Everyday Heroes
March 2010 was possibly one of the quietest on record for me on the motorcycling front. The only bike related activity I participated in being a visit to Hampton Downs at the end of the month for the fifth and final round for the NZ national road race series. Oh, and a very short dirt bike ride at the start of the month. Unfortunately, it was this dirt bike ride that was the cause of my non-riding March (and April by the looks) when the bike and I clashed after an unlikely stack. The resulting departure then subsequent coming together of me from bike saw the footpeg take a bite out of my chest (in one of few unprotected areas of my body, naturally) and me in need of the services of a doctor - stat. Without going into too much detail, I had a rather close shave and was lucky to have been with a few good blokes with enough smarts to keep me going through a rather painful ordeal until the paramedics and subsequently the rescue chopper arrived on the scene. Chris, Vin, Karl, Caleb and Peter - I owe you all one.
After that it was two weeks in Waikato hospital for me in recovery mode, before being released to recover (rather slowly) at home, where I’m penning this month’s column. Now, I’ve had my fair share of spills and injuries from riding motorcycles, it’s par for the course in this job, but it’s not until you have a ‘big one’ that you realize just how lucky you are to come out the other side relatively unscathed. Sure I’ve now got a couple of mean scars and have been sore and tired for longer than I care to remember, but on the whole I’ll recover almost 100%, and for that I’m truly thankful. I’m also incredibly thankful for all the support and encouragement I’ve had from family, friends, readers and industry members during my personal mensis horribilis (terrible month). And of course I’m indebted to all those involved with the accident itself; the paramedics and rescue helicopter crews, my surgeons, and all the nurses and staff on Ward 12 at Waikato Hospital, all of who saved my ass and are a real credit to the New Zealand health service.
After four weeks of being laid up and no riding, you can imagine my joy at getting out of the house for a day at the races with Paul and being surrounded by all things motorcycling. From what I saw there was a very healthy crowd of spectators at New Zealand’s newest track and a great day was had by all. It was also great to see BRM-sponsored Nick Cole get his first national title on his ZX6-R and the Superbike title return to NZ, courtesy of the forever young Andrew Stroud. Other notable highlights for me was the F3 battle between our roving reporter Glen Williams and Terry Fitzgerald (Glen retaining his title once again), Kevin our staff writer fangin’ around on his big old GS in the posties, and the commitment of Superbike riders Craig Shirriffs and James Smith, who both laid it down in turn one after racing for the line even when they knew there wasn’t enough room to stop – now that’s commitment!
Fraser
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