abtech

That I am having to get out of riding on a permanent basis. Based on my last set of X-rays and MRIs it is extremely likely that even a slight getoff will leave me permanently paralyzed. As it stands right now, I can ride around at a "parade" pace without too much trouble, but anything serious and I can barely get off the bike.

I will make Grattan, but primarily in a management capacity, although I hope to get in a few laps over the three days.

This has been an extremely difficult decision to come to and believe me, I have tried every possible long term solution. I am able to function pretty normally, but the thought of becoming completely incapacitated from a simple trackday incident has been sobering to say the least.

On a related subject, I will be selling the RC and the Vulcan and if anyone is interested, they can view/test ride the RC at Grattan if they are interested in purchasing a well developed bike.

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ND4SPD

So sorry to hear this ab, but you're doing the right thing.

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SomeStrangeGuy

Wow.... did hell freeze over?

If it means better health and longevity then it is a necessity and I think you're making the right choice (and be glad there is a choice here to be made).
At least your ears still work right

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SheepOfBlue

sad to hear I am sure this is an extremely tough decision. Hopefully you can replace the void with a lot of other activities that make you happy.

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seamus

So you're stuck riding at my pace then?


Other than that feeble attempt at a joke, I'm at a loss for words. I never thought someone else not being to ride would be depressing to me, but this truly is.

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luvtolean

Whoa.

I can vouch for the RC, great ride.

On to different projects.

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HondaGalToo

Sorry to hear. That had to be an extremely tough decision. At least you didn't find out by having that incident. I'm really sad for you right now.

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RAH-VFR

To always ride safe is how you've sponsored the Grattan events, Thanks for showing us what courage and wisdom are.

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FrenchieR6

Sorry to hear that Abetch but glad you are smart enough to know when it's time to understand the difference between ego and reality...some of us haven't figured that one out yet.

If you need a bike to ride around the track at Grattan... My R6 is open for you

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evl_twn

Wow, I'm at a loss for words. I couldn't imagine NOT riding, but I would make the same decision.

ONEvcs

I'm sorry that you had to make that decision. I'm happy that you were able to make it.

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Hammer

Damn, I am so sorry for your loss of something you enjoy so much. But it is your wisdom and love for your family that you have been unselfish with your decision to give up something you love so much. I told "Hammer Jr." and he is so bummed right now hearing this, he enjoyed riding with you last year. I know you will keep up with the sport and still share your knowledge and stories with us as you have in the past. Keep your head up bro.

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nhfirefighter13

Very sorry to hear this but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

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RedRider

Ab, I know your decision was tough to make, but in the long run you know it's the right one. Your family and friends need you...that's what's important. I hope you'll find something that gives you the same passion that riding has all these years. Just remember...it's better to be safe than sorry.

CBRVFR

That is really a heartbreaker. Well, you can parade lap on anything I have, any time.

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for1only

I really dont know what to say-it's sad not to see you ride but we always want the best for your health. I remember you saying we would need to lift you off the bike after a session when we were instructing for trackoholics-I never thought it could come to this though. Best of luck you hopefully getting better and good enough to ride like you would like again. By the way is'nt your parade lap pace a 1:29?

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DevilDawg

ab, my heart goes out to you having to make this sacrafice. But you have earned a great deal of my respect by exercising such discretion. May you find a new passion to get your fix.

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Firefly

So sorry to hear this... It sounds like this has caused you many sleepless nights...as it should. You've made the right choice and even if you're not out there riding, you'll always be able to enjoy many other aspects of the sport! You just get to enjoy them on a higher level than most of us!

Oh yeah...parade pace? Does that include taking Little Firefly (or as she'd prefer to be called at Grattan: Gemini Firefly!) out for a lap or two next month?

bwhip

Frank, I'm so sorry to hear that it's come to this, but I know you've given it a lot of thought and are making the right decision for yourself and your family. I'm grateful that you've been able to not only have a great riding career to this point, full of wonderful experiences and memories, but I also appreciate how much you've done (and continue to do) to help other riders (including me!). I wish you great health and joy in life, and look forward to seeing you next month.

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Crash

I know how hard of a decision this must have been. To completely give up something that has a been a part of your life. You have enriched those of us who have known you, if only through the web and more so for those who have had the pleasure of sharing the track with you. Your stories and experience have helped me time and time again.

You are making the hard choice, but it will be for the best and I can only wish you the best. Take care..

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maxib

I am sorry for you, but you made the right call. This was an important decision not only for you personally, but also for your family and your extended family. None of us want to see you get hurt. You made the right decision.

Bacchus

Wow abtech! Even though I've never met you in person I feel I've known you for a long time, through this forum and that, uh, other forum. That said, I have the utmost respect for you as a person, as well as a mentor to many motorcycling enthusiasts. Tough decision indeed!! I'm sure you'll still be able to find happiness in other aspects of the sport - more power to you for making the correct (and sensible) decision.

JohnnyDiablo

It takes a big person to give up something they truly love even if it is for your own good. Enjoy your memories Abtech.

G-ForceJunkie

Don't let this get you down...you've done more on two wheels, better, than most of us can ever hope to do. I am sure youwill find something to fill the void.

phobe

Damn.

Time for a race car I guess.

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PartsGenius

God, Ab-I'm sorry to hear that. Having been through triple back surgery, I sometimes wonder if I have any business being on a bike. I hope you can find something in your life to fill the void. And I really hope you hang around the board. Hang in there buddy.

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jose_jimenez

Exactly what I was thinking. Maybe it's time for a Lotus Elise. It wouldn't be 2 wheels but damn it would be fun. There are fools out there just as nutty as you about riding 4 wheels around the track. Your track skills would certainly be put to good use driving and you'd be up to speed in no time. If I had $ I'd do both, nothing like downshifting into 2nd gear to take a turn in my S2000, fun as shit!

As the others have said, tough to hear, but I wish you the best. Remember that you are still alive and that you have options for a new passion. Life is too short to just do one thing anyway. There are so many things to experience in this short life we are given.

Best of luck.

asiliat

Boy, that is a hard decision. Prayers are with you. At least you had a chance to make the decision, like some of the others have said.

Hang in there buddy, there's more to life than just turning a quick lap.

oldfogey

A man's got to do what a man's got to do.

Respect to you, sir.

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4theRide

Although i haven't meet you I can see from your post on this site and that other just how much you really enjoyed this sport and i can understand you decision. G'Luck to you in your future endevors.