Motobob

**Twig** · 1st December 2006, 09:20

Paul,
I woke up Monday morning to a call from B with the news, a call I never wanted to receive! I couldn't believe it; I didn't want to believe it! It was so very sobering to hear that something like this can happen to such an experienced rider and such a good guy! You're attitude in light of everything sound really up beat, you're a trooper dude! It's already been said, but again if there's anything you need or I that I can do for you just let me know! I'll keep in touch with B. As soon as you're up for visitors let me know, I'll be there! Leave those nice nurses alone to do there job!!!
Keep strong dude see you soon!!!

Sam R.

**Bishy** · 1st December 2006, 11:14

Sorry to hear of this tragedy, all the best for the upcoming months of adjustment you are facing.
Puke only has a few places where gains can be made and unfortunately up to, and over the hill is both the most rewarding and at the same time dodgy section. I scare myself shitless through the left hander before the hill and the V8 supercar armco that has been put on th outside is in my view going to claim a life in the near future, however this is an important part of a good lap so you still have to send it through there...
NZ is a small place and motorcycle racing is not the "golden" sport here, getting changes made to a longtime existing circuit that was built for slower vehicles is near impossible with the limited cashback the owners and promoters stand to gain so for the forseeable future I cant see anything happening with this place. I have ridden on more dangerous circuits here and abroad, evn though Taupo has been recently upgraded you still have that short, dodgy runoff pit on the sweeper before the old back straight which has hurt a lot of people (are the bits of brick still strewn through the sand there?) but we still ride in these places because - thats all we have!
You could crash where Paul did 20 times and get up, unfortunately his bike followed him in and there you have it, game over.
So keep riding hard as you feel comfortable, be nice to people around you on the track and buy the best gear you can afford, you WILL need it sooner or later!

**Goblin** · 1st December 2006, 11:53

Originally Posted by Bishy

V8 supercar armco that has been put on th outside is in my view going to claim a life in the near future, however this is an important part of a good lap so you still have to send it through there...
NZ is a small place and motorcycle racing is not the "golden" sport here, getting changes made to a longtime existing circuit that was built for slower vehicles is near impossible with the limited cashback the owners and promoters stand to gain so for the forseeable future I cant see anything happening with this place.

Just last night I had a conversation with a mate about this very topic. I agree 100% that there will be a fatality and still nothing will be done about the armco as it all boils down to the evil dollar! V8s bring in the big dollars and the safety of motorcyclists secondary to money. I for one will never race at Pukekohe and I dont think I will even turn up to spectate as I dont want to be witness to another horrific crash at the track.

**Shaun** · 1st December 2006, 12:34

Hi BISSY exellent thoughts

**_Gina_** · 3rd December 2006, 12:49

Originally Posted by Goblin

I for one will never race at Pukekohe and I dont think I will even turn up to spectate as I dont want to be witness to another horrific crash at the track.

I so hear you Goblin, even though we live 20 minutes from Puke and there is an open day nearly every Friday I have made my mind up that the track not an option, basically for the reasons that Bishy mentions.
Seems such a pity that money comes before safety so often aye....

**boomer** · 3rd December 2006, 13:55

Wow, just back from hols to see this saddening news. Bob, what can i say! I'm saddened to hear this. I'm sending some positive vibes your way Paul and my thoughts are with ya!!!

Rest up and be strong mate,

Duncan

Ps. Paul/Jill, let me know if there's anything I can do

**GSVR** · 4th December 2006, 06:55

Originally Posted by Keystone19

Quick update

Motobob is doing well although they have put a chest drain into his lung because of bleeding there. He is in good spirits but obviously still really tired so not up to visits yet.

Surgery was scheduled for Friday but because of the lab strike this has been delayed - for Christs sake why don't they just pay them what they want - even if hospitals run into tens of millions of dollars worth of debt they are hardly going to close them down are they. Sorry, rant over.

Once the surgery is complete, there will be an approximately 4 week recovery period in hospital (if all goes well) and then he will transfer to the Otara Spinal Unit for rehabilitation. He will probably be there for 3-6 months.

The damage to his spinal cord has been confirmed and is as bad as we assumed.

Motobob reckons I'll have to spend some time working with him on how to corner in a wheelchair...

Hope Pauls had his surgery and all has gone well.

**LilSel** · 4th December 2006, 11:50

Sending

& warm wishes your way.
All the best in recovery

**Biohazard** · 4th December 2006, 11:58

Ah "shit it"...

Speedy recovery mate.

**ArcherWC** · 4th December 2006, 12:30

Hey Paul,
I only found out in the weekend who you actually were, I dont know you well, but have been on a couple of ATNR rides with you and have had a couple of quick conversations with you. From our brief contact I could already tell you are a genuinly nice guy.
I wish you all the best for you in the future and a speedy recovery.
As with the rest of the KB community, if there is anything i can do, please dont hesitate to call on me.

**chickenfunkstar** · 4th December 2006, 20:44

Regretfully heard of this on saturday. All the best with the recorery and for the future.

Tom

**bugjuice** · 4th December 2006, 20:49

went to see him tonight with Postie and Cibby. All things considered, he's in good spirits. If anyone is umming or arring about seeing Paul, or trying to make time, I'm sure he and his family would greatly appreciate it. Even if you just pop your head in the door. It's nice to know your mates are around when you need them..

He's flat on his back and has a long road ahead, but he's a tough bugger. Looking forward to my next visit already actually

**Meekey_Mouse** · 4th December 2006, 20:58

Hey Jill and Paul,

Hope everything is going well

I haven't met you Paul (yet! hopefully will be able to one day), Jill was the first KB'er I talked to in real life. I'm still shocked to hear of your accident, Paul.

Best wishes and I hope you have a speedy recovery,

Jas