Hi All,
I became a motorcycle enthusiast the day my dad gave me a mini bike when I was 8 years old. I’ve owned at least one motorcycle ever since with the exception of a two year period in my late teens when girls and partying seemed more important. Shortly after that I got my priorities straight and was back on two wheels again. In the mid 80s I started road racing in the Northern California after the DMV invited me to explain why I should be allowed to keep my drivers license. Living at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains (motorcycle paradise) was too much of a temptation to go fast on twisty roads so; I took it to the track. Club politics and marriage put me off road racing but I kept a street bike.
In the mid nineties I rediscovered dirt bikes during the post divorce free for all. Why did I ever stop riding dirt bikes anyway, I wondered? Sliding, jumping, wheelies and so on were so much fun. I started to take my dirt biking very seriously which ultimately meant a return to competition. This time it was cross country racing, a little flat track and the then fledgling super moto movement.
Life was good. I used to brag to any one that would listen that I was fortunate enough to wear a helmet every day! I commuted to work on a motorcycle rain or shine and was doing some kind play riding or racing on the weekends.
In June of 2000 life changed. Now that is an understatement! I did an endo during a trail ride and landed on a log with a broken back. After adjusting to life as a T5/6 complete paraplegic, I was figuring out a way to get back on a bike. By the way, T5/6 refers to the thoracic vertebrae of the spinal cord which are located in the middle of the back “Complete” means the damage to my spinal cord is such that I have no sensation or voluntary function below the injury site. In other words, I’m completely paralyzed from the chest down.
I kept two of the seven bikes I had at the time of the accident. A 95 Buell S2 became motor sculpture and is mounted above the down stairs wash room. A ’00 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport was adapted with a retractable training wheels and an electric shifter from Kliktronics. However, after a few glitches with the electromechanical actuator, I concluded it was unsafe. Imagine what would happen if the outriggers came down while leaned over mid corner at 70 mph!
In 2004 I founded a non profit called Lap of America. The goal was to ride a Honda Gold Wing donated by Safety Features Inc around the country visiting 16 hospitals that participate in a protocol for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our mission was to raise funds and awareness for research into a cure for SCI and to demonstrate to those living with SCI that there is a way stay involved in the hobbies, sports and activities we are passionate about. The later part was a success but in terms of raising money it was a dismal failure. I was not comfortable promoting myself with my hand out and as anybody in fund raising knows, you have to ask for the donation.
Now days I keep a low profile and ride a 04 Harley Davison Road King Custom with a TLE side car adapted with a Pingel shifter, Champion reverse gear kit and soon a linked brake set up. I am delighted to learn of this group and look forward to some meaningful exchanges.
