Hello fellow followers of the V.
Well, first a testimony to the importance of good gear..
On November 8th, Yours truly was getting a nice lean on round an off ramp, nothing insane, not even draggin peg. About a quarter way through the turn, my rear tire hit something and I went down. Memory is a little hazy from there until I woke up in hospital on the 11th.
Want results?
Severly shattered tibia and fibula, the worst the docs have ever seen, multiple fractures of the femur, and 7 fractures of the pelvis, and a broken clavicle on top. That's the bones...
Two punctured lungs, torn artery to the kidney, removed small portion of upper and lower intestine due to crushing damage.
That's all the major stuff, they were surprised I made it to the hospital as I lost a massive amount of blood. They put 11 units into me and apparently you only have like 9 to begin with, to put some perspective on it.
I was, as usual, wearing all my gear, the only gear I ever skimp on is the pants from time to time (which go miles to prevent road rash, not so far to prevent femurs from popping out of your leg). Oddly, I'm pretty sure I didn't even hit my head at all!!! Don't think for a second I'm about to ok no helmet, just odd how mangled I got with no head trauma.
In the week or so after I woke up, 3 people came into the ccu after Moro accidents, no helmets, 1 still breathes. Then 3 more, 2 very minor, one moe dead. I think a helmet is a good idea. I also believe my other gear may have saved me, especially my jacket, with it's massive Knox spine protection. I can't say for sure how much worse it would have been without that, but I assume due to the way I hit, it would not have been good.
Well, the V. Fared worse than me and is totalled. I fortunately stopped when my body hit the large median responsible for the bone crushing, the V. crossed the median and hit a CRV coming the other way. I have yet to see photos, but hear it's pretty mangled.
Well, they hope I can get out of the hospital in a couple of weeks, from there they say at least 3 months before I can put pressure on the left side (where all the broken bones are, btw.) So, can't walk at all for 3 more months, not well for who knows how long....best case scenario, lose leg, start over again....worst case scenario. I'll keep you informed as time passes.
I'll be done riding for a while, not entirely sure I'll return at all, at leash not on the street. My excessive personality doesn't exacly help on the safety factor either...
So I may pop in from time to tIme to say hello and see how you guys are doing, please, ride safe, have fun, and romp those V.'s!!!
Oh yeah, and wear your Fukken gear!!!
Aus,
Erik!!!

Sorry to hear about your accident. Thank you for keeping us informed and reminding us all to wear our gear. Broken femur is serious stuff - I did that when I was 12. Spent the entire summer in traction - oh, the bed sores.

So sorry to hear about what you're going thru... Wish you the best scenario outcome and a full recovery ASAP! Take good care of yourself...

My commiserations Motod. Your injuries sound severe. I suffered a open comminuted fracture of my right tibia/fibula, dislocated left hip, broken wrist, and facial lacerations in an auto accident in 1981. The right leg required four operations over the next 4 years. It was a difficult time for me to say the least, but I recovered by and large. So hang in there. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Truly sorry to hear of you recent accident. As one who has "been there" I will pray for your full recovery.

Peace

Man that sucks! I hate to hear it. Hang in there & get well, no matter how long it takes.

Keep the chin up and the focus positive.

All the best for a complete and speedy revocery.

BBM

Sorry man that is bad, but keep up the great attitude.

It seems a lot of damage when you were well protected specially on a low side slide out. Did you hit something other than the curb, sounds like some could have run you over??

Heal quickly.

Machog

Erik, sorry to hear about the accident - I hope you have a speedy and full recovery!

Gustavo

You have a great attitude for being so banged up - I agree that you must have been run over as well. Let us know how it goes. Heres to a speedy recovery and a new bike!

Heal fast bro...with your attitude, you'll be back in no time. Thanks for the update....you are a trooper. I can't say I would be as upbeat as you.

Erik, as you know, there are many implications that go with a bad accident, and I pray you are able to deal with them all. I had a bad motorcycle accident about 20 years ago that turned my world upside down. I guess I wasn't as strong as you because at the time I sure wished I just died rather than deal with it all.

You're in a predicament now, but things change. Please keep us updated. Feel free to PM me to let me know how you are doing. You're on my prayer list, for sure.

That is a nasty one, glad you made it

Hey guys, thanks for all your well wishing and prayers!!! It truly means a lot to me! As far as the positive attitude, I figure there really isn't much option. I'm not a beaming ray of sunshine all day long, believe me, LOL! But, it is what it is, I know that it will get better as time goes on, and that eventually I will be healed. As far as getting run over, nope. I remember almost all of the accident, including that rear tire slipping, going down, hitting the median, bouncing off and flopping around to a stop. The bike hit a car in the oncoming lane, but not me. That is just what happens when a human body hits solid concrete at about 70 mph.
Well thanks again for all the goodness guys! I'll keep droppin in from time to time.
Stay safe,
Fukken cheers!
Aus,
Erik!!!

Take care, man. Remember to heal the mental stuff as well as the body stuff (of course I am a counselor so I'd say that). Good thoughts your way.

David

Heal up! Glad you were wearing your gear. Never know what is going to happen.

So how you doing big guy??

Hey guys and gals!!! Sorry it's been a while, but, well, I have no real excuse. :pSo, Bear, and everyone else, here is a little progress report.
I was released from hospital, finally, on the 6th of January, I think that was about the 5th release estimate!!! I am at home now with my parents, I lived there to begin with so that made everything much easier!!! Things at home have been pretty good, although with some challenges. Of course it is awesome to be out of hospital, I now have my Xbox 360, satellite tv with tons of silly channels, and most importantly, REAL FOOD!!! I can tell you right now, hospital food is horrible!!!
I have just seen my trauma and orthopedic surgeons in the last couple of days, and they were all pretty amazed with my healing, not quite born of jackal, but hey... The only thing is my femur is looking like the bone is healing a bit slow, which they said is to be expected, considering the number of injuries my body is trying to heal. The same to a lesser degree for my tibia and fibula. They are getting me a bone stimulator to help with this. I am also finally cleared for full weight bearing on my right leg, and 25 pounds on my left!!! This means I can finally start physical therapy for learning to walk again!!!:yeahsmile: I am thrilled about this, I cannot even tell you!!!
It has been tough, and I've certainly had my difficulties, mentally with this so far. I am such an active person, and to be stuck with little freedom in my movement has gotten to me at times.:mad: But overall, I think I have managed to keep my attitude pretty good!!! I have decided that for sure I will ride again, and on the street. This time though, I think I'm gonna get something a little more Adventure oriented, thinking a KTM 990 Adventure.:yeahsmile::yeahsmile: I'll be far less tempted to pull Moto GP antics on the street with something like that... Well, I hope you are all doing well, and enjoying the ride, even in the cold of winter!!! Oddly, in Colorado we are experiencing 60 degree weather for days!!! I see all the bikes on the road, and dream of my own again!!!
Be safe my friends, wear your fukken gear, and have a lot of damn fun!!!:thumb:
Cheers,
aus,
Erik!!!

Erik,

Man, thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Sounds like you're coming along "fine", which is better than "not so fine".

I've been keeping you in my prayers every day so don't go and waste them. Keep up your great attitude and patience. Like you said, when you return to riding, leave the MotoGP stuff up to the GP riders on the GP track. Streets are not for GP riding, but I'm fortunately now talking to one that realizes that more than most.

That KTM 990 is nice, but for me as a second bike to the V, that Husqvarna 610 looks good for a bit of short street riding and more serious dirt trails. Even the 500cc dual sports in Husky and KTM look good for that. But for mainly street, that 990 sure looks good. Of course, "good" has its price.

Heal up my friend and remember, just because you can't do all that you want to right now, there is a lot you can do and count your blessings for those.

Always keep in touch.

Glad to hear from you! Going home sure makes a big difference, doesn't it. My son has been in & out of the hospital a few times throughout his short 16 years. We could always see a big improvement in him after he came home. I believe our mind set & emotional health go hand in hand with healing & physical well being, and it sounds like you're in pretty good spirits. http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/thumb.gif

I really like the KTM big bikes. I wanted one for so long. I have a friend with a 950 (which is what they were before going to 990. You probably know that...). I've ridden it a few times. In fact, I almost bought a used black 950 a few months before the Versys, but backed out. Then of course the Versys came along & I couldn't resist, but that's another story! What great bikes the 990's are. I think you'll really enjoy it, especially in Colorado.

Well, keep in touch & get well!

Rick Peyton

Good to hear from ya! With a name like Moto"DEVIL", we didn't expect any less :D

Take it easy Erik!

Glad to hear you are keeping your spirits up! I need to get my XBOX 360 on-line.

After two months in the hospital you ARE
lucky to be home again! Sorry I missed this
before but you will be in our prayers from now
on and here's to a steady and full recovery.

Not to be a smart-aleck, but some very good
reading if you haven't seen it is David Hough
(like 'tough')'s book, Proficient Motorcycling.
I thought I knew most of what I needed but
since picking it up I've changed my mind.

The style is not preachy but matter-of-fact
and it will make a great companion to take
your mind off your difficulties, at least for
awhile. Hope you get to ride again soon...

Not sure how I missed this thread, but glad to hear that you're on the mend, Erik. You seem to have a positive outlook on things, which will no doubt help your recovery. Your ATGATT brothers in 2 wheels have your six as we ride. Best to you.

Well,
nothing bad to say here!!! Things are going great, I am healing very fast, (according to all the docs anyway) and am feeling pretty good for the most part. Of course, they aren't really moving as quickly as I would prefer, but that's a bit unrealistic, innit? I finally began outpatient physical therapy, where I began my walking therapy, and with a good start, I think. First try out, I managed to walk about 30 feet between parallel bars. May not seem like a lot, but man, when I finally did that after being pretty much bedridden for 3.5 months, I seriously cried...a little. But if you guys tell anyone, "THERE WILL BE TROUBLE!!!" (who said it guys...come on, who said it?!?!):eek::eek::eek::

Robocop...


So, since then, about 3 weeks ago now, my orthopedic surgeon cleared me for full weight bearing on both my legs, and said my left (the destroyed one) looks pretty much healed. I could pretty much do whatever I felt like I could handle!!! And while I'm at it..."how bout that crazy half body brace I've had to wear at therapy, doc?" Don't have to wear that anymore either, and to top it all off "what about driving?" says I.
Doc-"Do you think you can drive?"
Motodevil-"uh, hell yeah!!!"
Doc-"ok then, you can drive"
Motodevil-"could you put that in writing for me?"
Doc-"uh....sure!"
Foo-king thrilled!!!!!
Being able to drive is the best thing ever, I love it more than anything else in the world. Since the day of my 16th when my father and I skipped part of school to go get my license-L-O-V-E!!!
So, I can get round a on a walker or crutches, I can drive, and I've been given a bit of freedom back, no, a huge chunk of freedom!!! Takes me a bit longer to get in and out of the car or truck, and it's a bit tough, but I can do it, and that is monster!!! And to top it all off, I just got round the therapy place yesterday using a cane...it was slow going and a bit scary, but just one more step in the right direction!!! HELL YEAH.
Again, thanks for all the support you lot have shown me, I cannot express how much your kindness has meant to me!!! You guys fukken rock!!!
The good season is right round the corner guys, so keep 'em up and keep it bloody fun!!! Do some wheelies and stoppies for me!!! And damn it, try a one hander (stoppie), best feeling ever!!!:clap::yeahsmile:;)
Fukken cheers,
Erik!!!

It's great to hear that you are getting better. I remember breaking my leg (tibia/fibula) at a trackday and I wanted to be all healed, but it just takes time.

Every little milestone was great, like doing stairs with crutches or driving. I remember riding my ZRX when I still needed crutches, that one did not make the Mrs. too happy. The thing was, once I could put weight on the broken leg, the healing increased rapidly. That's the key.

The last step for me was physical therapy and that was like torture. It was almost like a part-time job to work on exercises constantly.

Keep up the good work!

Don

Sounds like your have a great attitude, that sure helps in the healing process, and each day it will feel better, it all takes time. Hang in there, you will be soon be back on a two wheeler :)

Dave

Sure puts my whining about aching joints in perspective!

Good on ya, dude! Keep that positive attitude and stay
open to surprises and miracles (even small ones). Always
expect the unexpected...

hang in there, bro! Sounds like you're on the last few laps of rehab, which is great. :thumb:

Sorry to hear about your accident! That's really a bum deal - but you sound like you have a good attitude. Keep it up!

Quick question Devil...How was your insurance company through this ordeal...You were in the hospital a long time and have rehab to go...They take care of you? Tkx and the saddle be awaiten...

Do some wheelies and stoppies for me!!! And damn it, try a one hander (stoppie), best feeling ever!!!:!!

I tell you what, Eric, being the wimp rider that I am, I'll rev the engine for ya. That's as dangerous as I get. :)

Been praying for you daily and so are others. You're young and time is on your side. The mind has to heal to the circumstances too, so letting emotions out is part of the healing. If you don't, the mind is storing the pain.

Man, I know what you mean when you finally reach a point when you could just go out and drive. Freedom!!!

Sorry I missed your thread so far Erik. You have a great attitude...heal fast, and get back in the saddle :)

Glad to hear it is going well...you will be back at it before you know it!!!

Contractor-No insurance, well, health ins that is, the bike was insured. Anyway, since you are asking about the hospital stuff, by the skin of my teeth (seriously) I qualified for state help. They paid for the entire hospital stay, and most of the other major stuff. Most of what they aren't getting I hope Medicade will get, if I qualify for that, otherwise, I be fuct. Hope that helped some, though I doubt it.
Fukken cheers,
Erik!!!

Glad to hear you were taken care and on the mend...The reason i asked was I have the health ins that to kick in I need to be hit by a train (and live). So its nice to know there's something else available, in case I just get hit by a cager :D
Thx D

LOL, you literally have to be hit by a train? I would not ask, but I have heard of things that ridiculous!!! The best idea which I will follow next time, is just to get more medical insurance on the bike itself. In Colorado, we have a separate medical part on the insurance, and I had minimum...5k. Next time, I will not skimp on that one!!!

LOL, you literally have to be hit by a train? I would not ask, but I have heard of things that ridiculous!!! The best idea which I will follow next time, is just to get more medical insurance on the bike itself. In Colorado, we have a separate medical part on the insurance, and I had minimum...5k. Next time, I will not skimp on that one!!!

I took a bit more bodily injury or my moto ins as well, 50k. I have medical ins from my Job but you can never have too much, plus some times my girl rides with me. She has her own medical ins as well but like I said can never have too much.

Good to see you’re doing well. I kind of, but no where as serious as your injuries, had an experience like yours when I was a kid. I broke my left ankle pretty bad in high school wrestling match. Had surgery, pins and a plate and did not walk for close to three months.

Good to see your looking to get back on the rode.

Live long and prosper.

Hey guys, been a bit so I thought I should drop in and say what's up!!! Give a little update and such...
Well, I have been walking with help in various forms since my last update. First off, starting with the walker. That must have looked bit funny, younger fella with big ass holes in his ears and a 4 month big ass grizzly Adams beard struggling around with a walker!!! I know I would have a laugh!!! Anyway, I got around on that for about 3 or 4 weeks I think, then switched to crutches, which I only used for about 2 or 3 weeks!!! I then switched to a cane, which I've been using ever since, about 2 months I think! I now am free of the continuous doc appointments and even Physical Therapy, as I have also been able to return to work...FINALLY!!! About the end of last month, I was finally able to return to my bartending job at Red Robin, I cannot possibly explain how wonderful this has been!!! I am doing pretty well, although not quite as fast as before... It hurts quite a lot after about 3 hours, but, who cares, I'm functional again!!! They told me that now is the long slow bit... The healing is very quick immediately after the accident, then hits a plateau and slows considerably, which is where I am now. It is a bit of a bummer for it to come so hard now, but I will remind myself to be patient, and just roll with it and keep getting stronger.
Most of all, I hope you guys are all enjoying your summer and riding your V.'s as much as you can!!! I do miss that bike, she was a blast of a dance partner, best bike I ever had!!! I hope you're all staying safe and killing it out there!!!
Fukken cheers my friends,
Erik!!!:thumb::thumb::thumb:

Erick, so good to get an update. I have not been on this forum too much lately but when I got an email about your response, well I had to say hi.

Been praying for you every day and like all of us, just want to see you come back and be happy with life.

You are such a great example of a thankful attitude.

Wish your accident didn't happen, but since it did, it makes a person look at life in a whole new way. Coming from a bad motorcycle accident too, not as bad as yours but bad, it is amazing how the body comes back with time and effort. I never would have guessed I would come back this well and I'm sure the same will be with you. A few years from now you won't believe how you improved from today.

Always keep us updated, please.

God bless...John

Thanks John!!!
Your words mos def give a little hope... It's a long road, and it's good to hear someone in a similar situation doing so well a bit down the road, sometimes you begin to wonder... Whatever my future bears, I will take it head on, and find ways to push harder than I should!!! Thanks for your prayers, and eveyone, it is appreciated!
One thing that helps me keep the attitude up... Quotes, I'm a big quote guy, and just got this book full of quotes for difficult times, it's called "Don't forget to sing in the lifeboats". Damn good stuff!!!
"Adversities do not make a man frail. They show what sort of man he is." -Thomas A Kempis
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take it's place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever" -Lance Armstrong ---One HARD man.

Well, here's a quote from a B movie: "Chicks dig scars..."

You need to show them honeys at the Red Robin...:eek:

Hey look who decided to stop by!! Glad you're feeling better. Going back to work brings a little normalcy back to life after something like this.

As far as riding goes, we've been hitting triple digit temps so much, I've all but parked the Versys. I only ride real early in the morning on the weekend & try to get home early. Yeah, I know, what a sissy. But what can I say, I'm a fair weather Bear!!!

Here's wishing you a speedier recovery & stop in with an update here & there!!

Rick Peyton

Damn Bear, I know how you feel, sorta, I remember getting stuck in denver traffic once last summer, 104 degrees, full gear... it was not comfy, lol!!! Can't say enough for mesh riding jackets!!!

Heat does not get to me as much as others and Austin has been having many days over a 100. People look at me like I'm nuts wearing protective gear in that heat.

About 3 weeks ago I had to ride up to St. Louis due to a death and I got stuck in some bad traffic with the heat over a 100. Stopped in OK to camp out and it was over a 100 there too. Even with bug spray the chiggers still got me. I never drank so much water as I did on that trip.

You're right motodevil, thank God for mesh!

Hi Erik,

My name is Sunny. I am new Versys owner since 7/1/2009. Sorry, I just found out about your accident and wish you a speedy recovery.

My buddy, one of the fastest guy in our riding group also had a motorcycle and motorcycle head on accident around the time you got yours here in southern california. Some other rider went wide and hit him head on. He suffer a broken leg and wrist. He was in one piece leather, boots and gloves. The other guy is a newbie and he suffer much worst. He only had on a jacket, helmet and nothing else.

This accident wipe off my friend financially... He is physically okay now, but he is trying hard to meet end meet and will hopefully buy a bike in a few months.

I always ride in full gears and I also not ride as aggressively as before... I have seen too many accidents that happen right in front of me... Those images scares me and whenever I want to go fast... The image appears and hold me back.

For everyone, ride with proper gear and ride safe!

Erick, get well soon!

Sunny

Hi Erik.
I'm Nick I live a few miles SW of you in Florence, been riding since 1969. After reading of your accident I can't help but think it's a miracle your still with us and still want to ride. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. I'm in awe of your attitude, you're one tough guy. Are you working the Red Robin across from the Citadel?
Nick

No doubt man, congrats on the recovery. I've seen some pretty gnarly accidents and watched my brother go through physical therapy and rehab here in Alberta. It's not the most fun stuff, but I've noticed that people with a good outlook on things recover faster. You seem to have a really good outlook and I think that will help you more than anything except your gear. ;)

Hope you recover pronto man. And that reminds me to go buy some mesh gear when i hit Edmonton this weekend.