OK I confess.... it was me!

**Macktheknife** · 17th November 2005, 16:08

As one or two people know, I had my worst spill in 20 mumble years of riding last weekend. I should like to say a special thanks to the unknown guy called Bruce who picked up my shattered Bandit and put it on his trailer and towed it home for me. I almost pulled off the best stoppie of my life! Unfortunately I wasn't trying to, I did find out that manouvering options on the front wheel are very limited!
I have proven to my friends who scoffed at my purchase of armoured gear, the true value of armour. They are now looking seriously at buying some, no surprises there.
For the more macabre amongst you, the details went kinda like this;
I was riding with some friends when I noticed that I had started to fall behind somewhat. I snapped out of my slightly dreamy state (probably due to my recent concussion) and powered away after said friends. I whipped thru a couple of corners thinking 'I must catch up soon', and then I did. really fast.
I came out of a corner and there very shortly ahead was my friends. Well then it was kinda like sex, there was the smell of scorched rubber, there was screaming and in the end I was thrown clear.
I lay in the ditch thinking 'thats a really silly place to leave a Bandit', and then my friends were with me and I was proved to be relatively unharmed. I have a bit of bruising and a small graze on one knee. My gear is well rooted but thats what it is for. The bike is insured, Im ok, end of story, almost.
I just want to give a big thanks to my friends and to the strangers who appeared from nowhere to help, console, clean up and generally assist. Including the Hells Angel who stopped by in the middle there somewhere.
And to remind newbies and other old riders like me, it pays to wear the gear and to pay attention to what you're doing.
BTW I have decided that riding with a concussion was a bad idea too!
Feel free to lambast me at your leisure.

**Cibby** · 17th November 2005, 16:15

well.. that sucks to hear mate..!!!

Kinda glad i didnt insure you then...

sorry sarge..

so i guess we will be seeing you tomorrow then for a new bike?

once again, glad your ok!!!!!

**crashe** · 17th November 2005, 16:15

You are ok thats the main thing... Get well soon..

Your bike can be fixed or replaced....

Sounds like you have learnt from this.. which is great.

**heavenly.talker** · 17th November 2005, 16:48

the poor red like a fire engine bike.

Here's hoping that it will live to tell the tale...

How long does it take to get the insurance dude's vote on that?

Just another excuse to keep looking at new gears and bikes me thinks...lol

P.S. I'm glad you're not dead doll xx

**DingDong** · 17th November 2005, 17:10

You've got to post some pics now... I

cant wait

**Colapop** · 17th November 2005, 17:42

What matters is you are well (as can be!) Bikes come and go, gear's stronger than skin and good friends are always around. Good to hear you're okee dokee - sorry for the bike but it can be replaced.

**RantyDave** · 17th November 2005, 18:40

What gear were you wearing? I have generic newbie biking gear - boots, troos, jacket, gloves, hat. The troos and jacket have "armour", which appears to be some bits of foam sewn into the liner. I'm beginning to feel a little unconvinced by the whole thing...

The boots, OTOH, are big leather bastards with big bits of kevlar on. Some how I think my feet will be OK.

Dave

**DemonWolf** · 17th November 2005, 18:51

Glad to hear that you are ok after your spill Macktheknife... hope the bandit isn't too bad for wear... Pics would be a nice reminder for us.. sombre like =)

Good advise about not riding with a concussion..

**Oakie** · 17th November 2005, 19:34

I agree on the concussion thing. I got one a couple of years back playing cricket

and it certainly makes doing shit like riding bikes or operating computers interesting. You tend to go into dream mode and before you know it you realise your brain has been missing in action for a couple of minutes. Not too bad on a computer ... not so good on a bike.

**Macktheknife** · 18th November 2005, 16:05

So here is what the helmet looks like
I will post more as I get them

As far as the gear goes, I have always believed in paying for good stuff whenever possible.
Shoei helmet, clothing with hard armour on joints with extra padding in jackets and trousers, leather gloves and boots preferably with some reinforcing like kevlar or similar. Brands are only as good as the time it takes to fall apart, not the price tag that goes with them so it pays to get the best you can afford. The shoulder armour in my Nazran jacket has got some serious scars in it, glad I got to take them off. I can clearly imagine what my shoulder would look like with that lot in it.
One of my friends who saw the damage said to me that he has now decided to buy all new gear with hard armour in. He described it as being a convert to new technology!
I have worked it out to be in total about $1600 worth of gear. Cheap really when you think of how much worse it could have been, after all I can always make more money and buy more gear. If I had not been wearing it, that may not be the case.
I think I will try to get some even better gear this time!
more to follow.