Giving up motorcycling after an accident?
Discussion
Just wanted some input on how others mentally justify to continue riding following a bad accident assuming you've ever had one?
Typical case for me. Driver pulled out from a side road with me t boning his drivers door at 50mph. 2 fractured ribs, 3 fractures in my jaw, fractured radius in my dominant wrist, broken left ankle, 3 fractures in my pelvis, mild brain bruising and lacerations on my upper chest.
Silver lining is that only the wrist and jaw need surgery, everything else will heal without intervention, and by some miracle my neck and back are fine.
I've ridden for 14 years and never had this happen before. I'm always very careful and touch the brake lever when I see anyone approaching a junction but this guy stopped at the junction, then pulled out about 20ft in front of me giving me practically no time to react.
How do you justify so much trauma and get back on a bike, or have some of you replaced the hobby entirely?
Typical case for me. Driver pulled out from a side road with me t boning his drivers door at 50mph. 2 fractured ribs, 3 fractures in my jaw, fractured radius in my dominant wrist, broken left ankle, 3 fractures in my pelvis, mild brain bruising and lacerations on my upper chest.
Silver lining is that only the wrist and jaw need surgery, everything else will heal without intervention, and by some miracle my neck and back are fine.
I've ridden for 14 years and never had this happen before. I'm always very careful and touch the brake lever when I see anyone approaching a junction but this guy stopped at the junction, then pulled out about 20ft in front of me giving me practically no time to react.
How do you justify so much trauma and get back on a bike, or have some of you replaced the hobby entirely?
It’s hard, I stopped nearly 10 years ago when my Sister died whilst doing her CBT and then her partner (my best biking pal) was killed a few months later in exactly the same circumstances as your accident. We continued to ride after my sister died, and the justification was that it was really her inexperience that caused her accident (classic target fixation) wouldn’t happen to us as we’re experienced, need to show her kids that you need to live your life, have fun, blah, blah. But it did happen.
I don’t think you can ever justify it, because the facts are, it could happen at any time.
You just make the call, continue and ignore the risk, or stop.
I still have bikes but only ride off-road very occasionally or potter about my village. (Yamaha TT500)
I don’t think you can ever justify it, because the facts are, it could happen at any time.
You just make the call, continue and ignore the risk, or stop.
I still have bikes but only ride off-road very occasionally or potter about my village. (Yamaha TT500)
I had a big off when my wife was 7 months pregnant about 22 years ago, I rebuilt the bike and carried on riding for a short period but I never felt the same after and sold up a year later.
Fast forward to earlier this year and I got another bike, I was very nervous and felt so overwhelmed at my first ride out, to the point of shaking and even feeling a little bit emotional.
But! I'm absolutely loving it now, I ride to work every day and find reasons to go out on it at the weekend, my riding is much better than it was years ago, not as fast (I used to do track days in the fast group) but so much more rewarding, my spacial awareness, scanning the cars around me and seeing what could happen before it does and generally being defensive, I'm so much more confident now.
It took a long time off to realise how important riding was for me, so take your time, there's absolutely no rush.
Fast forward to earlier this year and I got another bike, I was very nervous and felt so overwhelmed at my first ride out, to the point of shaking and even feeling a little bit emotional.
But! I'm absolutely loving it now, I ride to work every day and find reasons to go out on it at the weekend, my riding is much better than it was years ago, not as fast (I used to do track days in the fast group) but so much more rewarding, my spacial awareness, scanning the cars around me and seeing what could happen before it does and generally being defensive, I'm so much more confident now.
It took a long time off to realise how important riding was for me, so take your time, there's absolutely no rush.
Forgot to mention, when i got to the trauma unit, 7 other bikers were admitted that day. The ICU team were off their feet trying to cope. Every single patient in my ward except one is here due to a motorbike, many in neck braces. The one who isn't fell off a ladder doing DIY.
It sucks because biking has always cleared my head and gave me so much joy but at the same time I want to at least reach age 70.
One week on I'm walking at least albeit with an atlas frame if thats what it's called. Pubic rami broke which isnt load bearing so i can walk as much as the pain allows me, which currently isnt much
It sucks because biking has always cleared my head and gave me so much joy but at the same time I want to at least reach age 70.
One week on I'm walking at least albeit with an atlas frame if thats what it's called. Pubic rami broke which isnt load bearing so i can walk as much as the pain allows me, which currently isnt much
I stopped riding a bike nearly 30 years ago, when I met Mrs SA. To be fair, she tried a couple of times on pillion, but she was terrified. She never asked me to stop but we met up at the same time as a lot of my mates were getting married or in serious relationships, so the group rides became smaller and less frequent, and I ended up selling the bike to a work colleague who'd been interested in it for a while.
I moved on to classic cars. Mrs SA comes along, but I often go for a drive on my own. If I've had a stressful day I can hop into one of the classics and potter round the country lanes. I really enjoy twisty country roads where 50 mph feels more than enough. I come home relaxed and usually with a grin a mile wide.
If it's outright speed which interests you, this might not be an option, but with today's road policing and cameras everywhere, there are fewer and fewer places where this is possible. I'm not in the UK and fortunately here we don't have a points system on licences, but it can get expensive if you're too enthusiastic!
Whatever you decide, I wish you well and a speedy recovery.
I moved on to classic cars. Mrs SA comes along, but I often go for a drive on my own. If I've had a stressful day I can hop into one of the classics and potter round the country lanes. I really enjoy twisty country roads where 50 mph feels more than enough. I come home relaxed and usually with a grin a mile wide.
If it's outright speed which interests you, this might not be an option, but with today's road policing and cameras everywhere, there are fewer and fewer places where this is possible. I'm not in the UK and fortunately here we don't have a points system on licences, but it can get expensive if you're too enthusiastic!
Whatever you decide, I wish you well and a speedy recovery.
I watched as a stupid driver, dallied and faffed, before stopping and watching my other half approach. Said driver then pulled out into the side of the bike as it went by, removing my other half's leg, had we not been just down the road from Stoke Mandeville, she would not be still riding today. It's a reminder, if needed, that you can be as aware as you like, but some folk are just too stupid to be allowed behind the wheel of a car.
I've been pronounced dead, more than once, but only once due to a motorcycle accident. 'Twas my own fault, narrow lanes, stone walls, excessive drinking and motorcycles don't really mix. But have been shunted into the scenery, nowt I could do about, by an inconsiderate driver who just "didn't see me". The "down time" is one of the worst aspects, you're only too aware that whilst you're waiting for bits to knit back together, that's another summer you won't get back.
When I started my riding, there was a whole bunch of us that used to tear about doing stupid stuff on fast bikes, on public roads - now, at sixty, there's pretty much only me left. The rate of attrition's been high. My mate and his girlfriend hit an unlit truck late one night, another died after colliding with the railings on a town centre dual carriageway, L plates still flapping in the breeze - they were a long time back, when we were young. The most recent was my good mate, John (62), who died in his sleep after many years of too much wine and good dinners, Mick (70) suffered for years with various cancers - hardly surprising with the way he'd lived, Andy (55) had a brain tumour, Adam (50) had complications from his years of diabetes... I could go on. Suffice to say, something's going to get you, make peace with the idea and enjoy what time you've got, however you best can.
I still don't wear proper kit, but I no longer feel the need to get the front wheel in the air every ride, or have to hit triple figures each time I go out. I love simple old bikes now, always have to a certain extent, and most of my riding is bimbling about the back roads - which has its own hazards, but I plan to continue owning and riding bikes for as long as I physically can.
There's no magic way to justify riding - in fact, if you need to justify it to yourself, then maybe it is time to give up.
I've been pronounced dead, more than once, but only once due to a motorcycle accident. 'Twas my own fault, narrow lanes, stone walls, excessive drinking and motorcycles don't really mix. But have been shunted into the scenery, nowt I could do about, by an inconsiderate driver who just "didn't see me". The "down time" is one of the worst aspects, you're only too aware that whilst you're waiting for bits to knit back together, that's another summer you won't get back.
When I started my riding, there was a whole bunch of us that used to tear about doing stupid stuff on fast bikes, on public roads - now, at sixty, there's pretty much only me left. The rate of attrition's been high. My mate and his girlfriend hit an unlit truck late one night, another died after colliding with the railings on a town centre dual carriageway, L plates still flapping in the breeze - they were a long time back, when we were young. The most recent was my good mate, John (62), who died in his sleep after many years of too much wine and good dinners, Mick (70) suffered for years with various cancers - hardly surprising with the way he'd lived, Andy (55) had a brain tumour, Adam (50) had complications from his years of diabetes... I could go on. Suffice to say, something's going to get you, make peace with the idea and enjoy what time you've got, however you best can.
I still don't wear proper kit, but I no longer feel the need to get the front wheel in the air every ride, or have to hit triple figures each time I go out. I love simple old bikes now, always have to a certain extent, and most of my riding is bimbling about the back roads - which has its own hazards, but I plan to continue owning and riding bikes for as long as I physically can.
There's no magic way to justify riding - in fact, if you need to justify it to yourself, then maybe it is time to give up.
spoodler said:
I watched as a stupid driver, dallied and faffed, before stopping and watching my other half approach. Said driver then pulled out into the side of the bike as it went by, removing my other half's leg, had we not been just down the road from Stoke Mandeville, she would not be still riding today. It's a reminder, if needed, that you can be as aware as you like, but some folk are just too stupid to be allowed behind the wheel of a car.
I've been pronounced dead, more than once, but only once due to a motorcycle accident. 'Twas my own fault, narrow lanes, stone walls, excessive drinking and motorcycles don't really mix. But have been shunted into the scenery, nowt I could do about, by an inconsiderate driver who just "didn't see me". The "down time" is one of the worst aspects, you're only too aware that whilst you're waiting for bits to knit back together, that's another summer you won't get back.
When I started my riding, there was a whole bunch of us that used to tear about doing stupid stuff on fast bikes, on public roads - now, at sixty, there's pretty much only me left. The rate of attrition's been high. My mate and his girlfriend hit an unlit truck late one night, another died after colliding with the railings on a town centre dual carriageway, L plates still flapping in the breeze - they were a long time back, when we were young. The most recent was my good mate, John (62), who died in his sleep after many years of too much wine and good dinners, Mick (70) suffered for years with various cancers - hardly surprising with the way he'd lived, Andy (55) had a brain tumour, Adam (50) had complications from his years of diabetes... I could go on. Suffice to say, something's going to get you, make peace with the idea and enjoy what time you've got, however you best can.
I still don't wear proper kit, but I no longer feel the need to get the front wheel in the air every ride, or have to hit triple figures each time I go out. I love simple old bikes now, always have to a certain extent, and most of my riding is bimbling about the back roads - which has its own hazards, but I plan to continue owning and riding bikes for as long as I physically can.
There's no magic way to justify riding - in fact, if you need to justify it to yourself, then maybe it is time to give up.
That my friend is a great way to put it, enjoy the time you've got, however best you can. I've been pronounced dead, more than once, but only once due to a motorcycle accident. 'Twas my own fault, narrow lanes, stone walls, excessive drinking and motorcycles don't really mix. But have been shunted into the scenery, nowt I could do about, by an inconsiderate driver who just "didn't see me". The "down time" is one of the worst aspects, you're only too aware that whilst you're waiting for bits to knit back together, that's another summer you won't get back.
When I started my riding, there was a whole bunch of us that used to tear about doing stupid stuff on fast bikes, on public roads - now, at sixty, there's pretty much only me left. The rate of attrition's been high. My mate and his girlfriend hit an unlit truck late one night, another died after colliding with the railings on a town centre dual carriageway, L plates still flapping in the breeze - they were a long time back, when we were young. The most recent was my good mate, John (62), who died in his sleep after many years of too much wine and good dinners, Mick (70) suffered for years with various cancers - hardly surprising with the way he'd lived, Andy (55) had a brain tumour, Adam (50) had complications from his years of diabetes... I could go on. Suffice to say, something's going to get you, make peace with the idea and enjoy what time you've got, however you best can.
I still don't wear proper kit, but I no longer feel the need to get the front wheel in the air every ride, or have to hit triple figures each time I go out. I love simple old bikes now, always have to a certain extent, and most of my riding is bimbling about the back roads - which has its own hazards, but I plan to continue owning and riding bikes for as long as I physically can.
There's no magic way to justify riding - in fact, if you need to justify it to yourself, then maybe it is time to give up.
I had a nasty car crash in 2018. Ended up getting cut out by the fire service. Serious injuries.
Shock me up as I had planned on taking the bike that day. I know it properly wouldnt have happened if I took the bike, the whole butterfly effect. But I sold my bike and didn't get one until 2021.
I now ride almost daily. Police motorcyclist. Do around 15,000 miles on my own bike and the work bikes a year.
A lot of the fatal/life changing crashes I attend are motorcyclist. Most are the riders fault. But a few have been a third parties fault.
Im sure one day ill see enough and decide the excitement doesn't outweigh the cons.
Until then, ill continue to enjoy riding. Be as safe as I can and hope it doesn't happen to me.
Shock me up as I had planned on taking the bike that day. I know it properly wouldnt have happened if I took the bike, the whole butterfly effect. But I sold my bike and didn't get one until 2021.
I now ride almost daily. Police motorcyclist. Do around 15,000 miles on my own bike and the work bikes a year.
A lot of the fatal/life changing crashes I attend are motorcyclist. Most are the riders fault. But a few have been a third parties fault.
Im sure one day ill see enough and decide the excitement doesn't outweigh the cons.
Until then, ill continue to enjoy riding. Be as safe as I can and hope it doesn't happen to me.
Acuity30 said:
Has anyone fractured a wrist to the joint? Will i always have a compromised dominant hand now, with issues later in life? I think he said its the radius fracture in more than one place. Likewise for my jaw. Left mandible ramus in 3 places
I think a lot of that will depend on you, how good your physio' turns out to be and how much you work at "getting better". My right wrist was err, f*cked, when I hit a wall at seventyish. I couldn't tell you exactly what the damage was, as nobody really told me, but it was bent back by the bars and snapped. It was plastered up and many weeks later, the plaster was removed, no physio' was ever mentioned... Forty years later, it still gives me problems, but nothing that can't be lived with...Contrast to a mate who just a couple of years back, had a similar injury. You'd never know he'd had it. His treatment and care was so much better than mine was all those years ago, and folk nowadays are so much more clued up on everything from what treatment they have a right to, to finding out stuff for themselves.
Whatever, if you are given an exercise regime by a physio', keep to it - "too many folk are too lazy to help themselves", as my physio pointed out when I hurt my back.
I rode bikes 16 to 25. Had kids stopped. When kids were both 25 started again. Ten years ago.
I have good life insurance and my kids and wife would financially benefit from my death, it's not a goal however . I don't seek dying and I really want to avoid being a burden, crippled etc.
It's a risk reward thing for me. Sometimes I enjoy it tremendously and it makes me feel much more positive and alive. Some days I don't like it so much and I return home quickly. In the last month I had a near miss, my fault, lack of concentration and awareness. That was two weeks ago not been out since. I am due to ride out with a mate next Friday. I will only go if it feels right. With age the feeling of mortality does increase. I want to keep a bike, keep my choice if I use it or not. I am riding less and less.
If you had bikes at 16 and now 60 it really is in your blood. I do want to keep all my blood in me.
I have good life insurance and my kids and wife would financially benefit from my death, it's not a goal however . I don't seek dying and I really want to avoid being a burden, crippled etc.
It's a risk reward thing for me. Sometimes I enjoy it tremendously and it makes me feel much more positive and alive. Some days I don't like it so much and I return home quickly. In the last month I had a near miss, my fault, lack of concentration and awareness. That was two weeks ago not been out since. I am due to ride out with a mate next Friday. I will only go if it feels right. With age the feeling of mortality does increase. I want to keep a bike, keep my choice if I use it or not. I am riding less and less.
If you had bikes at 16 and now 60 it really is in your blood. I do want to keep all my blood in me.
Edited by cliffords on Saturday 16th August 15:29
spoodler said:
I think a lot of that will depend on you, how good your physio' turns out to be and how much you work at "getting better". My right wrist was err, f*cked, when I hit a wall at seventyish. I couldn't tell you exactly what the damage was, as nobody really told me, but it was bent back by the bars and snapped. It was plastered up and many weeks later, the plaster was removed, no physio' was ever mentioned... Forty years later, it still gives me problems, but nothing that can't be lived with...
Contrast to a mate who just a couple of years back, had a similar injury. You'd never know he'd had it. His treatment and care was so much better than mine was all those years ago, and folk nowadays are so much more clued up on everything from what treatment they have a right to, to finding out stuff for themselves.
Whatever, if you are given an exercise regime by a physio', keep to it - "too many folk are too lazy to help themselves", as my physio pointed out when I hurt my back.
Thanks. ill take nhs physio but as the driver has admitted fault and white dalton have ssaid i have a strong case, it will be significantly easier for me to have a pt come to my home which i assume would be a private treatment which WD would pay and invoice the drivers solicitorContrast to a mate who just a couple of years back, had a similar injury. You'd never know he'd had it. His treatment and care was so much better than mine was all those years ago, and folk nowadays are so much more clued up on everything from what treatment they have a right to, to finding out stuff for themselves.
Whatever, if you are given an exercise regime by a physio', keep to it - "too many folk are too lazy to help themselves", as my physio pointed out when I hurt my back.
It was about 7 years ago during my commute when a guy pulling out of his work car park and cleaned me up. SMIDSY.
Luckily, I was not too badly hurt with some impressive bruising on my lower back side and a small fracture in my ankle as mostly good protective gear.
When talking to insurance, the girl said that after crashes some guys just give up riding.
The thought never entered my head.
I took the insurance payout, which actually gave me a profit on the second-hand bike I had bought for commuting, and replaced it with a similar new bike, BMW F800GT if you are interested. Still have my R1100s that needs a run.
Even though I have just hit my 3 score and 10, I still have my bikes on Cteks and ready to go.
Luckily, I was not too badly hurt with some impressive bruising on my lower back side and a small fracture in my ankle as mostly good protective gear.
When talking to insurance, the girl said that after crashes some guys just give up riding.
The thought never entered my head.
I took the insurance payout, which actually gave me a profit on the second-hand bike I had bought for commuting, and replaced it with a similar new bike, BMW F800GT if you are interested. Still have my R1100s that needs a run.
Even though I have just hit my 3 score and 10, I still have my bikes on Cteks and ready to go.
I always had bikes road and track, i never really had a bad crash on the road, but i did on the track, Traction for 4 months had to learn to walk again etc.
I tried racing again, but i had lost the fearlessness you need to be fast, so quit racing, but kept the road bikes for a while.
About ten years ago i sold my last bike, as i wasnt enjoying riding on the road anymore, is it just me or are there more idiot drivers on the road now?
I still do the odd track day, but less and less, im mid 50's now, and have alot of pain and reduced mobility from that one big crash.
I do sometimes think about getting an old jap bike that i can tinker with, and ride out on a sunny afternoon, but as yet i haven't done.
I do miss riding, but i think i miss riding on roads 45 years ago more.
Untill people stop looking at their phones while driving and not paying attention, i dont think i will.
I tried racing again, but i had lost the fearlessness you need to be fast, so quit racing, but kept the road bikes for a while.
About ten years ago i sold my last bike, as i wasnt enjoying riding on the road anymore, is it just me or are there more idiot drivers on the road now?
I still do the odd track day, but less and less, im mid 50's now, and have alot of pain and reduced mobility from that one big crash.
I do sometimes think about getting an old jap bike that i can tinker with, and ride out on a sunny afternoon, but as yet i haven't done.
I do miss riding, but i think i miss riding on roads 45 years ago more.
Untill people stop looking at their phones while driving and not paying attention, i dont think i will.
richhead said:
I always had bikes road and track, i never really had a bad crash on the road, but i did on the track, Traction for 4 months had to learn to walk again etc.
I tried racing again, but i had lost the fearlessness you need to be fast, so quit racing, but kept the road bikes for a while.
About ten years ago i sold my last bike, as i wasnt enjoying riding on the road anymore, is it just me or are there more idiot drivers on the road now?
I still do the odd track day, but less and less, im mid 50's now, and have alot of pain and reduced mobility from that one big crash.
I do sometimes think about getting an old jap bike that i can tinker with, and ride out on a sunny afternoon, but as yet i haven't done.
I do miss riding, but i think i miss riding on roads 45 years ago more.
Untill people stop looking at their phones while driving and not paying attention, i dont think i will.
What were your injuries if you dont mind me asking?I tried racing again, but i had lost the fearlessness you need to be fast, so quit racing, but kept the road bikes for a while.
About ten years ago i sold my last bike, as i wasnt enjoying riding on the road anymore, is it just me or are there more idiot drivers on the road now?
I still do the odd track day, but less and less, im mid 50's now, and have alot of pain and reduced mobility from that one big crash.
I do sometimes think about getting an old jap bike that i can tinker with, and ride out on a sunny afternoon, but as yet i haven't done.
I do miss riding, but i think i miss riding on roads 45 years ago more.
Untill people stop looking at their phones while driving and not paying attention, i dont think i will.
I've been riding since I was about 9, had 3 spills, 2 of them serious and all caused by my own weakness for pushing on.
I know I cant trust myself to rein in my confidence and the worry my family would have every time I went out wouldnt be fair so I stopped riding altogether. Even when my mates offer me their bikes for a spin I have to say no, I feel like an alcoholic saying no to a drink.
I've had a few close friends die on their bikes and they were far more sensible and better riders than me.
I know I cant trust myself to rein in my confidence and the worry my family would have every time I went out wouldnt be fair so I stopped riding altogether. Even when my mates offer me their bikes for a spin I have to say no, I feel like an alcoholic saying no to a drink.
I've had a few close friends die on their bikes and they were far more sensible and better riders than me.
Acuity30 said:
richhead said:
I always had bikes road and track, i never really had a bad crash on the road, but i did on the track, Traction for 4 months had to learn to walk again etc.
I tried racing again, but i had lost the fearlessness you need to be fast, so quit racing, but kept the road bikes for a while.
About ten years ago i sold my last bike, as i wasnt enjoying riding on the road anymore, is it just me or are there more idiot drivers on the road now?
I still do the odd track day, but less and less, im mid 50's now, and have alot of pain and reduced mobility from that one big crash.
I do sometimes think about getting an old jap bike that i can tinker with, and ride out on a sunny afternoon, but as yet i haven't done.
I do miss riding, but i think i miss riding on roads 45 years ago more.
Untill people stop looking at their phones while driving and not paying attention, i dont think i will.
What were your injuries if you dont mind me asking?I tried racing again, but i had lost the fearlessness you need to be fast, so quit racing, but kept the road bikes for a while.
About ten years ago i sold my last bike, as i wasnt enjoying riding on the road anymore, is it just me or are there more idiot drivers on the road now?
I still do the odd track day, but less and less, im mid 50's now, and have alot of pain and reduced mobility from that one big crash.
I do sometimes think about getting an old jap bike that i can tinker with, and ride out on a sunny afternoon, but as yet i haven't done.
I do miss riding, but i think i miss riding on roads 45 years ago more.
Untill people stop looking at their phones while driving and not paying attention, i dont think i will.
Lucky it was at a track, so immediate medical attention, i probably wouldnt have survived if it has happened on a road.
All good now tho, but things do hurt now 25 years on. And cold weather sucks.
Acuity30 said:
Has anyone fractured a wrist to the joint? Will i always have a compromised dominant hand now, with issues later in life? I think he said its the radius fracture in more than one place. Likewise for my jaw. Left mandible ramus in 3 places
I parked my bike in the rear of a stationary transit.I thought I was fine, remember after calling the boss to inform her of the small situation, blues and twos, paramedic and boss took one look at my wrists and went they're buggered, for those old enough I was larry Garyson wrists.
Orthepedic surgeon muttered someting about 10mm on my right and 8mm on my left wrist best obliteration he had seen, very kindly gave me two plates, one in each.
A year later they are coming back, golf hurts but not affected my game, was not good anyway.
Waiting to see about strength to pull clutch back as outer two fingers are a little useless, mind you small finger was buggered after rugby. Feel the cold now as the plates chill rather well.
So now I await to sit on a bike agin, see how I feel about it, I'll know then, but if its a no, then after over 50 years of biking, part of me will be lost and I will need to deal with that.
If you want to stop, thats fine, if you want to wait and see thats fine, whats right for me is only right for me, what is right for you is the best thing for you.
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