This is my new project.
The word “project” usually conjures up images of boxes full of rusty bits and an interminable time frame in which to de-rust and reassemble. This project isn’t quite like that, however. Because the project isn’t the bike, the project is me, yes, I have decided to see if I can ride again.
Immediately after my accident, about 20 months ago, I experienced the weirdest sensation. I felt like a switch had been turned off in my brain that disconnected me from anything to do with motorcycling. Books, DVD’s, magazines, all of them seemed somehow distant and unappealing. It was like the motorcycle part of my brain had been neutralised.
However, working on the Shadowfax project and becoming immersed in the world of motorcycling in a completely different area got my passion for it started again. Many said to me at the time that you never lose it and they were right. I DID lose it for a while, but it resurfaced and dragged me back to it. I guess you can’t just ditch 37 years of involvement that easily. It wasn’t long after the completion of the project that I started wondering if I could ride again. Would I have the nerve? Would my body allow me too? I certainly couldn’t even assume CLOSE to the riding position on the Shadowfax without experiencing excruciating pain so I was sure, even then, that I’d never get the knee to bend enough to be able to ride. (mind you, the extreme rearward bias of the rearsets on the ‘Fax meant that it was probably the worst bike of any to choose for a test-out)
However, the prospect started to occupy a lot more of my time and, some time later, I had a test ride on my brother’s Honda Hornet 600. The riding position was pretty upright and, while getting on and off the bike was still difficult, the actual riding part was easier than I thought it would be. Getting my right foot off the footpeg when stopping was extremely difficult so I shelved the idea for the time being.
It rumbled on in the background, gathering strength all the time until, finally, it couldn’t be denied any longer so I started searching through the auction sites and online merchants looking for something suitable. Imagine my surprise when, not long after I found this gem on bikesales. It’s high mileage, nearly 150k, but it’s been religiously serviced by its two previous owners and had just had nearly $1500 spent on a full suspension rebuild. It came with the full tool kit, the owner’s book, a workshop manual, the single seat cowl cover, a Ventura rack and bag and was registered for another 5 months. The price was ridiculous, so, home it came.
Since then I have been working on my project. The riding position is familiar (obviously) and it does allow me to (relatively) comfortably sit and assume the riding position. Thanks to a good friend on ozvfr I purchased some second hand riding gear and got out on the road again. I have to say that it has been quite an experience. I am SO cautious and overly careful that it isn’t even funny, but my confidence is growing and familiarity and time are starting to bring back the good riding habits that I always had. I can only ride short distances at the moment before my hip and pelvis start to complain but a programme of exercises and stretching is allowing me to push those distances out.
I’m not sure that I will ever be able to do the 600km+ days that I used to do when I was fully in touring mode, but, even if I only end up bimbling around town and doing the occasional “lap” I think I will be happy.
In the mean time, I’m continuing to work on technique, anticipation and getting it right. So far, so good.
Away from the domestic front, Honda are set to announce their 2013 MotoGp line-up at Mugello this weekend, with the expected pairing of Pedrosa (who has re-signed this week) and Marquez. There is still dithering around Rossi, but, with Audi bosses announcing that they have big plans for Ducati now that their takeover has been officially confirmed, Rossi is expected to stay at Bologna. Ducati have quietly allowed Hayden’s contract to lapse which means that he is a free agent, clearing the decks for them to hire Cal Crutchlow for 2013.
Yamaha are still in a pickle. I still expect Spies to be back-squadded to TechIII and be replaced with Dovizioso. With CC35 gone to Ducati, that will leave TechIII free to honour their contract with Bradley Smith (a desperately bad move in my opinion)
Karel Abraham is still not fit and will miss Mugello this weekend but, this time, will not be replaced.
A more detailed preview of Mugello tomorrow.
Finally, an “I feel like a goose” moment.
thanks to visordown for this one
sanoptic says
Good onya Phil.
I had a feeling that you would get back in the saddle again one day. Nice looking bike too & it sounds like you got a very good bargain.
My non- motorcycling friends & family have never understood the attraction but even to this day i still get a thrill out of riding. I’m only a little younger than you & during a ride i feel alive & it clears the mind so i know how excited you are to be on the open road again.
Safe riding Phil !!!
Joe
Phil Hall says
VERY safe, mate, thanks a lot.
teza51 says
Congrats on your return i also had a sneaking idea this is what you were up to and i agree its very hard to hang up the gear although i have never said never.
jeffb says
It was great to catch up with you yesterday, Phil. I was ‘pleasantly surprised’ when the red vehicle turning into my driveway was the lovely VFR 750 and not the car! Great looking bike, you looked good on it too. Will see you out and about on it again soon- I must get my Trumpie out again VERY soon. Jeff
Phil Hall says
Yeah, let’s do a ride soon.