Let me just say how incredible it was lining up at 0430hrs. (picture with packed bags) on a Sunday June 20th from the hotel starting point with other bikers. I must have been about the 30th in the front of the line while the remaining 750 lined up to the rear. Each rider obtained his route map with the first checkpoint being in Daytona Beach about 600 miles away. At 0610hrs. the challenge started and we all rode out North on Hwy A1A. It was a great feeling watching the sun rise over the keys and numerous riders from all states moving at their own pace. People, residents were all along the way waving flags and cheering us on. We got to the upper keys and turned off towards Card Sound road which connected to the Dixie highway. These were the beginning of great secondary roads to be mapped along the US. Then onto Hwy 41 which is the Tamiami trail stretch of swamp or alligator alley. I made my first pit stop for refueling and watched as occasional bikes road past on their way. I was feeling confidence in myself and new this was going to be a journey that I could accomplish. It was around 11am at another county road that I noticed emergency vehicles stopped. As I passed by, I observed two riders laying in the grass on a curve, injured, but sitting up with their bikes in many pieces. I drove by slowly and gave my blessing that they would recover. It also made me realize to stay at my own slow pace and remain focused on the hazards with this trip.
By around 1200hrs., I was East bound on Hwy 27 going towards Clewiston before turning North towards Daytona. I was in a four lane road and decided to turn off at a gas station to refill, eat a snack and drink some water. At this intersection of Hwy 27 and CR 720, is a left turn lane separate from the four lane of traffic. I pulled to my left with blinkers on and came to a complete stop, feet on the ground, waiting for oncoming traffic to enable me to cross the road. It was only a matter of seconds that I heard the sound of tires screeching very close behind me. I knew something was not right and presumed it could have been another motorcyclist trying to make a quick left lane change. It didn't matter as I did not have time to look in my rear view mirror or turn my head. I felt, saw, heard or remembered nothing else. My next observation was laying on my back looking up at another man with a blue helmet on. He was as polite as can be and asking me questions that I could not answer such as what is my name, where did I live, etc. This was confusing to me because I just knew I was doing something that was OK and yet this did not seem right for some reason to be looking up at the sky. He then explained to me that he and his partner were putting me on a back board and I would be airlifted by helicopter to a hospital now. Then I realised they were paramedics who had landed to pick me and transport me to a Trauma hospital. I could lean my head over to one side to see numerous emergency vehicles with lights flashing then watching my body get loaded into a helicopter. I felt alright for some reason as I knew I was in good hands, but had no clue as to what actually happened, or why. On the flight, I was able to remember my wife's cell phone number and passed this along to the crew. In about 30 mins. we landed at Fort Meyers Lee Memorial Hospital and I was in and out of consciousness. I could at times hear the doctors and nurses talking. I have to say I received the best care and treatment anyone could ask for. These are the men and women who perform a daily job we never give thanks to. In ICU, the diagnosis was a broken Clavicle (collarbone) which eventually required surgery to put a metal plate with screws in it, a cranial or skull fracture which was a slight break in one or more of the bones and causes minor headaches, dizziness as well as double eye vision. Those being the two worst points, I also had 4 stitches put in my right eyebrow and numerous road rash abrasions from head to toe. All things considering, I am healing well and resting up with rehab on the shoulder. I am now waiting on the insurance adjuster to enable me to start repairs on the bike which has impact damage as well. In the picture, you can see the tail pipe on the right pushed forward by the car who hit me, which by the way, was a hit and run for the Florida Highway Patrol to investigate. I may not have completed my journey, but I gave it my best shot. I was disappointed by this accident, but only for a few days, and will follow those online who continue their journey to achieve their accomplishment. I was grateful to offer my donations to the much needed charities as well. In the meantime, I am truly thankful for surviving, but will now reflect on planning my next adventure. Whether at home or at work, set your goals high and seek to inspire.
Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can - Henry Drummond
Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can - Henry Drummond
