Some may have noticed I have been selling off a load of kit recently. Oh, and a year or so I had five bikes in the garage. I got fed up with the fuss of keeping so many bikes I decided to sell some. But not my Panigale. Then I bought an R9 which I had mapped and upgraded. A weapon. I slayed a demon last year on that bike as it was the bike that got me back onto a track after my near death experience on track in 2023 (thanks again to all who contributed to Air Ambulance, over £5k donated!). The R9 was so good it made me sell the Pani. I had had a 200 mile ride on it and was baked from the heat, so it was a easier decision. Down to one bike. I was cool with that, despite it being blue. Then, over winter I started to feel old. Something alien to me as Ive always been sprightly (was this a clue?). In April I got a call from my Dr asking me to come in following blood tests that were routinely taken after 2023. He delivered some grim news, not bike crash related. Today, I honestly don’t know how long I have. I was told by the consultant not to lift anything etc etc. The bike had to go. It was advertised the next week and sold within 30 minutes for £100 off asking price. At the time it was the least of my concerns. But. Now I’m pretty much just sat here, coming to terms, the brain started working. I obviously have sorted all the necessary stuff for family etc. It gave me focus. I was planning for the worst whilst hoping for the BEST. Then, in another sleepless night, I knew that I was missing something. Red. In my garage. Just to look at. I cant even push it, sit on it let alone ride it. But I had to have it. Thank you @Roadtrip for doing a deal on the 748. It’s a thing of beauty. I have a chair in the garage so I can sit and gaze at it. Motorbike perfection. I nearly cried when a mate dropped it off, so happy. So. Future plans. I still don’t know how long I’ve got. I have already passed the minimum period, but I have a lot of complications (2023!). But I AM VERY POSITIVE. One thought is that when I can, I get to ride the Duc on track. Road or track day is too dangerous now. But a few laps on a lunchtime? Should be able to sort that. So, that’s a big dream, but a positive one. Oh. And a Spitfire flight over Beachy Head, strapped in tight. Anyway, hope this helps people in some way. You need to keep bikes in your life. For me they a a third thing. Wife & family #1. Dogs #2. Bikes (especially beautiful red sportsbikes #3. Sorry to be vague about the condition(s) but Id rather keep that quiet. Use your imagination. But, everyone loves a HAPPY ENDING (no pun intended!!). Some history. Some present.
I’m on the back, sat on the top box (well, battered suitcase - needs must). We did three laps of Grandads garden then crashed! Hilarious. I was totally hooked from that moment.
Sorry to read this, glad the 748 is helping and that you can get a few laps on it At least your Grandad had a safety apron on
To quote someone on here…..we’re here for a good time, not a long time. I’m going to do my best to have a good time, especially after me and my soon-to-be ex part ways next Friday - yay! 25 fekkin years of mostly misery. Sorry for the thread hijack - best wishes to you Jack and enjoy what ever you decide to do for as long as you can do it.
..yes a mate coaxed me to change jobs over a year ago. He then ended up having jaundice & staying in banbury outpatient ward. I merrily went in loudly exclaiming I'm here to see an Oompa-Loompa. Gosh, I was taken aback with bright yellow eyes but a cheery smile attitude from Rich' He came out (stint fix) & I berated him for his whimsical dismissive explanation & excuses of "we're gunna die" lark. I will leave out a chunk of prose from which we all know about regarding hospice's. His funeral only a few weeks ago, hit me hard. There was a foreboding feeling in me & the throttle twisting is purely to keep a steady pace than gain adrenaline hoonage now. There comes points where perspective & stillness takes hold, I have noticed nature noticing back at me. Where material things lose meaning or value in their usage. I'd like to do some astronomy observation from Australia or New Zealand. To sample some asterism's down under simply with binoculars. I hold out positivity from anyone suffering & facing frailty and humility. Be good'
I nearly cried when it left and if I see any dust on her I'm coming over enjoy, ( good to meet George )
When I saw you were selling various things on here I, like probably many on here thought something life changing must be happening, Im just sad it’s not a good thing for you. Bikes have saved me many times over the years and without them in my life I don’t know where I’d be now. I wish you all the very best for hopefully a long time to come. Chris.
Sorry to read this sad news. I hope you can get the lunchtime laps on the Ducati and Spitfire flight over Beachy Head arranged it’ll be a proper boost for you We will of course need to see pictures. Stay positive.
Always positive mate. Every day as my last has always been top of my thoughts, especially since my big off. I’m carrying that attitude onwards. Can’t wait to share the pics! Nicely summed up. I’m planning for the worst (which I’ve already beaten) and hoping for the best. Meanwhile, I still am here fighting.
Really sorry to hear of your situation Rich, good to hear you’re making the most of it which you seem to be extremely good at, sending positive thoughts from east Herts x
Thanks for sharing your news ExPJ, though it’s not what any of us wanted to hear. It comes for us all in the end and I can only hope I meet it in the same stoic manner that you have.
I really do want this to be a positive thread as it may give others hope in the future. As I said, I am very positive (keen to find out final timeline guesstimate obviously). So. Positivity Since I was very nearly taken in 2023 health has been hard at times. Internal injuries and countless broken bones. But, with a PMA within six months…. I was back riding! In the following 2.5 years I have:- 1. become a Grandad for the first time 2. Seen second daughter buy her first flat 3. Seen first daughter buy her first home (pre baby) 4. Bought an R9 which I had tuned. Weapon. 5. Last year I faced demons and did two track days. I was scared first time, but only the out laps. Once they had finished I was right BACK ON IT. And that’s exactly where I find myself now. Back on it. PMA all
