Tommy is down here, we've been talking about getting together, but never have...yet! Yes, my crash was T4 at TWS, High Side, broke Metatarsal 3, 4 and 5 and massive nerve damage, and subesequent hardware fixtures which remain. I did resume track days, did several since the accident. However, when I retired from the Army in 2008, I went to college full time, got my B.A. and started my business (www.drblast.com) which has kept me super steady busy and getting more so -- which has required me to step out of the hiring High School kids as 'helpers' and needing a good quality skilled worker -- which I have yet to find! I'm at that point that having workers means I can make more money! You may find that the mental block is the hardest to overcome. For me, it was the physical, I was just days after my surgery working on my bike with crutches and a totally useless left foot! You may regain your mojo on riding -- just make it a better ride; focused more on safety and rider education, things I've been active in.

hey Kruz,
looks like you missed out on a more exciting ride
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/No-injuries-after-a-soft-emergency-landing-3764153.php

Hope you heal well Kruz. Hope things work out and the bill gets lowered to something you can handle.
I have no advice for you but I thank you for sharing this. Based on what I read at this forum, I ride a lot slower than most. But I'll keep you in mind and be even more careful. I couldn't care less what someone else thinks about my riding ability. Sometimes there are others forces at work that negate whatever level of ability you have. I don't want to live life busted up and/or broke.
Again, I really hope you heal well and things work out in your favor.

I had a recent helicopter ride and the bill was $22,000. They didn't have my insurance info, so they sent me a discounted 'no health insurance' bill at 50% off... $11,000. I called them to give my insurance info and most of it is covered, I have to pay $1,880. I've hit my annual out-of-pocket limit of $5,000 due to this accident, everything past the $5k is covered 100%. I'm glad I pay for the premium plan at work, the basic plan would have cost me a small fortune. The helicopter, two days in ICU, 5 days in the step-down unit, and shoulder surgery... has to be close to $100K total.

Kruz, it seems you have a memory lapse from the accident. I remember the deer's head hitting me in chest, then it flying over me. After that, I remember nothing until they were loading me in the helicopter. I've since talked to people that were on the accident scene and they say I was responsive and answered all of their questions, even called my wife on my cellphone... but I can't remember any of it. I've heard of this before but thought it was BS. Apparently it's pretty common. In my 1986 accident I hit a Camry that turned right in front of me, flew 108 feet, hit the ground and tumbled a few times. I remember every moment of that crash, so this one is the first time in my life that I have a memory lapse that isn't alcohol related :)

Anyone else experience this???

Kruz, it's interesting. Your story is on our local forum. The "experts" have concluded that you should have been a better rider and then you wouldn't have crashed. I tried to explain that no matter how freaking good you are, sometimes shit just happens. Didn't get much support. Hang in there.
Mad

Yea, I got some of that on another forum from another "expert" and decided there was no use in responding if a person is obviously that clueless. The fact is, rider's such as Marquez, Rossi at al, at the very pinnacle of skill level crash on a fairly regular basis. When you flirt with the limits you court disaster and at some point will exceed the limits of traction and go down. I seriously doubt any of those experts could have kept me in sight on that road before the crash, been riding it for six years and always pushing for a little more speed. As you said, stuff happens, what I hit in the road I'll never know, when pushing hard in a corner, even a single small stone will cause a lack of traction and a slide, it's happened to me dozens of times out there. I would ask the "experts" if they witnessed the accident, if not, then they have no business speculating. Anyway, my days of hauling ass on that road are over, if and when I go back to riding it will be at a much more reasonable pace.

Kruz, it seems you have a memory lapse from the accident.

No, Inpretty much remember all of it but still don't know why I high sided. My only recollection is a "folding" sensation like I've never felt before, I had the bike cranked all the way over on her side and was just starting to lift and roll on the throttle when it just "caved in" then snapped violently into the high side. That section of road is really bad, years over due for resurfacing. I'll try to get some shots of some of the asphalt cracks in that corner, really hairy stuff but I'd ridden it long enough to avoid the really bad spots.

Had that memory lapse deal myself...with my last crash.Out for three weeks..ICU.All I remember is the final seconds of going into the dirt 'runoff' spot.Nothing at all with the wreck.

I'm keenly interested in how the heli bill resolves itself, especially as Kruz has / had air transport insurance.

I dont think I carry such coverage, and now it appears as a "hole" in my insurances. Mebbe I need it / want it...

I sense bitterness on your part Kruz against the EMT who "ordered" the transport.

What do you think, Kruz? In hindsight, he (she) *could* have been right, and you could have been bleeding out on the ground ride to the hospital. Apparently, they could not tell in the field exam, and could not stand the consequence if they let you go (you got denied for ground transport on their professional opinion / competence).

Are you really that pissed off for someone else having your back at that moment? Reather be dead with no bills rather than alive and broke?

I *know* it sucks to hear this, and I also know how bad it is to be broke in America.

But, I am curious. Which would you choose, if done over again?

You *could* sell the remaining bikes, pay the bills, and be done. You *do* need a break from riding, even I can tell that from your writings.

My .02 after contemplating my navel for awhile, thinking about it: Get me there (hosp) alive, fast as you can go. I'll sic the lawyers on the greedy asshats job, afterwards.

I got too many that dont want me gone just yet, a good place to be I guess :)

* Last updated by: mebgardner on 9/20/2015 @ 4:45 PM *

The EMTs made the right call based on the information that they had at the time. My right leg was twisted really bad so they knew the femur separation was complete. The chance of a bleed out was real and justifies the air lift. It will all work it's way out eventually. I sent in s form allowing PHI to represent me to appeal and collect. I have a feeling some negotiations may take place and resolution will come.

On a happier note, I took my first steps yesterday and discarded my crutches and walker. I'm hobbling more than walking right now but each day should see improvement.

"still don't know why I high sided"...physics my man...pure and simple.That 'falling out from under me' feeling was yer front wheel breakin loose.Natch the rear began sliding away from the turn.Front wheel regained traction...now both wheels are not aligned.When they attempted to realign,the rear grabbed(bike slowed slightly).The front was still not lined up yet.Hence,the snap.(tankslapper).Just so quick though,you may not have noticed it.

Centrifugal force baby!Great when yer rollin nice.Not so damn good when yer wheels get outta line.

Sometimes it only takes one or two 'slaps' to throw a guy.You were seriously leaned in...no way to recover from all those deals goin on at one time.

That's as good a theory as any Grn, yea this was like nothing I've ever experienced before, one second I had traction and the tires were loading up fine and the next she just folded up and snapped hard over.

All it takes is the back to slip and then suddenly regain traction and that's enough to throw you. I've experienced the back slipping going into a corner and if it's bad enough, the auotomatic response is to let off of the throttle...that's what causes the high side. ONLY way you can overcome that is practice sliding and learn to keep on the gas. That could mean a lowside at worse but you might make it if you can control the amount of slide. I for one am not that serious of a sport rider. Maybe with a trak bike, probabaly a dirt bike, not the 14.

And to think the pros now regularly / routinely slide (push) both front and rear, at the same time.

Thats what it takes to win, now.

Amazing, just amazing.

* Last updated by: mebgardner on 9/21/2015 @ 7:43 PM *

I was reading(watching) some of Dave Moss's talks on tankslappers.He mentioned suspension setup(s).Very informative.Sometimes 'stiff'(for precision handling) is just a bit too much.You mentioned the road surface...impact with that with the front wheel.Easy to see a front wheel deflection causing this deal here.Leaned in hard...on the gas...small(er) contact patch...yep...I can totally see this.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/21/2015 @ 7:59 PM *

On a happier note, I took my first steps yesterday and discarded my crutches and walker. I'm hobbling more than walking right now but each day should see improvement.

That's Great News!

Horay!!

* Last updated by: mebgardner on 9/21/2015 @ 7:58 PM *

hey Kruz, glad to hear youre getting back on your feet!
sorry to hear of the additional expense that you are facing and hope it gets resolved? as a previous poster said, these conpanies tend to start high and then when they dont get a cheque tend to settle for some portion of the total as some money is better than no money! still, it doesnt do anything for the stress levels :(

its almost a year since i had my off, along similar lines to yours, left hander, no other traffic, 60mph ish and waking up 25 mins later in an ambulance! lucky for me i didnt high side but hit my head and shoulder hard. i still have some neck pains and shoulder pains but generally force my way through them!
i was due to do a bike trip to europe but was quietly dreading it. In my pigheadedness (i like to think of it as determination) i bought a ducati 1098, not the most comfortable touring machine out there! and decided to do it on that as the roads were going to be twisty. it was tough, sometimes a bit painful but it helped me work the areas that needed to be worked! i really enjoyed the trip, 2000kms around the adriatic on some stunning roads. you could say i fell in love with biking again!
i hope you heal well my friend, both body and mind! keep the faith!

(anyone want to buy a 1098? ...i need one of them super comfy goldwings! lol :)

Hello Jafo, good to hear from you but sad to hear of your getoff. If we ride long enough and hard enough this stuff is going to happen. Your neck shoulder pain sounds a lot like what I experienced and it is keeping me from sleeping. I go to a cervical spine specialist in the morning and hopefully he can sort this out. The right side of my neck and the rear of my right shoulder spasm frequently and create a lot of pain. Muscle relaxers and booze are the only thing that offer any relief. I plan to ride in the next couple weeks but to be honest, I'm pretty scared.

Kruz, my advice still stands after reading that last.

Sell the bikes, pay the bills, and take a break.

You need a break from riding.

Warm Regards,
Bob

I plan to ride in the next couple weeks but to be honest, I'm pretty scared.

Hey, bub... don't ride until you've been bitten by the "Fuck this, I can't stand it any more... I need to scoot!" bug.

Fear of your scooter can only bring more pain. Scooters thrive on dominance... they're like hot wimmenz in that regard. If they smell fear, then your life/bank account hangs in the balance.

Heed my words: get your headgear flushed out before you scoot. Want it.

^ im with Hagrid !

take your time, do a trackday even, slowly and safely get the crash demons out of your head

Hagrid's right on target. There is No rush. Go when you really want to. No reason to push. 2¢

Hag says..."Hey, bub... don't ride until you've been bitten by the "Fuck this, I can't stand it any more... I need to scoot!" bug"...I agree.But also...everyone has a different way to getting through stuff.Selling the bikes in IMO would be a rash decision at this time.I thought kinda the same thing about my 14 after I started riding the H2.My dealer talked me back down...and put some options out there for me...which I'm glad he did.He could have said.."hell yeah..I'll take er".Props to him.That's why he's my dealer.

You've been through a shitload of stuff...serious stuff these last few months.Take it easy and give yourself time with this.Keep yer bikes...that's my thought.Two months you'll feel different about ALL of it I think.You don't have to make any decisions right this moment.;)Or ever really.

You needn't worry yourself about 'making up for lost time' or anything else.There is no timeframe.Except for you to feel good physically and mentally...when you do...you'll choose the right way for you.Bikes are secondary...not something you HAVE to have.You ride because ya love it...not because joe-blow is.I think you'd feel shitty if you stopped riding and sold your bikes.Knowing you.Plus you'd most likely end up buying ANOTHER one...if only to prove you weren't gonna let this stuff stop ya.That's my take on this..I could be totally wrong here.Too soon IMO to make a decision like dumping your babies right now.

Besides...and WAY more importantly...I may want to visit ya up ahead...WTF...you with NO bikes...I sure aint gonna stand on the porch waiting for you to come back from your ride on my H2...could be all f'n day!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/24/2015 @ 1:18 PM *

Lol Grn, you make some good points. Get healthy, get my head cleared and then make a decision. In the meantime, the bikes aren't going to go anywhere. Visit to the cervical spine specialist yesterday was a bit of a low, he diagnosed me with a possible herniated disk at C-7, base of the neck and ordered an MRI to confirm. I've dealt with these before in my lower back and had good luck with physical therapy and strengthening core muscles to control things. Hopefully I can do the same here, the neck is one area I have never included in my workouts, need to rethink that.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 9/25/2015 @ 10:20 AM *

The riders I've talked to that have come back from a catastrophic bike accident are pretty much to the man in agreement that they're glad they did. It's the time frame that is the question here, slowly getting back up to speed is the key, no rush as Grn said.

The riders I've talked to that have come back from a catastrophic bike accident are pretty much to the man in agreement that they're glad they did. It's the time frame that is the question here, slowly getting back up to speed is the key, no rush as hag, and three other people (including Montana) after him, said.

Fixed that right up for you, Mr. Caruso. Obviously your cervical pain has overridden your "give credit where it's due" logic center.

That kinda stuff isn't important to me though... I'm just happy you're on the mend!