Rocky is back but still wounded

[Rocky]

Don't accept my experience with the flip-up as the last word on safety. All I can relate is that it worked for me and held together. I have a Nolan flip-up that I just bought, but decided to take the well broken in HJC instead.
There is no doubt in my mind that a regular fullface helmet would probably stand up better in a violent crash in a certain situation, but I also wear glasses and like the convenience of the flip-ups. I have more confidence in them now.

I see that HJC has come out with a newer version of the Symax with an integral sun shade. Even though I have the Nolan I may take a look at the HJC later on. The future depends on my recovery.

As for being a crash test dummy....well.....a dummy for sure for letting this happen to me after so many years of riding safely.

Rocky

 

[CarlS]

Rocky, it can happen to any of us at any time. I've come close to the same kind of accident.

 

[The Seeker]

[quote author=CarlS link=topic=1090.msg7585#msg7585 date=1218974772]
Rocky, it can happen to any of us at any time. I've come close to the same kind of accident.
[/quote]

I'd say we've probably ALL had a similar experience at some point in our riding career. I know I have although somehow I was lucky enough to pull it out and only get soiled undergarments out of the ordeal.

 

[shyguy344]

Hey there Rocky,
I'm glad to hear that you are "safely" home and recovering. It sounds like quite an adventure. It is not often that people get a chance to see a foreign country and also their medical facilities also.

You must get better.....Joao will be waiting....

Please take care, and get well quickly...

Bob

 

[jmv2006]

[quote author=shyguy344 link=topic=1090.msg7696#msg7696 date=1219022457]
...You must get better.....Joao will be waiting....[/quote]Indeed I am!
The visit to Belgium was not cancelled but simply postponed.
I’m very happy that you are recovering well, Rocky. If accidents do happen once in a while the result is definitely not the worst. The way you are taking it is really inspiring.
Next Sunday we will have the “II Bonneville Ride†and you will be present in my thoughts. The “Normandy Ride†will wait for your presence.
Take good care of yourself!

 

[Merlin]

Great to have you back Rocky :y18:

 

[Rocky]

Thanks guys. You really boost my spirits :y115:

Joao, as my favourite movie cowboy, Roy Rogers, used to say, "If the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise", I'll be coming over to Belgium to visit you next year. I'm really disappointed that I did this to myself and spoiled our plans for this year.

In the meantime I'm working hard at physio and following all their orders. I still can't make a complete fist with my hand, but it's improving as is the range of motion in my shoulder. Recovery can't come soon enough to suit me.

I'm delighted to say that my range of motion has improved enough so that I can now type with both hands - although the right hand is still limited. Nonetheless it's a victory and I'm loving it! Better days ahead!

Also in the meantime, I'm going to start writing a road report in between doing my home physio program. The writing and editing will take some time so don't look for it too soon. I'll also get some of my pictures online as time permits.

Once again, thanks for the words of encouragement.

 

[DaveM]

Now this is good news Rocky your recovery seem well on its way. I will be looking forward to your road report. How did you enjoy riding the BMW? :y18:

 

[CarlS]

Rocky, I am really looking forward to your road report. Delighted to hear of or progress; really great news.

 

[DaveM]

Rocky sent me these few photos of his trip :y18:

 

[Rocky]

Dave, thanks for posting the pics. I just wanted to give the guys and gals a sample of what I've been talking about. I had never been anywhere that all I could see was sand and dirt. Not a blade of grass or a drop of water anywhere!
The vast deserts and salt flats really boggled the mind. I was overwhelmed by the majesty of the Andes mountains.
The highest we rode was 4900 metres at mid day and it wasn't as cold as I expected. Just taking a few steps was exhausting.
It wasn't all like that. Down in some of the valleys there were small rivers and vegetation and small farms. The peasants eke out some kind of living with back breaking work. Nearly everything was done by pure muscle power.

The BMW GS650 was a nice bike to ride. I adapted to it right away, but I have no desire to own one. We often rode from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM because we had to cover vast distances - 5000 km's in 17 days. We stopped many times to rest of course and there were a couple of times we stayed in the same town for two days to see the sights. Bus tours with a guide were part of the tour package.

 

[DaveM]

The country looks absolutely stunning :y18:

 

[CarlS]

Thanks for the pics Rocky and thank you, Dave, for posting them.

 

[shyguy344]

Great looking country, Rocky...thanks for sharing....

But who is that funny looking dude in the yellow shirt.....best call the government....he looks a bit like a spy....lol.

Again, welcome home, thanks for sharing, and get that body put back together soon.

Bob

 

[Rocky]

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement, shyguy.
BTW, I think that dude in the yellow shirt is some kind of pervert lurking in a doorway :y24:

I'm working on a ride report, but it's going slow with only one good wing and only half of the other. It will be ready soon and I'll have it posted.
I have to get some of my pics into an online photo album. When all this is done reading the story and seeing the pics it should all make sense.

 

[DaveM]

[quote author=Rocky link=topic=1090.msg8338#msg8338 date=1219241705]
I'm working on a ride report, but it's going slow with only one good wing and only half of the other. It will be ready soon and I'll have it posted.
[/quote]

Good things always take time so we will hang around for it no problems :y18:

 

[CarlS]

I'm looking forward to it.

 

[jmv2006]

[quote author=Rocky link=topic=1090.msg7773#msg7773 date=1219056040]
Joao, as my favourite movie cowboy, Roy Rogers, used to say, "If the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise", I'll be coming over to Belgium to visit you next year.[/quote]That's the spirit.
Your room is still ready, the TBS waiting for you…
… and a few ex-EuroTriumphs already called because they wanted to go and meet you at the airport.
But nothing is lost! Just a few more months to go. What is that in a lifetime?

 

[Rocky]

Right on Joao, that's how I feel :y115:
You are such a kind man and I'm sorry that I have disappointed you and your friends.
I also disappointed myself as I was so looking forward to going to Belgium, but as you said, what's a few months delay.
I know I won't be riding again this year, but the winter will pass quickly and it will be a whole new year for adventure.
I'm delighted to report that the mobility of my shoulder is close to 90 degrees, and a bit ahead of schedule, but from here on it will get harder to make gains. The same goes for the strength in my hand. It's still swollen and weak, but improving as well.
I'm trying to be a patient patient

The ride report is nearly finished, but needs to be edited and polished a bit before I make it public.

 

[CarlS]

Rocky, really good to hear of the progress!! Outstanding!