It was the best of time, it was the worst of times! Or superhawk down 12/10
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MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
It was the best of time, it was the worst of times! Or superhawk down 12/10
Well it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. I was only doing a half-day on sun. and picked up some takeoffs on the way up so I used the morning to get my tires on. Then Sarge announced they were doing the mock races, YEEEHAAWWW!! I skipped the mock races 2 times before but I REALY wanted to do this one. I had one session to warm up and then they were doing the race. My first session I scared the crap out of myself, I was coming down the front straight and grabbed the brake with one finger like I always do and it went all the way down to my other fingers!!! I went off in one did some dirt riding and got back on, somehow the adjuster worked itself all the way in. I adjusted by grabbing with my whole hand and it was fine, I ran consistent 1:30's not too bad.
We do a warm up lap for the race and I got in front so I wouldn't have to deal with traffic at the start but still got passed by 4 guys. By the time we got out of T-1 it was me and one other guy on the 1st lap I came out wide in 13 went of the lip but kept under control, (even got a good save from Sarge on that one). You would think that would’ve slowed me down or got me distracted but it did the opposite I was more focused after that and ran real smooth. Long story short I had the lead for a short time but ended up 3rd because I'm so out of shape I got tired but I did run a 1:28.25 and a couple of 29's!!! I was Pumped and I told my buddy I should just quit now since I got my personal best times, should've listened to my own advice. Went out in the next session and ran 3 laps of 1:29 and was riding really smooth until.........
I was riding right behind the guy I was battling for 1st in the mock race and we passed 3 or 4 guys in T-6. We came up to some slower traffic going into 7 so we set up on the outside to make a pass. He got around and I was about 2/3 of the way past this guy when he changed direction to go into T-8 I was going about 5-10mph faster and we ended up in the same place at the same time. We hit hard and my front tucked on impact the rear slid then caught and I went flying!!!! Hit the pavement hard with a WHAM on the back of the head, (this is when I give KBC helmets and Kobe back protectors a resounding thumbs up for protection) did the roll from hell and the bike slammed down on top of me. When the bike and I stopped it was on top of my legs and all I could think was "I can't just lay here I've got to get up!!" Brian from Photo One was the first one on scene and he kept telling me to just stay down the bike landed on you and you hit your head. I didn’t want to hear any of that and had to prove to myself I was ok, but it took 4 tries to get up my ankles hurt sooooo bad!!
All things considered I came out just fine, (i.e. sore as hell, swollen but not broken oh and a HUGE bruise on my left inner thigh and right above my willie, might wear a cup from now on), and the bike is very fixable although I did wreck my brand new foot peg and clutch levers but didn’t even bend my Heli-bar too badly. The tank has a small dent on the side from the accident and a slightly larger one on top from me pounding on it in frustration and minor scratches here and there. This is just the initial inspection but it seemed to ride straight from the short trip into the garage. Pictures will be coming as Brian got a nice shot of the bike doing a rider less wheelie and me pavement surfing behind it.
Lesson learned be careful where you pass, be very patient and get good gear and a back protector!!!
We do a warm up lap for the race and I got in front so I wouldn't have to deal with traffic at the start but still got passed by 4 guys. By the time we got out of T-1 it was me and one other guy on the 1st lap I came out wide in 13 went of the lip but kept under control, (even got a good save from Sarge on that one). You would think that would’ve slowed me down or got me distracted but it did the opposite I was more focused after that and ran real smooth. Long story short I had the lead for a short time but ended up 3rd because I'm so out of shape I got tired but I did run a 1:28.25 and a couple of 29's!!! I was Pumped and I told my buddy I should just quit now since I got my personal best times, should've listened to my own advice. Went out in the next session and ran 3 laps of 1:29 and was riding really smooth until.........
I was riding right behind the guy I was battling for 1st in the mock race and we passed 3 or 4 guys in T-6. We came up to some slower traffic going into 7 so we set up on the outside to make a pass. He got around and I was about 2/3 of the way past this guy when he changed direction to go into T-8 I was going about 5-10mph faster and we ended up in the same place at the same time. We hit hard and my front tucked on impact the rear slid then caught and I went flying!!!! Hit the pavement hard with a WHAM on the back of the head, (this is when I give KBC helmets and Kobe back protectors a resounding thumbs up for protection) did the roll from hell and the bike slammed down on top of me. When the bike and I stopped it was on top of my legs and all I could think was "I can't just lay here I've got to get up!!" Brian from Photo One was the first one on scene and he kept telling me to just stay down the bike landed on you and you hit your head. I didn’t want to hear any of that and had to prove to myself I was ok, but it took 4 tries to get up my ankles hurt sooooo bad!!
All things considered I came out just fine, (i.e. sore as hell, swollen but not broken oh and a HUGE bruise on my left inner thigh and right above my willie, might wear a cup from now on), and the bike is very fixable although I did wreck my brand new foot peg and clutch levers but didn’t even bend my Heli-bar too badly. The tank has a small dent on the side from the accident and a slightly larger one on top from me pounding on it in frustration and minor scratches here and there. This is just the initial inspection but it seemed to ride straight from the short trip into the garage. Pictures will be coming as Brian got a nice shot of the bike doing a rider less wheelie and me pavement surfing behind it.
Lesson learned be careful where you pass, be very patient and get good gear and a back protector!!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
That's why I say a BIG thumbs up to the KBC VR2 and might just buy another one!! I'll spare you the picture of that portion of the body but the leg is pretty ugly as well.
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MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Sorry forgot about the ankles, they're not too bad I actually have almost full range of motion already but can't walk for too long or they swell and throb. The 1st night was the real bitch, long ride back to the house then dinner and then I iced them down for a while on the couch. I went to get up but couldn't move once standing, I almost passed out walking to the bedroom door! I had to crawl into bed and my wife had to lift my *** into it, that kind of scared me a bit, but all is good now.
So who thinks I'm an *** for not being scared to go back?
So who thinks I'm an *** for not being scared to go back?
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
Once you figure out what caused the fall, and understand that it is something you might be able to control in the future, I think the element of fear no longer applies. At least, not to crashing. The fear of pain is always there, though.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gainesville FLA.
That's the part that pisses me off the most, I'm usually VERY cautious passing and this was very avoidable. I usually grab a handful of brake and just let the other guy have the line even if I think I can get by or if I think he might do something like cut me off. I've done small stoppies before in situations like that before but this time I thought I had him, just a bad place to pass there and I WON'T do that again, EVER.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
From: Western NY
wow.. great write-up, I had a pretty good visual by reading your account of the events. Really can't wait to see the photographer's pics now!! (hope that's not too strange)
and I'm glad you are anticipating the next track day... wounds heal.
and I'm glad you are anticipating the next track day... wounds heal.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 198
From: Atlanta GA
Good to hear your ok, passing at track day can be very scary if the people your passing don't hold a line. I've had qiute a few *** puckering moments.
ps glad to know you crash tested my helmet for me :-)
Get back out there and stuff them up the inside before they even know your there
ps glad to know you crash tested my helmet for me :-)
Get back out there and stuff them up the inside before they even know your there
Thread Starter
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Good to hear your ok, passing at track day can be very scary if the people your passing don't hold a line. I've had qiute a few *** puckering moments.
ps glad to know you crash tested my helmet for me :-)
Get back out there and stuff them up the inside before they even know your there
ps glad to know you crash tested my helmet for me :-)
Get back out there and stuff them up the inside before they even know your there
Yeah you should have no problem with your helmet!! I hope to be back in Jan. and since I did the mock race I'm itching to get my race license probably in Feb. if all goes well.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 474
From: Merritt,MI.
glad to hear your ok I can only imagine all the post we would have to put up with if you were on bed rest!! Bikes can be fixed bodies cannot. high sides always hurt worse. I once broke a clip-on clean off trying to hang on!!
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20
From: Sydney, AUS
I just did a track day last sunday myself and had a zx6r overtake on inside the bike behind me and me on the outside only to highside his bike literally infront of me while i almost ran him over going through the turn - he ended up very very sore with a totalled bike - subframe snapped etc. Patience is a very important factor on the track - he made that mistake and i've made that mistake myself previously. I totally agree with your statement.
Would love to see the pics and your so not an *** for wanting to go back - track is an addiction and crashing is all part of learning the art of not crashing if that makes any sense... Glad to hear you came out of it ok!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Har har har!! Oh a wise guy eh nuck nuck nuck!!
Thread Starter
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MotoGP
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Moderate-whore
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
that really must have sucked...and I am sure you will be soar for a while...aren't you married to a nurse or something??
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 442
From: Hampton GA
Hate to hear about the crash ! Glad your not busted up too bad and already planning to take it to the track again ( we Superhawk riders must be a stubborn breed) Post pics as soon as you can..
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
[QUOTE=superhawk22;37159]My buddy I usually go with has been saying the last few times I should've gotten it out of the way BEFORE I got fast because now it's gonna hurt.
Well, I'm glad you got your times! I know that was important to you. Sorry about the crash but I think your buddy is right. Now that it's out of the way - move on!
Well, I'm glad you got your times! I know that was important to you. Sorry about the crash but I think your buddy is right. Now that it's out of the way - move on!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gainesville FLA.
You wouldn't believe all the crap I'm getting from her co-workers, "what are you thinking! Sell that death machine! You've got kids!" etc....etc... 
Thread Starter
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From: Gainesville FLA.
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,517
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Actually I'm healing up pretty quick, everyday I feel better than the day before. I can walk without much of a limp at all and can go longer without it swelling. Oh and having a wife who's also a nurse isn't always a good thing. You wouldn't believe all the crap I'm getting from her co-workers, "what are you thinking! Sell that death machine! You've got kids!" etc....etc...
You wouldn't believe all the crap I'm getting from her co-workers, "what are you thinking! Sell that death machine! You've got kids!" etc....etc... 
