Too old to start?
Discussion
Tanguero said:
Just to bring this one to a conclusion and to answer my own question. Nope - not too old to start! Just old enough to wonder why I didn't do it years ago.
First big bike acquired in the shape of a Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Congratulations and well done. Nice bike too! Ride safe and enjoy.First big bike acquired in the shape of a Triumph Sprint ST 1050
TooLateForAName said:
From the pic - are you Harrogate way? Who did your wife use for the training and how did she find it?
I'm thinking of doing my bike tests - I'm just south of Ripon and after recommendations.
I don't know if you're still looking but A2B in Knaresborough are excellent! I did my CBT and DAS with them and I can't rate them highly enough. I'm thinking of doing my bike tests - I'm just south of Ripon and after recommendations.
I just thought that I would bring this thread to its conclusion. Eight weeks ago I was riding out on some rather nice country roads when (as far as the Serious Accident Investigation Unit can tell) I was approaching a tightening left hander and my front tyre skidded on debris in the middle of my lane. I made the rookie mistake of panic breaking with the back brake which stood the bike up and of course I went straight on into an approaching people carrier. Police estimate the combined closing speed on impact as somewhere between 50 & 80mph (I have no recollection from about 30 min before the accident) Both the bike and the people carrier were written off, as very nearly was I.
Kent Air Ambulance got me to the major trauma centre at Kings College Hospital where they patched me up and I still am for the time being.
I won't be riding again, partly due to injuries received and partly due to not being willing to put my wife and family through the stress of dealing with a major accident again.
Thank you to all who encouraged me to learn to ride and get my license, despite the accident I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Gratuitous picture of a bent people carrier. Ride safe people!
EAT No charges from the Police, the accident investigation found that I was at the appropriate speed for the corner etc. All I needed to do was not panic and kept it leaned over and I would have been fine.
Kent Air Ambulance got me to the major trauma centre at Kings College Hospital where they patched me up and I still am for the time being.
I won't be riding again, partly due to injuries received and partly due to not being willing to put my wife and family through the stress of dealing with a major accident again.
Thank you to all who encouraged me to learn to ride and get my license, despite the accident I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Gratuitous picture of a bent people carrier. Ride safe people!
EAT No charges from the Police, the accident investigation found that I was at the appropriate speed for the corner etc. All I needed to do was not panic and kept it leaned over and I would have been fine.
Edited by Tanguero on Saturday 10th June 07:41
I broke myself somewhat! Ruptured spleen (removed), aortic aneurysm (still waiting for surgery on that one) broken left femur, compound fracture of the right tibia and fibula (external fixator for the next 6 months), right radius and wrist shattered, left brachial plexus damaged with partial paralysis of the left arm (seems to be temporary and slowly improving), partially paralyzed larynx (so not much voice)
I forgot a few minor bits like a cracked vertebrae and the odd bust knuckle and a broken toe just for completeness.
I forgot a few minor bits like a cracked vertebrae and the odd bust knuckle and a broken toe just for completeness.
Edited by Tanguero on Saturday 10th June 08:59
k, Batman! Really sorry to hear that. Hope you have a speedy recovery. 
For any of those starting off later in life (I was 46 when I passed last year) I suggest doing as much training after as possible and getting the miles under the belt. I recently did BikeSafe in London. This basically was a classroom session, then about 3 hours riding with a serving Police Officer who then writes an assessment and gives you tips throughout the ride. It was invaluable, and very cool riding with a police officer.
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