[mscuddy]

Just got a call from a fellow paraplegic, who was injured on his CBR600 a few years ago, by some nitwit in a car who wasn't paying attention.

Seems that his brother, a guy by the name of Ryan Orefice, has designed a proximity device named "Bike Alert" for cars and motorcycles, that alerts the driver or rider when a motorcycle/car is close by, with a flashing icon (of a car/bike) displayed on the instrument panel.

This is big stuff, as Progressive insurance has already offered to cut the rate of a vehicle so equipped by 25%. Reported value of this device is said to be at least 20 million dollars.

So when this device is the topic of every motorcycle and car magazine next month, you can say you heard it first on MO.

 

[mscuddy]

You can't imagine how bad it is...

..to be so totally phucked up by some a hole who was in a hurry, or maybe did it on purpose. I've squashed all thoughts of revenge and mahem against my transgressor, and hope that with time I can get use to the way my body operates (or doesn't).

But the worse thing is what I've done to my wife, she didn't sign up for this, and just to think everything can go straight to hell for riding a street bike, to me is hard to take, after riding so long (35+ years) without injury.

But there are times when I eyeball my old FN49 sitting in the rifle rack, and wonder what kind of hole a Hungarian 7.92x57 AP round makes in a certain SUV drivers head. Then I let it go...ain't worth it.

 

[mscuddy]

thanks shipmates...

for the kind words, Spinal cord injuries are rare, and most come from stuff like falling off a roof, car wreck, etc. Skateboards, slipping on soap...crazed chipanzee attack. Bike injuries were about 25% responsible for paralysis cases at the rehab I was at.

You're right, I did ride almost every day since I was around 12. Street and dirt, so I should be glad of that, I guess.

Lots of painters & carpenters fall victim to an SCI, most are quads with broken necks. In some respects it could have been a lot worse, as all the other crips at Rehab had high injuries, t-4, t-5. and as a result are totally paralyzed from the CHEST down, and you can't cough or sneeze, with that high injury.

I'm a t-12, the last thorassic verterbre, so I've still got most of my abbs (and balance), I was in pretty good shape when I got nailed, (from desert riding every weekend)so that helped too.

Sold the Dodge pickup, looking for an older 80's sports car, like a Miata. They work good for folks like me, as I can pretty much fold the chain in half, and then poke it in the passenger footwell.

Jeehezus, but there are still shyt loads of motorcycle parts, and basket case motorcycles all over the casa. I still have this old 1950's honda moped, that has a 50cc push-rod motor built into the rear hub, wild. A ratty given XT500 is quietly leaking in the garage, along with the basket case TM250 (I traded it for a TC90 Suzuki with SuperH). Exhaust pipes, bultaco tanks, preston petty fenders,footpegs, nuts/bolts...horns, turn signals...everywhere I look. Rims, Chains. too much to list...

Maybe I need a new hobby. I know, I can finally build that still I've always wanted. White Lightning. Moonshine. Hooch. Can I put you gents down for a few cases?