longer hold my head and helmet up, and my back needed the pressure taken off, and leg needed to be straight. Jason could tell I was struggling a lot so made sure I lent my head on his back fully, and kept my right leg off the peg. This helped and he road very slowly to battle less with the wind and cold. I felt my neck crouch is a disturbing way many times over bumps and I became very weary of this. We made it home safely and a hot bath did me the world of good.

I did it. I finally got back on a bike, even if it was only as a passenger. But a big step for me, and one I am very proud of. What it has taught me is that I am 100% not ready to be in control of my own bike for a while yet, so I will continue to ride pillion and build strength with each ride.

One happy chicky, thats for sure. Exhausted, sore, stiff and rather fragile... but keener than ever to get stuck into normal living and move past this rather crazy year. As I say, it's game on!

With the new job I can not longer try to head to the Burt Munro this year, but I have booked in for a trip down south labour weekend with a group of mates, on my newly built R6. That will now be my real test, and my real point of progress. I know I can be ready in time.

[Edbear]

As life swings into action ...SNIP...But the biggest news is I have now been on my first two rides as a pillion. My partner had a BMW s1000RR to play with for the weekend, and I jumped on the back. A short ride over the takas on Saturday saw me easing into it and learning to hold my head up. I was VERY concerned about my neck and back, so much so that I totally forgot about my leg. I have not been able to crouch or bend this much for 5 months, so bending it up onto the read foot pegs hurt like crazy. My leg is still extremely swollen and the pain was high throughout the ride. This first day my neck and back hurt, but I coped and was very pleased with getting a first ride done and dusted.

The next day we headed up to Manfield to see some of the winter series. I was ok on the way up, but struggled GREATLY on the way home. I was shattered, and fatigue began to get the better of my. I could not longer hold my head and helmet up, and my back needed the pressure taken off, and leg needed to be straight. Jason could tell I was struggling a lot so made sure I lent my head on his back fully, and kept my right leg off the peg. This helped and he road very slowly to battle less with the wind and cold. I felt my neck crouch is a disturbing way many times over bumps and I became very weary of this. We made it home safely and a hot bath did me the world of good.

I did it. I finally got back on a bike, even if it was only as a passenger. But a big step for me, and one I am very proud of. What it has taught me is that I am 100% not ready to be in control of my own bike for a while yet, so I will continue to ride pillion and build strength with each ride.

One happy chicky, thats for sure. Exhausted, sore, stiff and rather fragile... but keener than ever to get stuck into normal living and move past this rather crazy year. As I say, it's game on!

With the new job I can not longer try to head to the Burt Munro this year, but I have booked in for a trip down south labour weekend with a group of mates, on my newly built R6. That will now be my real test, and my real point of progress. I know I can be ready in time.

Your ability to deal with pain in such a positive way is amazing! I'm a bit of a wuss these days. I can't remember ever not being in pain, it's been part of my life for so many years now.

Do make sure you listen to your body, though. I always said I can handle the pain as long as I know I'm not damaging anything, so do be careful you're not inhibiting progress while pushing the limits of your pain levels.

[ynot slow]

Saw you at Manfeild Sunday,wow what an inspiration you were,walking along and watching,you hardly looked like a person recovering from a serious crash,both of us commented on that.

As for pain that sucks and we all cope in our own way,my way is looking at others worse off,or telling self to harden the f.ck up,but at times agree nothing much helps,will say what many others possibly have said and "you rock".

[ajturbo]

good to see your man is being good to you ..!!!

and since when did your place have a bath????

bring on the R6....(yeah i know it is a let down from the Buell.. but I think you will cope)

[sels1]

I am on the computer very little these days. This is both good and bad.

Indeed... me neither. I'm just back from 3 weeks in India and still catching up on things. Good to see things going well for you, will catch up sometime soon.

[Gone Burger]

It has been a very strange day indeed. I now sit here emotionally exhausted, have finally let a few tears slip out toinght after fighting it so hard all day, and my body is worn out. I sit in my recliner with my beautiful pups asleep as I write to dozens of people in halos around the world. Some who are still fighting to survive, some who have made it through fully, and some who have lost family members from a broken neck. I support many of them daily, and try to help them step through different stages of their recoveries - both physically and mentally. Through this I have made life long friends, and we have cried and laughed together often on oppostie sides of the world.

6 months today since I messed up so badly, since my life completely changed. 6 Months since I have ridden a bike. 6 months since I lost it all, but gained even more in return. I can't thank you all enough for the incredible support and love so many of you have given me along the way. I woke up feeling rather unwell today. But a smile is upon my face and life continues to thrill me with such simple pleasures.

Here is my blog from this morning before getting through today. Just a few weeks out from returning to riding. Loads of love to you all, your support along the way will always be remembered in my heart.

Love from Pie

http://katiepie.webs.com/apps/blog/e...ittle-confused

[caseye]

Hey you, what you doing back here? this is where sick people come to get told they're bloody fantastic. Oh, as you were, that's you aye! Lovely to see you katiepie, read the blog, both entries.
Wishing you all the strength in the world and the time to heal good, remember "little steps" Ha, who am I kidding.
Looking good Pie, looking good.
We're all still out here, ready willing and able, hey and some of us are coming to Welly in Feb for the FBMC inaugural yearly ride to Welly.
Definitely be seeing you guys then.
Take care now, you hear.

[ajturbo]

All i can say matey is.. Well done..!!!

and just think.. very soon you will be back .. woo hoo!!!

[Spearfish]

Slice of Pie

So now life is back on track, what stage is the bike at?



or did I miss a post..?

[Gone Burger]

So now life is back on track, what stage is the bike at?

The bike is not yet finished. But I know it's not far away now. Over the weeks we have received all the parts needed including a fuel tank. The tank, front guard and rear seat cowl are currently being painted, and the side fairings are having a quick polish up to get some on the scratches and gouges out, or at least lessen their presence. When those parts come back to me it can all go back together. Will be nice to have a tail tidy as that was one thing I certainly didn't like about the bike. The bike will also be lowered to a more suitable height and I have some help of getting this all set up for me properly in a safe manner. Personalised plate that my friends brought me has arrived, and I too now have some safer riding gear (2 piece leathers). I will continue to hunt around for a suitable back brace, and save up as fast as I can for a Leatt road neck brace.

So it is not far away now. Matt has been VERY patient with me having my bike taking up space in his garage, and ordering parts for me. Cheers Matt, I will be forever thankful for all your help.

I have booked in for a beginners road riding training course with Prorider at Manfeild in November. I have done 2 of these days previously and was actually booked in for one not long after I fucked it up. I want the help in the transition from the cruiser to a whole new riding position and style on the sports bike. My partner will also be taking me to car parks each weekend to put me through slow skills, breaking, weaving etc. He is a rider I respect greatly and will help me through each step of the way in learning better skills and gaining confidence. No, I will not be back on the road and riding like nothing happened. I will ride like I have been down, and learn how to use my head a hell of a lot more! The only thing I am feeling a little reserved about is I am going to the South Island with some friends labour weekend for 4 days riding. I had hoped that I would have a bike to be back on by now to get as much road time as possible before this trip, and gain as much strength in my neck and back as I could. I will be out almost every single night when the bike is good to go to try and settle into it a little before tackling the trip away. I am expecting a lot of pain, as I hurts to just lie in bed, or sit on a chair. But I can work through that with my physio therapist pushing me each step too and it is something that I know I can do.

How am I feeling as my return to riding approaches? Very nervous of course. But I too know that nerves are not a good thing to have whilst on the road, and I am getting a little assistance in helping them to fade. The support from my partner is incredible, and I guess I have been so used to do all of this on my own that it feels so foreign to actually have the support I need. I am not scared, but trying to learn how to trust my judgments better. I know all that is at stake. My doctors and physio have made sure I am well aware, and I will never forget it. One fall could kill me, so I must not let that happen, under any circumstance. The excitement at the moment is outweighing all other emotions, and I lie in bed at night thinking about the day arriving when I can get back to the thing I am most passionate about in life. Fear will not be with me on the bike. I will not allow it. What will be with me in knowledge of consequences, and respect for the bike, my lack of skills, and the road. I will not be riding in big groups for a while, as I do not think it appropriate to be a weak link in a group of riders that have continued to have that road time. The exception will be the south island trip, but these are very close friends and I know their riding well. And the also know my capabilities.

I have a good head on my shoulders about this return, as I know I did that day I crashed. This time I have eliminated the factors I am assuming contributed to what happened, and I return with more determination than I have ever had. I need this, it is no longer just a want. I know I will have those who do not think I should be a rider at all sniggering at that, but I know myself best, and I know now that life is way too short to give a toss about their opinions of what is best for me. I know what is best for me, for my freedom, for my happiness, for my confidence... And it involves a 2008 R6 on the road, with the biggest smile on my face I have ever known.