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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Well I almost took my last ride. I am now laying in a hospital in Akron Ohio. I have been though several surgeries. Won't walk again for a long time. At least I am still looking at the tops of daisies and not the bottem.
I was invoved in a bad crash. Currently in the third hospital. I will give more details later, just be sure you all ride SAFE.
The bike is totaled and I am the only one who had to be hospitalized. Crushed pelvis, broken ribs, collapsed lung as the worst stuff. Still not sure what really happened. Getting tired again, tell more later.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| holy crap! so sorry to hear about this! Wishing you a speedy recovery! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Sorry to hear this Ken, but glad you are on the upperside of things. Prayers for a continued strong and healthy recovery. Don't be a stranger here, we'll be watching for more on things as you are able to tell them. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Very sorry to hear about this. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Ride safe folks. |
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Tourer
Posts: 324
New Orleans, La, | Man I'm sorry to hear about your accident but glad you're able to post about it. Good thing you take along God as your co pilot. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 25
SE Wisconsin | Wishing you the best. May the lord help you in your recovery. Payers onto to you and your family. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
| Sorry to here hope you get recovered and back on the road
Dragon Bob |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Never like to see anyone go down; especially so badly as it sounds what happened to you. I hope you get back on your feet and heal without long term issues. get some rest. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | Get well soon. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 219
Pittsburgh, PA | my prayers will include you and your family |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | Get well soon |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Thanks for the good wishes! Don't know if I will ride again or not. Have too see what happens. My wife wrote down the timeline of what happened for me. I will post it soon. Take care all and please ride safe.
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Cruiser
Posts: 132
Durango, Colorado | Get well Friend! I will keep you in my thoughts. paulhu |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
Perry Hall, MD | Sorry to hear the news. Best wishes for a full recovery Ken. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| Sorry to hear you're down. Hope you make a full and speedy recovery. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | Best wishes and prayers! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Hope you're well as soon as possible............ |
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Tourer
Posts: 323
Troy, NY | Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Jal NM | I wish you a speedy recovery brother and I'm glad you are able to still be among us to tell your story. Peace be with you and your family. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 125
Kerrville Texas ( now a homeowner on six acres) | Hang in there and we all will be praying for a speedy recovery.
Edited by smadge 2012-06-30 6:18 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| The worst is yet to come but you will master it! Its the physical theropy. That a job man did mine from a shoulder replacement in 2010. still doing theropy. But the theropy wroks so keep heart. See you on the road soon! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Rapid City, SD | I hate to hear about riders going down. It is GREAT to hear you are still with us, and like you said, on the right side of the daiseys. Do what those medical folks tell ya, and you will be back as good as new. Rest is the best healer. |
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| Well I'm sorry to read your post,but glad it isn't any worse. I'll bet if you look around you'll find someone that isn't as lucky as you are,and after reading your bottom signature I think and hope you won't give up riding and will be able to ride again and will enjoy life, and my thoughts and praryers are with you and your family. Good luck!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 53
Gotha, FL | Best wishes for your speedy and complete recovery? Hang in there! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 133
, AR United States | Very sorry to hear it, get well quick! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Well here it is.
Approximately 2 PM 6/9/12 Accident
Taken to Wheeling West Virginia Trauma.
Stayed in ICU till 6/11/12 at 4pm.
Transported to Akron General ICU by 7 pm on 6/11/12
Surgery 5 hours 6/13/12
Surgery 3 hours 6/15/12
Stayed in ICU till6/23/12
Went to 5th floor different wing
transported to Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation center 6pm on 6/28/12
Still here and working really hard to recover.
That's my last few weeks with the wife helping on time line.
RIDE SAFE ALL!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 192
Republic of Tejas | Heal quickly Hiker! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | Speedy recovery my friend. Hope your getting better. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 164
Quad Cities, IL | Prayers for you, your wife, family and any others possibly involved. Get well soon. Godspeed. |
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | Sorry to hear about your recent misfortune. Praying for the best for you! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 174
Edmonton, AB | Best wishes and prayers to you and your family for a full and speedy recovery!!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 76
| Get well soon buddy. Keep the faith! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 104
ROCHESTER,NY | Speedy recovery!!!! God speed,hang in there. |
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Central Wisconsin | Ken, I wish the best in your healing/recovery to walking again. Our thoughts are with you. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Glad to hear your doing well.
Hope you have a full recovery.
Best wishes |
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Cruiser
Posts: 83
Bolivar Missouri | Sorry to hear of your misfortune . Wishes for a quick recovery |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 7
| sorry to hear this... but keep the positive waves going!!!
in our thoughts and prayers! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
Arizona | Wishes sent for a speedy recovery. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Ken,
Praying for your recovery.
Take care,
Paul |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | GET WELL SOON~! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 31
Las Vegas, NV | Speedy recovery as you and your family will be in my prayers. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | I finally get to come home! They tell me next week tuesday is go home day!, i still have 2 more months before I can put weight on my legs. I am stuck i. A wheelchair for now. I cannot wait to get home. It will be awesome!!
Please ride safe all!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| That's great news, no place like home. Hopefully we'll see you on the road again. |
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Central Wisconsin | Ken, Yeah ... there's no place like home. Good to hear your improving. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Gledale, Az | Sorry to hear ; hope you recover fast ! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Sounds like you've had some great difficulties... but is also seeming like your going to pull out of it. Hope you continue to heal well.... we are all sort of wondering what happened to you. If you feel up to it, post what happened. Could be a learning experience for the rest of us. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | thanks for the update. still praying for a good recovery. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 142
elgin mn | Keep us posted, kind of sobering,you are in my prayers
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New user
Posts: 1
| Get Well Quick and Blessing to you and your loved ones. Your still here! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | willtill - 2012-07-14 7:07 PM
Sounds like you've had some great difficulties... but is also seeming like your going to pull out of it. Hope you continue to heal well.... we are all sort of wondering what happened to you. If you feel up to it, post what happened. Could be a learning experience for the rest of us.
Let me get home where i can use the computer. The cell phone is tough to hold with the thumb problems on my right hand.
I say it again, please ride safe all and thanks for the good wishes! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 53
Gotha, FL | Praying for your complete and speedy recovery. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Navarre, FL | My wishes for a speedy and full recovery. So sorry to hear about a brother going down  |
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Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | Hope you recovery quickly, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.....
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| God speed your recovery. Your are a good bike rider & I'm sure you will put that same good effort in to your rehab. God bless your family for thier support! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 62
San Diego, CA | Ken,
Best wishes on your continued recovery. Always hate to hear about fellow motorcyclists going down.
Take Care! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Well I am home now and have been for almost a week now. I have good days and bad but it is sure nice to be home!!
Let me start with a little info about me. I have been riding for 40+ years. I have ridden and raced dirt bikes, trials bikes, and of coarse street bikes..I have never laid down a street bike or had an accident before this one. I am or thought I was a safe rider. Never really speeding and almost always ATGATT. Thank god I had it all on that day.
From eyewitness statements and my brother being only a few seconds behind me here is what I believe happened. I pulled out of a resteraunt where we stopped for lunch. Pulling out I turned right and went up a short hill and into a long right hand turn. For some reason I began to wobble. I wound up standing the bike up and crossed the double yellow. When this happened I struck a car head on. We were both doing around 50MPH. I damaged the undercarriage, the bumper, grill, hood and windshield..On the bike,I wound up tearing the seat off with my legs. I also broke the handle bars with my pelvis and tore off the front fairing and wind shield. As I was flying through the air I glanced off the windshield and landed about 30 feet from the car. Unconscious and busted up bad. I don't remember any of that day and my brain has blocked several days that I don't remember. This is what I can piece together. I may never really know what happened.
Please ride safe all!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
Perry Hall, MD | Glad to hear that you are home and able to share the story. Would really like to know what caused the wobble, but then standing the bike up is really freaky. Good thing that you weren't riding 2 up.
All the best and hope to continue hearing good news about the healing.
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Possibly target acquisition, sure sounds like it. Glad you can tell us what happened. That's the main thing. |
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Tourer
Posts: 430
| Glad you are home and healing. re: remembering what happened - a buddy of mine several years ago was riding 2 up on his HD in the middle of nowhere. Next thing he knew was being airlifted by a helicopter. he had surgery and his wife did as well. Both are well now. To this day he has no idea what happened. they were in the middle of nowhere riding along enjoying the bike and he scenary. He does not remember seeing any other vehicles or animals. Interesting side note - his wife blames the accident on the HD. They have been riding a Vision since then. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | There is a story with pictures a few years a go where a deer ran out and got wedge between the front wheel and bike. The riders did not what happened until they stopped and saw the mangled deer and the blood trail. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| "Possibly target acquisition" ? What is it, I have never heard of the term before. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Do a google search. Even experienced riders will fall prey. It is simply riding in the direction you are looking. A prime example is what "possibly" our friend experienced rounding the bend, feeling uneasy upon seeing the car. In stead of keeping your eyes on the path of travel, the eyes fix on the car, thus the change of path into the car. I think the correct term is "target fixation." tons of YouTube videos on the phenomenon.
Edited by varyder 2012-07-23 11:54 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 7
| glad you are around to tell the story!!! be thankful your mind blocked it out - don't dwell on what happened it will drive you crazy - i know cause i somehow met a car one day. Get well soon and when and if you get back on, listen to your instincts. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | I really want to thank all on this site (family) for the well wishes! It really does mean a lot.
Ride safe my brothers and sisters, please!!
Edited by handyhiker 2012-07-24 5:33 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| handyhiker: No one has ask the question yet so I will. I believe it was said you had a wobble. Do you think you could have had a flat tire? After the accident were either of your tires flat? They well could have been from the crash though. Guess I'd like to deflate the darkside cause sayers. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I had to go back and read to see if anyone said it was caused by going darkside and found none. Interesting to interject with such a comment. Though a flat tire could have very well pushed him out enough to have caused the collision, regardless of tire. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | The police looked over the bike, no flat tire. I looked at pictures of the bike after the wreck. I see no suspension problems either. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Thanks for the reply hh. Something may never be known, but again, you are alive to tell about. I have a friend that is now in his mid-70s. When he was around 20 he was in a bad motorcycle accident. So bad they had him tagged and on the way to the morgue. An astute doctor notice something and had him recheck and found he was still alive. Changed his perspective of life and the here after. Though he's never rode since then, he loves to talk about riding. He still doesn't know, or remember what happened. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Well i know how he feels, the doctors had there doubts weather I would make it too. Nice to prove them wrong |
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Central Wisconsin | ...Pulling out I turned right and went up a short hill and into a long right hand turn. For some reason I began to wobble. I wound up standing the bike up and crossed the double yellow. When this happened I struck a car head on.... handyhiker - 2012-07-24 9:57 PM The police looked over the bike, no flat tire. I looked at pictures of the bike after the wreck. I see no suspension problems either. Ken, Your accident still makes one wonder about your "wobble" comment. Maybe you can have someone/mechanic look the bike over, for any loose parts. For example; front or rear axle, swing arm, rear air shock, forks and steering head bearings.
Edited by Thomas 2012-07-25 10:47 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Thomas - 2012-07-25 11:23 AM
? ...Pulling out I turned right and went up a short hill and into a long right hand turn. For some reason I began to wobble. I wound up standing the bike up and crossed the double yellow. When this happened I struck a car head on.... handyhiker - 2012-07-24 9:57 PM The police looked over the bike, no flat tire. I looked at pictures of the bike after the wreck. I see no suspension problems either. Ken, Your accident still makes one wonder about your "wobble" comment. Maybe you can have someone/mechanic look the bike over, for any loose parts. For example; front or rear axle, swing arm, rear air shock, forks and steering head bearings.? ? ?
Too late, the bike is gone. Insurance totaled the bike. Already got the check. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | handyhikers vision - mines a midnight cherry also. after snubbin' and sniffin' I was finally able to get the pictures posted. I'm amazed of how well the bike held up in all of this, I think it has something to do with Ken's survival in this, and a few other unseen things.
(1_car_bike.jpg)
(2_at_the_scene.jpg)
(3_seat.jpg)
(4_handlebars.jpg)
(5_leftside.jpg)
(6_full_leftside.jpg)
(7_final_resting_place.jpg)
Attachments
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 1_car_bike.jpg (99KB - 8 downloads)
2_at_the_scene.jpg (99KB - 8 downloads)
3_seat.jpg (99KB - 6 downloads)
4_handlebars.jpg (99KB - 4 downloads)
5_leftside.jpg (93KB - 6 downloads)
6_full_leftside.jpg (98KB - 6 downloads)
7_final_resting_place.jpg (96KB - 9 downloads)
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | Ken, after seeing the pics that Varyder found, I'm very happy to hear that you're still with us. The good Lord was watching over you on that one. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| Without starting a war Victorys done seem to wobble even when over loaded. Where Goldwings (4 cyl) do because of opposed pistons). From the looks of the tires, both have good tread & show no signs of cupping (on the front will cause wobble at certain speads). |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Ken sent these to me and I posted them for him. I'd like to see a google earth view of the scene. It is events like these that keep all of us aware. Thanks again, Ken for letting us "ride" with you on this. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Thank you Chris for helping me post the pics. My brother took some of these as they were working on me and getting me loaded in the ambulance. My wife took the others when she went to get my personal affects out of the bike. In the first picture, the white car is the one I hit. The one fuel tank ruptured and you can see the gas trail running down the road.
As always, please ride safe all!! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Raleigh NC | Glad you are ok and survived the accident, no one can be sure when $%^#$% happens but it can. My wife and I were traveling back from Lake George in June and we were on the NY State Thruway between Albany and Syracuse, dry weather, no one around, had the cruise on pulling the trailer behind us doing 70mph, we came on a overpass in the middle of nowhere abd water was ppouring out of a gutter down to the highway we were on, next thing I knew, no front end feeling and the backend started squirming. I knew not to touch the brakes and hoped my wife had locked down on the seat and didn't move.. hydroplaning is not a fun thing and another 20 feet of it and I do not know how the outcome would have turned out.. @$%#$happens and you are never really prepared for it, but you try to avoid it. Anyway glad you are going to be ok and good luck for the days ahead. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | handyhiker - 2012-07-26 10:54 AM Thank you Chris for helping me post the pics. My brother took some of these as they were working on me and getting me loaded in the ambulance. My wife took the others when she went to get my personal affects out of the bike. In the first picture, the white car is the one I hit. The one fuel tank ruptured and you can see the gas trail running down the road. As always, please ride safe all!! No problem HH. We continually learn from ourselves and others by keeping it in the forefront. Just the reminders will keep us on our toes, or the road. It takes courage to talk about these things and to post pictures to boot. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| handyhiker - 2012-07-26 10:54 AM Thank you Chris for helping me post the pics. My brother took some of these as they were working on me and getting me loaded in the ambulance. My wife took the others when she went to get my personal affects out of the bike. In the first picture, the white car is the one I hit. The one fuel tank ruptured and you can see the gas trail running down the road. As always, please ride safe all!! Are you sure the fuel tank ruptured or was it just the gas cap leaking? I had to get mine loaded on a flat bed because of a flat tire. Tank was almost full. When the bed was tilted gas was running out all over the place. Scary if the engine & exhaust were hot! I still had the original gas cap. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 125
| Holy Crap, Thank God each day for getting you through this. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you from my family. Thank you for sharing. It is a grim reminder of how quickly things can turn from a great day of riding to clinging on to life, or worse.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, take care.
Todd |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | My brother said it was the tank leaking. I never saw the bike after the crash so I don't know. I do have some good news if you can call it that, i was able to use a set of crutches today and went 180'. I still can put no weight on my left leg. I see the doc in 2 more weeks so I may be able to start to put some weight on then. J
I known I am still a ways from actually walking. I am getting pretty good with a walker. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 207
| Glad to read you're doing better! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| CoolHandLuke - 2012-07-26 8:27 AM Ken, after seeing the pics that Varyder found, I'm very happy to hear that you're still with us. The good Lord was watching over you on that one. +1 |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | kris1956 - 2012-08-20 8:48 PM
CoolHandLuke - 2012-07-26 8:27 AM Ken, after seeing the pics that Varyder found, I'm very happy to hear that you're still with us. The good Lord was watching over you on that one. ?+1
Thank you to all for the well wishes. I may never ride a Vision again but my plan is to ride something after I get healed up good. The wife is a little scared about me riding again. I guess I can't blame her. She is the one who sat and had to wait to see if I would pull through. The doctors said it was touch and go for a while. Have to wait and see.
PLEASE RIDE SAFE ALL!!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | Glad to here you are on the mend. Sounds like your pushing to walk again and that my Brother is a good thing. Some think you should take it slow but if your able to press on a bit it will have you on your feet quicker. Mind you follow the orders of the medical staff, my point is keep the push on, this also means "Pray until something happens". Glad your making progress and will keep tabs on you. I do share your statement of:
My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather I will skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming...WOW...WHAT A RIDE!!
In the faith,
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Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | So how is the re-hab going? Been a while since we heard from you?????
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | 8-ball - 2012-09-13 9:24 PM
So how is the re-hab going? Been a while since we heard from you?????
Things are going well. I now do 2.5 hours of rehab 3 times a week
and then my home exercises 3 times a week. I am using just 1 crutch to walk around the house now. No more walker and wheelchair. I can also drive now so I can get out of the house a little. I am doing therapy both in the gym and in the pool. Water therapy is amazing and really helping. I hope about another week and with luck I will walk with no crutches.
Take care and PLEASE RIDE SAFE ALL!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| Happy to hear you're doing better and up and around. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | Glad to hear that you are up and around. I can imagine how great it must feel to just be able to get in the car and go somewhere on your own, congrats!
Looking at the pics again, I still find it incredible the minimal amount of damage, for a 100MPH impact! The Vision truly is a tank. I believe any lesser bike would have collapsed right around you, making it total unservivable. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | glighto11 - 2012-09-16 10:28 AM
Looking at the pics again, I still find it incredible the minimal amount of damage, for a 100MPH impact! The Vision truly is a tank. I believe any lesser bike would have collapsed right around you, making it total unservivable.
From talking to my wife who talked to the cops, I guess the pictures don't show some of the damage to the bike. What you don't see are that the handle bars are only held on by the cables and hoses. If you look at the last pic you can see the bars are laying down. Also the front tire and lower fork legs are loose from the bike. Again, only held on by hoses. From what she told me, the bike went on the hood of the car. I wish there were better pics, actually I wish there were no pics because it never happened, but it is over and now just to heal and move on.
This is the first time I am posting this and it comes from the wife and I having a talk. I will NOT ride again. I can not afford to be injured again with the amount repair work that is in me. I have a rod from my knee to my hip in the right leg, a bolt that runs accross the bottem of my pelvis from side to side and three steel plates to hold the left hip socket in place. I am fighting tendon damage in my left hand, nerve damage in my left leg and a seperated A/C joint in my right shoulder and rotator cuff pain in my left. I am sorry to be saying good bye to riding, but can't take the chance again. I hope that all my friends understand and encourage my decission. I will still be around to check in and I enjoy reading the posts.
Take care all and PLEASE RIDE SAFE!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
Perry Hall, MD | Unfortunate and sad reality that you are forced to face and announce to us. Still good to know that your injuries were not severe enough that we had to hear the story from someone else. All The Best! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | Wow, just read this and can only wish you the best with your recovery. You and your family will know what is best for you.
Wishing you the best.
Jim
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New user
Posts: 2
| Even though you will not be riding again I believe being active on this site would do us all some good. You can live vicariously through us and we can learn from your years of experience. There is no substitute for "seat time" and we all have room for improvement. Especially me since I am just getting back into the street bike game myself and one of the first posts I read on this site was yours. Glad you are still with us and please keep those words of wisdom coming. I for one will read and heed! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | I fully understand and support your decision. With all that damage already done, another accident would likely cripple you, at best. as great as riding is, you just can't justify that kind of risk.
You are not alone. Each of us face this decision at some point. Every season I ride I fully expect it may be my last. I specifically went from a Goldwing to a Vision because my old joints could no longer tolerate the foot peg position. The spacious Vision floorboards and lower seat has bought me a few years, but I know my 2 wheel miles are numbered. I won't go to three wheels, I'll just settle for four, maybe a rag top.
Anyway, God Bless, and stay on the forum with us. |
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Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | I support your decision and always ride safe. Just so you know a part of you will always ride with me keeping me safe every time I ride. Hope your doing well with Re-hab, work hard and it will pay off in your recovery. Thought's and Prayers Brother.......
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | You're decisions okay with me. You can't ride with the fear of going through that again. Doesn't make you any less of a man either. Keep in mind, we are in a world full of danger, so whatever you do, be safe at it. I've recounted many times events that could have took my life or limb, to keep myself always aware of the dangers. With that said, live life to the fullest, as your sig says, WOW! What a ride!
Edited by varyder 2012-09-20 7:10 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Hay all, I just thought I would give a quick update as to my condition. I AM walking now with no crutches or walker. I have been able to get rid of the wheel chair and hospital bed as well. I have good and bad days, but all in all it is getting better. It really feels good to be able to walk again. It is not the smoothest but at least I can. It is amazing what we take for granted. The first day I was able to walk without a cane or crutches I literaly cried. Not real manly but I did and I don't care. For me that was a huge day!! My therapy is going well and they keep showing me things that are harder and harder to do as I get better. My return to work date as of now is December. That will be 6 months from the accident. Doctor said 6 months to a year so I am at the quick end of it. Oh well, just wanted to pass on the news.
Take care all and ride safe!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 207
| Thanks for the update and happy to hear of your progress!
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Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | Your doing well Brother and I am loving your positive attitude, that's what it's all about when your doing rehab. Like I said before keep the PUSH on and never give up. I think you have found a part of yourself you never knew was there....... Just sayin! Thank You for the update and keep working hard........
You and yours are in my thought's and prayers,
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Rehab is tough for sure. As far as the attitude, I WILL GET BETTER AND BE AS GOOD AS I CAN WITH THE INJURIES I HAVE, THAT IS A FOR SURE!!! I seem to move up in weight on the exercises about every week now and some the reps go up as well. I still walk a little funny, but at least I can walk. Going to see the vascular doctor today about getting the filter removed from the vein in my leg that was put in to catch the blood clot that I had while in the hospital. With luck, this will be the last cut and then just work on healing and rehab.
Ride Safe All and Enjoy Life!!
Ken |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 39
Fostoria Ohio USA | Sorry to hear about your accident. Hopefully you can make a complete recovery after the healing procees and the physical therapy you'll be needing. I went through a similar but not near the body damage crash 11 years ago and that took me six months of tharapy to get back to normal. My body can now predict the weather better than the TV guys, but hey it's good to be alive, better yet to be riding again. |
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Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | Thanks for the PM. Until we meet, PUSH my Brother.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 42
Orange County | Get well SOON! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Today is a day of CELIBRATION!! Not for the fact that I had the accident, but for the fact I lived through it! It is that time when I will do my post on this topic. It has now been 2 years since the day that changed my life forever. I still have no idea what happened that day. For that matter, I still don't have any recall for a month of hospitals and surgery. I am still in pain every day and still don't walk too good. I am however working every day and learning to live with the changes in my life.
I just want this to be a reminder to all who ride to RIDE SAFE!! I will never ride again, but I do live life every day and can still feel the sunshine on my face. I ask that all my friends who ride PLEASE ride safe and while you make your own decisions what to wear when you ride, Please wear your gear. It truly did save my life!!
And just to answer the question, YES, I do miss riding every day as I watch the bikes go past the house or see them as I drive.
All I ask is PLEASE be safe out there, shit can happen in the blink of an eye. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Glad you're still with us. Thanks for the reminder. I look forward to what you're going to write. Prayers for a continued recovery. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | So glad to hear that your recovery continues to move forward. I want to thank you for sending out your latest update as it serves a reminder to all of us on 2 wheels to never let our guard down and to take every advantage we have when it comes to protective gear.
Most of all, it drives home what are priorities in life really are. Waking up and enjoying the life we were given and everyone around us.
God speed in your recovery and I will always keep your message close. |
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Central Wisconsin | Ken, Good to hear your moving around and back to work. Appricate your safety concern for us fellow riders. We have a group ride coming up soon Wisconsin-Wyoming-Wisconsin and hearing your testament confirms always wear protective gear. You probably thought about a trike? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | Thomas - 2014-06-09 10:50 AM
You probably thought about a trike?
I have and even sat on a 2009, Black Cherry Vision trike that was almost exactly like my old bike. It was almost scary to sit on it because it felt and looked just like mine was.
I just cant justify the cost. It was used and they still are going for $25000. I just wouldn't ride enough to spend that kind of money. I have a work van that I drive every day. So that means the only riding would be on weekends and for that much money, I would be better off with a nice Jeep that I can pull the top off of and in the winter still be able to drive it. Another problem is just trying to get my leg over the seat. The left one is hard to get even that high and if I use the right, that means I have to put all my weight on my left which sometimes works and sometimes not.
I have come to accept that my riding is over. I sure don't like it , but have come to accept it.
I am however still in the Polaris family, just a distant cousin now. I bought a 2011 Polaris Ranger to get me around the yard and help with yard duties. I really like it but it sure isn't a Vision!! :-) But at least I can get to the back of the yard now and still clear the down branches and haul garden stuff.
Take care all my FRIENDS and fellow riders. PLEASE, PLEASE ride safe and keep the rubber down.
P.S. On a side note, I still have a really nice Victory Leather riding jacket in mens large that needs a new home! :-) |
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Cruiser
Posts: 104
ROCHESTER,NY | God bless!!!! Brother.Keep on keepn on!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Central Wisconsin | Ken, It's good to hear your still mobile. I have two Jeeps. An older Cherokee that I use to plow snow and pull a trailer for firewood. Also a newer Wrangler for a work vehicle. I've had the overhead tops off but not the complete top off yet. A family member likes the Polaris Ranger so much that he's on his second one. |
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Glendale, AZ United States | handyhiker - 2012-08-21 5:40 AM
kris1956 - 2012-08-20 8:48 PM
CoolHandLuke - 2012-07-26 8:27 AM Ken, after seeing the pics that Varyder found, I'm very happy to hear that you're still with us. The good Lord was watching over you on that one. ?+1
Thank you to all for the well wishes. I may never ride a Vision again but my plan is to ride something after I get healed up good. The wife is a little scared about me riding again. I guess I can't blame her. She is the one who sat and had to wait to see if I would pull through. The doctors said it was touch and go for a while. Have to wait and see.
PLEASE RIDE SAFE ALL!!!
I am glad you are home and doing well with continued support from family and friends. I'm sure some days are better then others, but hang in there and stick with the rehabilitation, which is easy to say on my part. Impressive pictures of the accident to say the least. My stomach gets queezy and I break out in a cold sweat when I see these unfortunate accidents. Hats off to your brother for being able to take fotos at the scene. I don't think I would be able to do it if my brother was involved in something like this or friend with me behind him. Honestly, I am not sure what I would do after an event like this. I think if my wife insisted on it I would most likely hang up my riding boots. I think the fact you don't remember the rough days when it was touch and go is a blessing, but your wife surely remembers and this will be something she will never forget, unfortunately. Wishing you a speedy recovery without any more road blocks along the way. Take care, Vlad. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | For some of those that have been around a while, I know you saw this topic come up last year at this time. And if you were around in 2012, you saw the thread get started. I know this is now 2 years old, but I don't care. I will bring up this post for as many years as I am able. If It makes a few folks mad, TOO bad. If it makes just one rider think about a decision they are making and it keeps them safe, than it is worth my time and effort.
I just know the shit I go through EVERY DAY since the accident, trust me, I wish this on no one. Life changing is a really weak way to describe it. Words can't really describe the feeling of EVERY DAY when I get up out of bed, I have to just stand there a moment to see if my left leg will hold me up. Then go and try to move it and see how bad it hurts today.
I can walk but it sure isn't a fast walk by any means. Even on good days. I just want this to be a wake up call to those who think, IT WON'T HAPPEN TO ME, I AM A SAFE RIDER. Guess what, I thought the same thing, Been riding street bikes for over 35 years and NEVER had an accident on the road before this one. Believe what they say, IT ONLY TAKES ONE. It really does, and believe me, I am one of the lucky ones. There are so many ways it could have been worse I can't even begin to think of the worst case scenarios.
Please take this in the spirit it is intended, All riders just need to be as safe as possible!! Take care all till next year!! RIDE SAFE!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Hey, don't go away until next year. Your wisdom is welcome, sorry it is by exerience. I can't imagine anyone being critical that this post is two years old, it's a conversation that should never end. I've been rethinking my riding lately because I'm getting the feeling I may have to give up riding sooner rather than later. I will hold out as long as I know I can ride "SAFELY", but know that it can happen at anytime. I had a guy coming right at me on a side street approaching a stop sign. I'm like what is happening here as I was turning on to that street. He was looking at his phone. He corrected and stopped at the sign, but he was still looking at his phone. I just didn't have it in me to tell another grown-up not be stupid. I figured, even if I told him anything he wouldn't listen. But I hoped just the episode alone would help him not do that. He did stop for a while instead of driving on, so maybe...
But we need to be reminded to remain vigilent when we ride. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | I know what I forgot to tell you all, I actually did ride again!! It has been over a year ago now, but I did ride. The wife and I had a pair of Piaggio MP3 Scooters that we would ride around town. The one Saturday that she had to work I thought I should start the scooters and let them run for a bit. Well it was a nice day and I was home alone. I came in the house, put on all my gear, and went out to the garage. Sat on my scooter and had a long conversation with myself, asking if I really want to do this or not. Well the garage door went up and I tried. It took me about 10 minutes to ride my driveway which is about 100' long. I would start to go, then stop and ask myself, do you really want to do this?? Well I finally got to the road, a motorcycle went by and waved, now or never!! I went out the drive and on the road, it was at this point I realized that I could not lift my left leg to get it on the scooter. I had to use my left arm to help lift my leg and I can tell you that riding one handed, being really nervous and no riding for a while was a spooky experience. After a few wobbles back and forth, my leg was up and away I went. I turned around in an industrial park about 1/2 mile down the road. Coming up to the stop sign, I thought, cool! I have ridden again. I proved to myself that the fear will not rule my life. I sat there for a good minute, a little sweat running down my back, and thought, left back to the house, or right to ride a bit? I turned right and still had to use my left hand to help my leg get up on the scooter, but did 17 miles!! To me this was a huge accomplishment not to mention a total rush.
I waited till the wife got home from work to tell her what I had done. I almost got killed all over again! :-) She said she knew I would try, but was really happy I was able to answer myself as to the question of weather I could or not. Also she was really glad I didn't tell her or she would have been worried sick.
That was the last time I rode and at least got to prove to myself that I am not living in fear. Now it is just common sense that my left leg doesn't work well enough so I have NO business trying.
Take care, RIDE SAFE, and Happy Fathers Day!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
Perry Hall, MD | I was expecting the ride to have ended at the end of the driveway. Quite surprised that you went onto the street and then to add 17 miles after making that right turn had to have been a rush. Can not imagine all of the emotions that your were flooded with during that time. Would have been nice to have had a video going. One event that stands out is the passing cyclist who gave you a wave. A safe ride gesture, and if only they knew how very important that message was to you - wow.
Thanks for the story. |
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