Paraplegic rides again - and how you can help...

[Nooj]

I have some kit to drop off (if you think it's suitable) Will try and bring it along next time I'm at the Polebarn.

[Honda_Star]

I have some kit to drop off (if you think it's suitable) Will try and bring it along next time I'm at the Polebarn.

Hey Nooj

Yep that would be excellent - or I can come to you if that's easier. Just PM me and let me know - cheers!!

[Talan]

Finally pulled my finger out and joined. Lovely to read what people have said and I have had been fortunate to meet a few of you.

Wednesday saw the second Bike Experience event take place. Lindsay and Chris were our next two riders that wanted to see what it was like to try and ride again. It is a big step to make and the inherent risks of riding are still there, so even turning up on the day shows that they are ballsy. We were supported throughout the day by a great group of volunteers and helpers, some of which were only contacted on the Monday sue to some other pulling out. The days could not really go ahead without their support, so I am eternally grateful.....that goes out to you...Steve/Ross/Nick/Maca....and anyone else I forgot to mention (I blame my bad memory on my medication).

We started off in the paddock, with both riders learning to get on the bike, launch, stop and get off.


We moved the riders between the two bikes, SV650 and GSXR600, so that each was comfortable on a bike for them to ride on the track. Chris, who was shorter the Lindsay suited the GSXR and Lindsay was happy to be on the SV, so there were no complaints!


When we moved into the pit lane, the rain began. This made the track pretty slippery, as one track day rider found out when his bike went away from underneath him, slid down the track right next to us and then burst into flames. Not the greatest confidence boost for the two nervous riders, which was slightly compounded by the Snr Instructors briefing who claimed the track was really slippery and we needed extra care! These factors really set off the ‘demons’ in Lindsay’s head, and try as she might, she couldn’t shake them off and felt unable to get out on the track. We never force anyone to do anything they don’t feel comfortable doing, so I took Chris out around the track for his first session whilst Lindsay had some time to relax.


Chris did really well and we made it back in one piece, despite the slippery track, to much cheers from those with him and helping him. We made another few track sessions with Chris, but each time Lindsay tried, the worries grew. It wasn’t to be her day, but she has said she wants to return and try again, the sign of real determination to overcome and get back to riding a bike.


So, despite the weather, we had a great day and as an event we learned a few more things and saw that even with the best will in the world, there are still huge mental challenges for all who come to the track. But as we all know, it’s not the knock-downs, but how you get back up from them that matters.

[Scotty]

Hi Talan, I'm glad that I saw Chris at a mate's funeral in Northampton last month, kind of put two and two together and was fortunate enough to catch up with him just before he left the proceedings and got his contact details. By all accounts he had a really good time, nice one [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Star got all her Bike Experience gear yesterday - it's pretty funky and she's well chuffed with it - are you at Combe on June 4th? I could come along to that for a look-see - not sure about catching duties, I crocked my left knee on Sunday when my road bike rolled off its stand and hit me in the side of the knee and then bent it 90º sideways :'( Hobbling around on crutches at the mo, going to Llandow for the SWB day there next Friday but I doubt I'll be riding, keeping fingers crossed that I'll be in a fit state for Cadwell in mid-June...

[Nelly]

Talan. Just to let you know i will be available t help on 10th & 24th Aug if you would like me to be there.

[Dabz]

come on 24th Nelly - there's a load of WBers on the track that day too

[Beamer]

Hey Talan....do you do your track days every wednesday??

Sorry if it already says that up there ^ but I tried to flick through quick and didnt see anything (nowt unusual for me to be honest hehe)

[njl]

Hey Talan....do you do your track days every wednesday??

Sorry if it already says that up there ^ but I tried to flick through quick and didnt see anything (nowt unusual for me to be honest hehe)

We currently use castle Combe every time they have a bike track day which is 2 wednesdays a month. Come visit if you fancy & say hi!

[njl]

10th is the next one btw

[Beamer]

Ahhh cool thank you....my friend from work is very interested in helping out and she's facebooked the page..... I said I'd find out for her.....am hoping to be at Castle Combe on the 24th myself for the WB trackday so will pop over and say hi.....not sure if i'll be able to help much as I shall have my 9 yr old with me.....but my mate said shes off that day so shall hopefully bring her along too..