I turn two years old today...

[Chad4000]

Don't do motorcycles, definitely too much stupid driving around.

My date is July 8, 2012 on an Arctic Cat 550i ATV. Looks like the 911 call went in at 12:30am, probably 5-10 after the accident. Barb wire fences are not your friend. Definitely not as bad as some here, but scary as hell.


Hell yeah!

Oh I looked at your thread.. that was nothing to scoff at. you were messed up.. lol

[Chad4000]

Chad I do not know you man but, Im glad you are a success story. Im glad you made a damn good recovery.

I dont know if it has been asked but what gear were you wearing when this happened. I have rarely seen a helmet get blown off of someones head. Even in my years of road racing it has only happened a few times.

Yeah that's exactly what I was thinking too. I used to have friends that wouldn't strap there helmets on (just put in on without using the straps is what I mean) and I always thought that was retarded. I used to make sure that strap was nice and snug. when I first was told about the helmet, somebody said that it broke off my head. even in my state I couldnt believe that. after I got out of the hospital, I went to the junk yard (with a couple big friends lol) and sure enough my helmet was in a bag next to the bike. I think what they had meant was that my visor was blown off, and some of the padding was sticking out the face mask part.

but the strap was still put together. the only thing I can figure was that it was an old helmet and maybe it flexed? maybe that flex allowed my head to pop out? not sure to this day.

and actually I dont know when it came off either. it was far enough away from where I was lying, that the police asked me if I was wearing one. so they didnt see it when they came to the scene. I dont know if the impact with the car did it, and then I some how lived through the impact with the ground. or maybe the helmet and I hit the ground after the car did and the helmet just flew far enough away that nobody saw it...

either way, I had somebody looking after me that day...

edit: I should say that I was wearing an HJC helmet. anybody hear if it's an HJC thing? I know they are cheaper then the nice ones....

[Chad4000]

Welp... figured I would bring this back up... Today I turn 3... (i won't do this every year... maybe lol)

A little progress report, I've been back in the gym after a long time out. I'm the biggest I ever have been (as in gaining some good muscle etc).. I feel much less pain then I have over the years and generally don't think about it to much.. My boy is 3 now, and is running around and loving life.

So far so good!

[TFOGGER]

I don't have a bike right now... But I probably will ride again. Ironically, my wife is the biggest supporter of me riding again..

Thanks for all the comments guys.. It's been crazy..

After my little get off in January, my wife was very reluctant about me riding again. I respected her wishes, only riding customer bikes for test rides and a little dirt riding. Fast forward to June, she's all but begging me to get back on the bike, so I got my old 87 Interceptor out of mothballs and put it back on the road. Just started commuting again this week.

Congrats on your continuing recovery!

[3beansalad]

I don't know you, but I'm glad you are still here.

Thanks for sharing your story.

^^^ This. God Bless man, glad you are 'back'!

[Dave_L]

Crazy! I'm glad you survived this. I only rode for one summer and I count my blessings nothing happened. I always wanted to ride so I had to try it out. I'm glad I did because there's nothing like it but I've since opted to stay on 4 wheels for the time being. Too many variables involved riding a motorcycle with the general public.

Be safe out there everyone! Look twice and be aware of bikes.

[Rabid]

Please bump this back every year! I think people should read your story. Glad you made it through it all. I Have not rode my bike this summer because the traffic just gets worse and worse on the highway every year.

[To Bear Arms]

Damn! I just read this for the first time and it hit me hard. I have never gone through anything like this but I have a boy who is 3 and cant imagine going thru what you and your family has. My boy IS the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my life! He is so much fun!
I am glad you are around to tell your story. Please update every year!

[Chad4000]

it's certainly been a crazy "ride".. I mentioned it last year when I created this thread, but I will probably ride again.. have gotten on a bike twice (two buddies were brave enough to let me take theirs out) and I definately starting getting those cravings back..

[blacklabel]

Damn Chad. Thinking about what happened to you and being so close to not seeing your son grow up tears me up. Glad you made it man.