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Dear Fast Bikes, it’s probably fair to say that most riders have had an accident of some kind during their riding life. We all have stories to tell and, once fit again, most of us get back on the horse. But for some it doesn’t always work out that way due to extended recovery, permanent injury or loss of confidence. To these people I’d say – if riding is your passion, don’t give up!
In July 2015 I’d recently bought my beloved Panigale 899 in white. I’d had a number of bikes, including two GSX-R 600s and a Monster 696. The Panigale, however, was my dream bike. But weeks later, in a bizarre chain of events, I dropped it next to a wall while parking and crushed my leg. The bike was fine but my leg (and pride), not so much.
I sustained a tibial plateau displacement fracture just below the knee. This was pinned and I was non-weight-bearing for three months until (as my bad luck would have it) two of my seven operations resulted in further breaks of the bones in my leg. Long story short, I ended up with the whole of my leg plated, 22 screws, and a whole year off work learning to walk again – three times! I was on crutches for a total of 11 months.
I missed my riding buddies and I’d stare solemnly at my garaged bike. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the rainy day sadness, but the whole of summer sadness. Bored, I created a magazine for female riders called ‘Women On Wheels’ (www.womenonwheelsmagazine.com). It was everything I needed to still keep my passion for riding going, despite not being able to ride. The encouragement and kind words that came my way were a Godsend.
It was almost exactly a year later (despite surgeons saying I’d never go back to climbing ladders) that I returned to my job as a tower crane operator. I simply refused to be told I couldn’t. After several fitness tests and considerable support/adjustment (to ensure my safety) I made it back to work. I reluctantly sold the Panigale as my knee would never again bend to a sports position. So in my determination to ride again, I bought an MT-07 and decided to get it modified. It’s with huge thanks to Illusions Custom & Restoration that I now have a rideable bike.
Aside from converting it into a Badass Street Fighter, I’ve had the rearsets and side stand adapted to compensate for my leg, which means I’ll be able to ride again. It’s been a year and eight months (blimey - FB). I pick up my new beastie in the next couple of weeks. As Arnie would say, ‘I’ll be back!’ So watch this space! Vicky
Vicky, we utterly love your grit and determination to get back in the saddle, that’s partly what makes bikers stand out from the crowd, and you’ve displayed it in spades – welcome back! FB