ATGATT or else

[Dell]

All the gear all the time. Well fellow posse members after 42 years of riding and perhaps 300,000 miles in the saddle I only broke that rule one time on a public road. Admittedly in "the day" the gear was not much compared to what it is today, but I always wore it.

The one time I didn't I remember like it was yesterday. Actually it was last Tuesday. I had a new cooling vest I wanted to try out. I soaked the thing in water and put it on. Intending to drive only around the block I did not wear my jacket. I was having fun defeating the 110 degree temperature and kept riding.

I knew I should have gone back for my jacket but I was being really careful. Well folks, the first thing I remember was waking up in an ambulance heading code 3 to Mercy San Juan. I had two IVs in my arms and did not remember a thing. When asked the year I replied 2002. Asked if I knew who the president was I could't remember (perhaps this was some sort of Freudian thing!).

After a couple of hour I was released from the hospital with multiple contusions, multiple abrasions, and a concussion. Currently I feel fine until I lay down. For some reason laying down gives me a huge pain in my back and ribcage. I had an xray and a CT Scan so unless they missed something no bones are broken.

Gear worn: motorcycle boots, Dragon Jeans, Full Face Helmut. All abrasions are on my arm except for one small one on my right knee. I'm thinking my back would feel better had I had my jacket on since it has a bit of padding on the back.

Due to my cancer I have a virtual plethora of pain and sleep medications. Thank goodness because the meds have really helped with the nights.

The jury is still out on my bike. I was riding my R1200C Phoenix. I saw it today and both Ted and Jeff think it is very close to being totaled. Ted says he has a new GS waiting for me :) Joan may have other ideas :(

Well guys (and Lisa too) stay safe and wear the gear.

[RaffyK]

Dell:

Glad you came out of it better than what could have been.

Sorry to hear about this. Hope you get well soon and get on a new bike.

[scottydawg]

Oh my Dell, that is horrible. I hope you heal quickly and keep us posted if we can do anything.

[cfell]

Man, that's wild.. did you pass out from heat?

[jfredriksson]

Dell:

I'm so sorry to hear about your spill, but at the same time, I'm grateful that your injuries were relatively minor. I still owe you a dinner, which I hope I'll be able to repay in the near future.

Take care of yourself,

[Dell]

I realized I didn't make it clear what happened. Apparently, from what the CHP told me in the hospital, I was going about 30 MPH when a car side-swiped me at about 40 MPH. I'm told I took my first flying lesson at that moment.

It can be tough out there, be careful.

[dougholck]

Glad your OK, keep posting updates.
Did they catch the offender?

Doug

[LodiHal]

Dell, I'm very glad you came out of it with relatively minor injuries. And yes, ATGATT should be the rule for all of us. We all know better, but it's easy to think, "just this once, it's a quick trip..."

Very glad your okay...

Enjoy your new GS!!!! (Just kidding Nancy..) :D

[sanjaun2]

Dell,
I am glad your okay. I am glad you shared with us. Many of us go thru the dilema of should I wear all the gear today. Especially in this hot weather. You pretty much answered the question for me and hopefully a lot more people around here. Thanks! Stay safe and I hope you kick a little ass on your cancer battle.

[motorhead]

Dell,

Bummer on the road rash & bike damage .... get well soon, beat the cancer & ride on !!

Regards.
Scott

[mikerd400]

Dell, sorry about your crash. Make sure you rest and take care of yourself.

[tlash]

Dittos to what everyone else has said. Take care, and thanks for the ATGATT reminder.

[amarider]

Wow Dell, Glad to hear your up and walking around. Sounds like you brused up your ribs really good so give it some time and heal up.

Dam Murphy's Law, It always bites you when slack on the ATGATT even a little.

[RdcrzR]

Dell,

There's a saying among pilots that I heard while in the Air Force, "any landing you can walk away from was a good landing." -- Even though it took you a few hours to walk away from it. :) Seriously, VERY glad to hear that you were able to get by with only minor damage. Good wishes for a speedy recovery, and keep workin' on beating the cancer!!!!!!

[BillyOmaha]

Dell, I am so glad to hear that you're in one piece.

Take care and my best wishes for you and Joan.

.

[Dell]

I am writing this from my hospital at Sutter Roseville Medical Center on an HPiPac. It is very slow but I wanted to get my message across.

I thought I came out of my crash with only bruises and abrations.

The impact with the asphalt was so severe that it stopped my bowels from working.

Sunday I was vomiting fecal matter (sooooo gross) On top of that my wounds allowed infections to enter my body.

Iam just now able to sit up.

The message here is don't think you're okey just because the ER says you are okey.Always followthrough.

BTW ls looks like my beloved R1200C phoenix is totaled.

I'm not sure whether I want to ride again. This crash has scared "the mickie" out of me.

I'm sure my attitude will change after my body heals.

[amarider]

Hey Dell,
I hate to hear you ended back in the Hospital, hope you continue to heal and feel better. As for the accident scaring "the mickie" out of you - well thats the way it is suppose to work. Only you will know when it's time to ride again, that's usally the time when it bothers you more not to ride then it scares you to hop back on. Get better and take it slow, heal the body first and the mind will come around.

Looking forward to the next ride with Ya, in the mean time I'll drink a beer for you at HDDC tonight.

[BillyOmaha]

Man, Dell....I'm very sorry to hear about your further travails.

Please know that Nancy and my thoughts are with you and Joan for your recovery.

Take care and best wishes,

.

[mike2243]

Gee wiz Dell.... sorry to hear this... glad you are doing better.... I guess I need to look at the board more often.... Glad you are doing better.... keep smiling...

[nashty]

Dell sorry to hear about this. Take care of yourself, I took a break a couple years ago from riding when I thought my number was coming up.Too many close calls in 1 week. After a couple years the pull back in was greater than my fear of what might happen. Since then I have met people who are like family now and have visited some great places around america. When you feel you are ready we will all be here Take Care Rob


2001 K1200LT/Uni
2004 GSA

[Dell]

I returned home from the hospital last night. I still feel sick but after 7 days in the hospital I feel better recovering at home. My problems were actually cancer related rather than motorcycle related. My immune system has been compromised from all the chemotherapy so I am always suseptable to infection. I have been lucky up to now.

I still ache all over from the motorcycle accident but I am sure that will pass.

Thanks to all of you who sent your well wishes. I am especially grateful for the words of encouragement regarding getting back in the saddle.