I have to say that other than the experience of being burned by a gas explosion in 1989, being strapped down to the MRI table for almost an hour was exceptionally painful and the second worst pain I recall having. By the end of the MRI, I was completely unable to move even though I needed to get up to ease the pain, so help was needed.
I have an exceptionally high pain tolerance level, but this experience created tears. I am surprised that I made it through the experience without hitting the alarm button and demanding extraction NOW!!!!!!
I have looked through the films trying to understand what I am looking at and this is the first time I have had an opportunity to spend time looking at the detail. I know my buddy Breezy would have all kinds of things to say, but he's up in Seattle and I am not faxing him the slides. I am blown away by the level of detail that can be created, even though we see this stuff on the tv all the time. To be able to look at it first hand with no time constraints is really eye opening.
So now I have to sit and wait for the next appointment and see what the Doc has to say. Fingers crossed that I am a long way ahead after all this good behaviour!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Progress update
Most of the brusing has gone now so I look like a normal person again :) For those that know me well it is VERY difficult for me to sit still and do very little in terms of moving around. The Doc told me no weight on my feet until Feb (it is proving to be impossible to do this) so I am wheelchair bound for now for the most part.
I can get outside, enjoy some sun and also drive safely around as I cannot hide from errands, bills etc for the next several weeks. I am able to stand up now without passing out from the pain, so getting in the wheelchair is a lot easier.
There's a follow up MRI tomorrow to check on healing progress, and I am hoping that we are far enough along that I can start with some physical therapy/yoga exercises on a daily basis. I need to be mobile by the end of this month so that if the timeline is still the same, I can get to Utah to shoot more Performance Upgrade shows with On The Throttle (www.onthethrottle.tv).
Again, thanks for all the emails and great thoughts and energy for my healing and getting back on my feet again. I am honored to be surrounded by so many caring and thoughtful friends and acquaintances!
I can get outside, enjoy some sun and also drive safely around as I cannot hide from errands, bills etc for the next several weeks. I am able to stand up now without passing out from the pain, so getting in the wheelchair is a lot easier.
There's a follow up MRI tomorrow to check on healing progress, and I am hoping that we are far enough along that I can start with some physical therapy/yoga exercises on a daily basis. I need to be mobile by the end of this month so that if the timeline is still the same, I can get to Utah to shoot more Performance Upgrade shows with On The Throttle (www.onthethrottle.tv).
Again, thanks for all the emails and great thoughts and energy for my healing and getting back on my feet again. I am honored to be surrounded by so many caring and thoughtful friends and acquaintances!
Friday, January 9, 2009
OUCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know there are a loty of people out there that wonder if I ever take time away from the track and of course, I do while driving or flying to another track :) There are gaps in the schedules though where I have a few days off away from the track and the shop and when time permits I love to ride dirt bikes. My own current bike is a 99 Yamaha YZ400F purchased from a very close friend with a brand new motor at the time. Previously I had a Yamaha YZ426F and loved that bike. I don't know why I love the kick starter okay..... finesse, right of passage ???????
Having the season over and only having one day in January to attend at Sears Point, it was time to take a few days to go have fun in the dirt, this time at Jawbone OHV rec area just NE of Mojave. Many friends have been there and come back with incredible stories, so for many years this has been on the to do list.
The lure was set with friends of ours heading there in an RV so the trip was set. On New Years eve just before lunch I lost control of the front wheel as it violently turned to the left. That drove my groin and left leg immediately into the bar and completely destryed the balance of the bike - therefore I was to be ejected on the high side. I landed full force and full bodyweight on a rock on the ball joint on my right leg and then drove my right shoulder into the ground after a quick somersault. I couldn't move for some time but after a short while managed to check myself out and move everything. I crawled to the bike and shut the fuel off and then waited for my group to realize that I was missing as I was sweeping at the back travelling on average at 15mph over a dirt highway 10' wide.
A friend dashed back to the parking lot and got his Toyota while Fire Paramedics stopped and chatted with me concluding that I was hurt but not in need of a helicopter flight. I was loaded into the Toyota and driven back to the camp site. By the time I got back everything was loaded and we set sail for Bakersfield hospital. Thankfully Dr. Ellis a WSMC racer was in the ER on duty and he took great care of me. Net damage - three or more fractures to the pelvis, several ligaments ruptured, my pelvis open and no longer level, not to mention all the other soft tissue damage. Damn it, all at 15mph........
I left the next morning and came back to Marin. Since them I have been working hard on diet, homeopathic medicines, natural supplements etc to heal; as quickly but correctly as possible. Dr Jasson whom I saw yesterday confirmed the injuries but was amazed at my recovery so far. However, I need to be in a wheelchair to allow my hip to re-join, then I can walk or try to.
In the interim, there's lots of work to do for 09! I will put another update up soon!
Having the season over and only having one day in January to attend at Sears Point, it was time to take a few days to go have fun in the dirt, this time at Jawbone OHV rec area just NE of Mojave. Many friends have been there and come back with incredible stories, so for many years this has been on the to do list.
The lure was set with friends of ours heading there in an RV so the trip was set. On New Years eve just before lunch I lost control of the front wheel as it violently turned to the left. That drove my groin and left leg immediately into the bar and completely destryed the balance of the bike - therefore I was to be ejected on the high side. I landed full force and full bodyweight on a rock on the ball joint on my right leg and then drove my right shoulder into the ground after a quick somersault. I couldn't move for some time but after a short while managed to check myself out and move everything. I crawled to the bike and shut the fuel off and then waited for my group to realize that I was missing as I was sweeping at the back travelling on average at 15mph over a dirt highway 10' wide.
A friend dashed back to the parking lot and got his Toyota while Fire Paramedics stopped and chatted with me concluding that I was hurt but not in need of a helicopter flight. I was loaded into the Toyota and driven back to the camp site. By the time I got back everything was loaded and we set sail for Bakersfield hospital. Thankfully Dr. Ellis a WSMC racer was in the ER on duty and he took great care of me. Net damage - three or more fractures to the pelvis, several ligaments ruptured, my pelvis open and no longer level, not to mention all the other soft tissue damage. Damn it, all at 15mph........
I left the next morning and came back to Marin. Since them I have been working hard on diet, homeopathic medicines, natural supplements etc to heal; as quickly but correctly as possible. Dr Jasson whom I saw yesterday confirmed the injuries but was amazed at my recovery so far. However, I need to be in a wheelchair to allow my hip to re-join, then I can walk or try to.
In the interim, there's lots of work to do for 09! I will put another update up soon!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Remote Suspension Tuning a GSXR in the Phillipines in 2 days
-----Original message-----
From: mike tan
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:55:00 -0800
To: dave@crstuning.com
Subject: need help on gsxr1000 k8 suspension settings
hi there!
i was able to download some clips you made regarding suspension set up classes and felt that you are the right person for the job। as i searched your company over the internet and came across your site, I was very impressed with the feedbacks given by your satisfied customers। im interested in having my bike's suspension tuned। i was hoping you could assist me somehow। problem is im based here in the philippines. i was at first interested in getting a set of ohlins suspension which they say would come in preadjusted to my riding style and weight। much as i want it, my wife would kill me if I break the bank account by spending $3500 on them! =)
so i thought to first give you guys a shot and perhaps my stock suspension would work out just fine given some twiddling by suspension experts। since it would be next to impossible to ship my bike there for you to set it up personally, perhaps it would be possible for you to send me the correct /perfect suspension set up for my riding style and weight?
i understand i would be taking some of your time and expertise, by doing so perhaps we could enter into a special arrangement regarding payment? anyways, im sending you now the specs that you might need if ever you decide to render your services to some bloke who's wanting an expertly tuned suspension in a country where no one's available to sort it out। =)
'08 Suzuki GSXR1000 BST carbon wheels
Michellin Pilot Power 2CT front 120/70R17 Michellin Pilot Power rear 190/50R17 Stock suspension 520 rk gold chain afam front sprocket 17 teeth afam rear sprocket 43+2
Rider weight including full leather gear: 150lbs /
Riding style: mostly bumpy street use with the occasional weekend twisties ride / 5x a year track डे
Happy Holidays to you and your family! thank you very much and best regards, mike
On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 7:52 AM, dave <dave@crstuning.com> wrote:
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comprehensive email, due diligence and the kind words about CRST। I am sure that we can be a significant help to you and improve the way your bike works without having to go through a near death experience with your wife! Perhaps I should take a vacation trip there and combine work and pleasure!
Let's get into the details:
Forks: The fork position in the triple clamps can be changed but I do not know since you changed the gearing, the position of your rear axle in the swing arm slot?
The stock spring rate is for a 200lb rider at ।97kg. You would be better suited to a .85kg pair of springs. You will need special tools to change the springs or a trusted mechainc who has the right tools.
FOR NOW:
Remove all the preload in the fork, turning counter clockwise Remove all the rebound damping counter clockwise and go back in 4 clicks
You need to remove all the high speed compression (blue 14mm nut at the bottom of the fork) turning counter clockwise
You need to remove all the low speed compression (flat head screw inside the blue 14mm nut) and then go back in 6 clicks clockwise.
Shock: The spring you have on the rear shock is okay for your weight, but you need to see the sag at 32mm total sag.
Take out all the high speed compression counterclockwise (14mm nut) and go back in one turn clockwise
Turn the low speed compression flat head screw all the way clockwise and come back 14 clicks clockwise
Leave the rebound in the stock position.
If you can provide me with geometry information in regards to fork position and rear axle position (photo's will be okay), I can make geometry recommendations to you.
Please also note that the Michelins require different to the norm tire pressures when at the track:- 36 front and 34 rear psi when the tires are cold, done first thing in the morning before the sun heats up the rubber (or late at night in the garage) at ambient temps between 65-80 degrees।
Look forward to your reply!
Many thanks, Dave
-----Original message-----
From: mike tan
Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:34:31 -0800
To: dave dave@crstuning.com
Subject: Re: need help on gsxr1000 k8 suspension settings
Hello mr dave! i am truly glad & honored to have received your email! thank you for takingthe time to reply inspite of your hectic & busy schedule.i have carefully followed your instructions and have finished tuning the suspension of my gixxer the CRST way. =) i was wondering if you sell these .85kg pair of fork springs that you have mentioned earlier? also if its possible for you to ship them over here in the philippines? i have heared of some motorcyle shops here who are capable of installing them for us. perhaps i could just purchase these from you then have them installed here.
with regards with the suggested adjustment to the bike's geometry, kindly clarify the particular/specific position where i need to take a photo of so i could send them over to you immediately. would the adjustment be simple enough to be done by myself alone? also, how much do i owe you for the great knowledge you have just humbly parted me? again, huge thanks and best regards to you guys over at CRST!
mike tan
hello mr dave!
i just got back after taking my bike for a spin.
since this is the first time i rode it after dialing in the suspension settings / tire pressures that you so graciously provided.
well, id like you to know that despite you being stuck in bed, you have just made someone across the pacific ocean a very, very happy man!
the difference is light & day! the handling is superb! the bike now flicks like a 600! it feels so light! it sends great feedback and confidence to the rider! you have brought life into my bike mr moss!
again, many many thanks to you!
i wish you all the best and hope that you get well soon!
god bless and best regards,
mike tan
PS i will gladly wait for nickie's email regarding the springs.
i will send you the pics needed for the bike's geometry soon.
From: mike tan
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:55:00 -0800
To: dave@crstuning.com
Subject: need help on gsxr1000 k8 suspension settings
hi there!
i was able to download some clips you made regarding suspension set up classes and felt that you are the right person for the job। as i searched your company over the internet and came across your site, I was very impressed with the feedbacks given by your satisfied customers। im interested in having my bike's suspension tuned। i was hoping you could assist me somehow। problem is im based here in the philippines. i was at first interested in getting a set of ohlins suspension which they say would come in preadjusted to my riding style and weight। much as i want it, my wife would kill me if I break the bank account by spending $3500 on them! =)
so i thought to first give you guys a shot and perhaps my stock suspension would work out just fine given some twiddling by suspension experts। since it would be next to impossible to ship my bike there for you to set it up personally, perhaps it would be possible for you to send me the correct /perfect suspension set up for my riding style and weight?
i understand i would be taking some of your time and expertise, by doing so perhaps we could enter into a special arrangement regarding payment? anyways, im sending you now the specs that you might need if ever you decide to render your services to some bloke who's wanting an expertly tuned suspension in a country where no one's available to sort it out। =)
'08 Suzuki GSXR1000 BST carbon wheels
Michellin Pilot Power 2CT front 120/70R17 Michellin Pilot Power rear 190/50R17 Stock suspension 520 rk gold chain afam front sprocket 17 teeth afam rear sprocket 43+2
Rider weight including full leather gear: 150lbs /
Riding style: mostly bumpy street use with the occasional weekend twisties ride / 5x a year track डे
Happy Holidays to you and your family! thank you very much and best regards, mike
On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 7:52 AM, dave <dave@crstuning.com> wrote:
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comprehensive email, due diligence and the kind words about CRST। I am sure that we can be a significant help to you and improve the way your bike works without having to go through a near death experience with your wife! Perhaps I should take a vacation trip there and combine work and pleasure!
Let's get into the details:
Forks: The fork position in the triple clamps can be changed but I do not know since you changed the gearing, the position of your rear axle in the swing arm slot?
The stock spring rate is for a 200lb rider at ।97kg. You would be better suited to a .85kg pair of springs. You will need special tools to change the springs or a trusted mechainc who has the right tools.
FOR NOW:
Remove all the preload in the fork, turning counter clockwise Remove all the rebound damping counter clockwise and go back in 4 clicks
You need to remove all the high speed compression (blue 14mm nut at the bottom of the fork) turning counter clockwise
You need to remove all the low speed compression (flat head screw inside the blue 14mm nut) and then go back in 6 clicks clockwise.
Shock: The spring you have on the rear shock is okay for your weight, but you need to see the sag at 32mm total sag.
Take out all the high speed compression counterclockwise (14mm nut) and go back in one turn clockwise
Turn the low speed compression flat head screw all the way clockwise and come back 14 clicks clockwise
Leave the rebound in the stock position.
If you can provide me with geometry information in regards to fork position and rear axle position (photo's will be okay), I can make geometry recommendations to you.
Please also note that the Michelins require different to the norm tire pressures when at the track:- 36 front and 34 rear psi when the tires are cold, done first thing in the morning before the sun heats up the rubber (or late at night in the garage) at ambient temps between 65-80 degrees।
Look forward to your reply!
Many thanks, Dave
-----Original message-----
From: mike tan
Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:34:31 -0800
To: dave dave@crstuning.com
Subject: Re: need help on gsxr1000 k8 suspension settings
Hello mr dave! i am truly glad & honored to have received your email! thank you for takingthe time to reply inspite of your hectic & busy schedule.i have carefully followed your instructions and have finished tuning the suspension of my gixxer the CRST way. =) i was wondering if you sell these .85kg pair of fork springs that you have mentioned earlier? also if its possible for you to ship them over here in the philippines? i have heared of some motorcyle shops here who are capable of installing them for us. perhaps i could just purchase these from you then have them installed here.
with regards with the suggested adjustment to the bike's geometry, kindly clarify the particular/specific position where i need to take a photo of so i could send them over to you immediately. would the adjustment be simple enough to be done by myself alone? also, how much do i owe you for the great knowledge you have just humbly parted me? again, huge thanks and best regards to you guys over at CRST!
mike tan
hello mr dave!
i just got back after taking my bike for a spin.
since this is the first time i rode it after dialing in the suspension settings / tire pressures that you so graciously provided.
well, id like you to know that despite you being stuck in bed, you have just made someone across the pacific ocean a very, very happy man!
the difference is light & day! the handling is superb! the bike now flicks like a 600! it feels so light! it sends great feedback and confidence to the rider! you have brought life into my bike mr moss!
again, many many thanks to you!
i wish you all the best and hope that you get well soon!
god bless and best regards,
mike tan
PS i will gladly wait for nickie's email regarding the springs.
i will send you the pics needed for the bike's geometry soon.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
I will be paying much more attention to this sector of the web site for 09, as it seems that so many people worldwide visit this web site - over 300,000 alone in the last 6 months of 08!!!!
I am looking at another full year with www.onthethrottle.tv as a presentor and analyst, and we are really looking forward to another full season of our original program:- Performance Upgrades. We will be taking the OTT DVD and breaking it into downloads so that viewers worlwide can download segments that they want rather than purchase the entire DVD - nothing like immediate gratification :)
Twiddling 2 Knobs has all the raw film shot so now we need to edit it ready for a possible March/April launch. We took a very different approach with this DVD taking two riders in their 20's from their first track day for one year's coaching and then see where they ended up. Even they surprised themselves with the progress they made!
In additional, we will be working very closely with Motorcycle USA.com again this year, and I will be authoring several more articles for them throughout the year. I really proud to have this opprtunity and work with great guys like Ken Hutchinson, Adam Waheed and Steve Atlas.
As always the 09 CRST schedule is posted www.crstuning.com/htm and for 09 we will have a very different program for both track day and race event attendees with a brand new service that will no doubt be sold out at every event. For racing we will be very strongly supporting AFM and WSMC and our sponsorship program closes at the end of Jan.
Times are certainly tough for everyone and we are acutely aware of that, especially in regards to our industry all being based on disposable income. Nervous times for all, but we want to make sure that we are there as much as we can be for everyone to provide required support!
Sincerest best wishes to you and your family wherever you are in the world and thanks for coming to the CRST site. We look forward to continuing to provide the most useful information we can to all enthusiasts and watch for some major changes to the CRST site in the first 1/4 of 09!!!!!
Take care!!!!
Dave Moss
I am looking at another full year with www.onthethrottle.tv as a presentor and analyst, and we are really looking forward to another full season of our original program:- Performance Upgrades. We will be taking the OTT DVD and breaking it into downloads so that viewers worlwide can download segments that they want rather than purchase the entire DVD - nothing like immediate gratification :)
Twiddling 2 Knobs has all the raw film shot so now we need to edit it ready for a possible March/April launch. We took a very different approach with this DVD taking two riders in their 20's from their first track day for one year's coaching and then see where they ended up. Even they surprised themselves with the progress they made!
In additional, we will be working very closely with Motorcycle USA.com again this year, and I will be authoring several more articles for them throughout the year. I really proud to have this opprtunity and work with great guys like Ken Hutchinson, Adam Waheed and Steve Atlas.
As always the 09 CRST schedule is posted www.crstuning.com/htm and for 09 we will have a very different program for both track day and race event attendees with a brand new service that will no doubt be sold out at every event. For racing we will be very strongly supporting AFM and WSMC and our sponsorship program closes at the end of Jan.
Times are certainly tough for everyone and we are acutely aware of that, especially in regards to our industry all being based on disposable income. Nervous times for all, but we want to make sure that we are there as much as we can be for everyone to provide required support!
Sincerest best wishes to you and your family wherever you are in the world and thanks for coming to the CRST site. We look forward to continuing to provide the most useful information we can to all enthusiasts and watch for some major changes to the CRST site in the first 1/4 of 09!!!!!
Take care!!!!
Dave Moss
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