Who’s Bruised!

Third time rider, Darran Porch, on a Yamaha R1, had a big crash on the Lavers Hill Ride on Sunday 9th September requiring the air ambulance to transport him to the Alfred Hospital for what appeared to be very serious injuries including broken legs. Fortunately, his injuries though serious, were nowhere near as bad as first thought. 

Here is an SMS he sent 12 days later:  Just and official update: out of hospital now and walking about. Although no broken bones I needed three operations, the first to save my leg, the second to stitch it back together (he had a couple of deep lacerations where the Armco supporting posts had sliced both legs open … Ed.), and the third operation was just after you visited me to make the wounds look pretty ha ha.  The bike just needs plastics to fix. I am looking forward to seeing you guys shortly. Darran.  p.s. thank you again for everything mate.

Lyn Duncan, now living at Stratford with Peter Hill, has purchased a new KTM 450 EXC, the latest and greatest dirt bike. Now she can ride her own bike rather than borrowing other people’s machines – once she gets over her sore foot!  About a month ago she fell off at walking pace with the bike landing on her foot. X-rays indicated ligament damage after hyper-extending her ankle. Crutches were the order of the day. 

Physio and time will see her back riding soon.  She still has her ’01 GSXR1000 road bike which I see is still getting very favourable write-ups in the Pommy mags compared to the latest 07 version. It is significantly lighter and has better carburation, wider seat, and stronger bottom end/mid-range. But the 07 steers better, disguising its weight well, and makes significantly more outright power.

Ron Johnston is still getting over his front gate crash where he high sided on cold race tyres smashing his foot.  Here is an email form him: Forgot to mention foot, ankle and shin still swollen, foot has lost some swelling underneath, but still swollen on top, due to the nature of the compression injury, it looks like its going to be a long time before it goes down. He wreckons another month at least.  Meanwhile he is putting the bike back together – slowly.

Craig Morley crashed on the Merton Euroa Road on the Strathbogie Ranges ride on the 16th of September. He snapped the forks out of the frame and hit a tree with his head and body.  See Marty’s write-up for more details. He broke three ribs which normally take 6 weeks to heal to a tolerable pain level.  He has since acquired VTR1000 SP1 which also has seen the ground, probably flipped when a mono went wrong.  Craig came out on the Pyalong Ride (6th October) but could only last about 40 km before the pain was too much. But he is very enthusiastic and speaking 13 words to the dozen whenever he catches up.

First time learner rider, Anthony Atapatta, crashed his Hyosung GT250 (yellow, fully faired) on the Novice/Casual ride (Saturday 22nd September).  He fell off on the Myers Creek Road. Dave Ward and Ben Warden assisted at the crash scene, a broken front brake lever being the most difficult to deal with.  Anthony has since been seen and wishes to convey his thanks to all those inconvenienced and looks forward to riding with us again once his bike is repaired.

New member, Corbin Spurr, crashed his 98,000 old Hayabusa on the Hill End Ride (23rd September) doing a fair amount of cosmetic panel damage. Ron Solomon, also on the ride, should be able to get him back on the road fairly quickly. Corbin has been around for so long you would think he was a member but it was only on that day he handed over his subscription. There is an uncanny correlation between signing up and crashing shortly afterwards.  I think we need a shrink to work it out.

President Ian Payne had a low side at a Phillip Island ride day (23rd September), his first crash in 10 years. All the plastics were damaged, about $3K worth, but luckily he suffered no injury. The rear tyre let go on Turn 11 (between MG and the corner on to the Main straight) at about 130 km/h. His leathers and boots sustained reasonable damage and now Ian is in the market for both.  Other members also riding include Paul Southwell, Dave Ward, Dave Moore, Darryn Webster and Clint Vertigan. See Dave Ward’s write-up for more information.

Ern Reeders, if not bruised, is suffering a similar fate. His 954 needed a battery and I had heard that Batteries R Us or equivalent were about half the bike shop prices. Here are a couple of his recent emails:

 #1 Rang around and got a new Chinese job at Victorian Motorcycle Wreckers this morning.  $110. Battery World advised against buying cheapies 'cos they're not supposed to have enough grunt for cold starts.  Well they would tell you this wouldn't they; their Yuasas are $280! Next up is an oil change and general lube and clean. Right hand is getting twitchy ;-}

#2 The new battery turned out to be a DOA.  10.5 V out of the box and wouldn't charge beyond 11.5.  So took it back and they said they'd drop off a replacement.  Not seen it yet but they gave me a second hand Yuasa for nix to be going on with. And yep, have fired the bike up, done an oil change and crawled over it looking for leaks, rust etc.  Front tyre is about dead and will get the new D208RR that's been in the shed for a year fitted when it goes to Redwing for a RWC.  Re-reg will be about $550.  Will also need to drain the tank and refill with fresh fuel.  Have to find a legit way to dispose of 20 litres of standard.  (Start the barbie with it?  And finish it, LOL.)

Prepping the bike at this stage has been pointless though.  Broadford track admin have passed over all open track days to Champion and they require a license.  (Multiple expletives deleted!!).  Oh well, should have it back end of next month. 

The Snowy ride arrangements sound good and I'll do my best to think affectionately of you all up there ... will be hard :(   And what happened to Ron and Sarah?  Booked out?

 Life without wheels is bl**dy boring.  I've been filling in time building up a collection of old wood chisels and planes from Ebay and restoring them.  Flattening the sole of a large Stanley plane is about a day's ride worth with not the faintest bit of adrenaline as a reward.  (Adrenaline must be an addictive drug; haven't found a substitute).  Cheers, Ern