Back in the saddle after a near fatal crash

What’s it like for me to ride after recovering from 20 broken bones? I’d like to share my story and the ten things that have helped me get back on a Harley. It was last August when I decide to give it a try. My right arm was still quite weak but the Buell Blast seemed light enough for me to handle. I didn’t know if I would be able to ride physically or emotionally, but I decided to try taking it down the street and turning it around. When I came back, I was smiling ear to ear and said ”I did it.” I felt elated! Little by little, I rode longer and farther. Even though my arm was hurting, it continued to get stronger. I had to let myself feel the physical challenges, the emotion ups and downs, and the mental confusion. Was it courage or craziness? Probably, it was a little of both. Was I afraid? Sure I was but that hasn’t stopped me. I needed to do it for me. I just wasn’t willing to go through life carrying that fear around and wishing I could ride. I knew if I could, I would, and so I am. After about a 1000 miles on the Buell Blast, it was time to try a Sportster. I went through the same process, riding my friend’s Sporty. Then on May 11, I decided to trade in my Blast for a new Sportster. After the HOG meeting, I rode my new red “Scarlet” home for the first time. I rode all the way down the coast, through Torrey Pines in LaJolla, and then to my home in Scripps Ranch. It was a beautiful evening and the city lights glimmered on the ocean. I could smell the ocean air. Oh, so nice on a Harley. I was more excited about this bike than any other motorcycle I had ever had and that’s been a few. Although my arm is still not completely recovered and I have to limit my riding to about 100 miles a day, I am hopeful that it will continue to improve and so will my riding. Here are the ten things that have helped me ride again. 1. Outfitting myself in the best safety gear I could buy. I decided that if I can afford to ride a Harley, I can afford to put the best protection on my body. After all, it saved my life once. I ride in full leathers with impact padding and a full-face helmet. 2. Continued physical therapy and optimum nutrition. Getting my body working effectively was my number one priority for the first year after the crash. (article #1) Now, 2 ½ years later, daily stretching and strengthening exercises are still a must. Routine visits to my gym, swimming, and massage therapy are also important. 3. Counseling for post-traumatic stress. The memory from my traumatic fall was in my body and would be activated by stimuli from the environment. Much to my surprise, fears from my childhood became stronger while adult fears diminished. Brenda Bates, a specialist in PTS and a motorcyclist herself, taught me techniques to balance me emotionally. This has increased my confidence and allowed me to ride safely. 4. Forgiveness. As with all mistakes and setbacks in life, I forgave myself for not being perfect and gave myself permission to ride again. 5. Personal development. The healing process taught me patience and humility. Today, I continue to learn and stay inspired by reading, listening to tapes, and participating in seminars. This allows me to focus on the important elements of life, rather than daily trivia that can drain our energy such as flat tires or rolling blackouts. 6. Willingness to learn from my mistakes. I analyzed the day of my crash and spent time at the site so I would understand what happened. (article #2) The most important lessons for me are to honor my own limitations and follow my own intuition to do what is best for me. Taking risks is part of motorcycle riding. Knowing when to stop and turn around or stay home is a personal responsibility that only the rider can answer. 7. Proper attitude and preparation. Riding is a great way to stay in the present moment but having a positive mental attitude before getting on the bike is important. It would be easy for me to feel sorry for myself and get stuck in the past. Staying aware of my feelings and mental state moment by moment helps me stay positive and focused in the present. Riding requires peek performance and concentration. Attention distractions such as emotional upsets, low-blood sugar from not eating, drugs or alcohol, or not enough rest can all be detrimental on two wheels. Before getting on the bike, I make sure I am prepared mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 8. Riding buddy. I will always be thankful for my friend who helped me ride again. I needed someone to ride with when I needed to stay focused on what I was doing, not where I was going. Then, I learned to trust myself enough to ride alone. Now, I enjoy riding alone as well as riding with friends. 9. Prayer. Some incidences in life bring you to your knees. I couldn’t get to my knees for a long time but this sure brought me closer to God. Today, my “Scarlet” and I ride with God. I say a prayer before every ride and I talk to God along the way. Isn’t that the only way? 10. Inspiration. Whatever gets you inspired - just do it! I practice meditation and read something inspiring every day. More importantly, I follow my passion for living. This includes living a healthy life, having fun, and earning a living by doing what I love – inspiring others to do the same. I feel really fortunate today to have so many blessings, especially good health and four working limbs. I am very much alive and happy when I ride. Only other motorcycle riders share that passion and understand it. My wish for you is always to be healthy and stay on two!

For copies of Etta’s other articles, write etta@ettamcq.com or call her voice mail at 619-680-3813.