Lets all wish Jeff a speedy recovery after his turn one get off at Summit point last weekends wera event. I heard from David P. that Jeff had rode really well in his races on Saturday taking home a third place on his zx6. Sunday Jeff was involved in a turn one incident on the opening lap of one of his sprint races. According to David, Jeff may have some broken vertebrae but is up and OK for the most part and should be leaving the hospital today. GET WELL SOON JEFF.
Thank you Kevin, Lance, Scott, David, Jamie and all who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I fractured my C-3 vertebrae and have to wear a neck brace for the next 8 to 12 weeks. Of all things my pride is hurting the most. In a nutshell I got overambitious and screwed up. Worst of all I took a couple other riders out with me. I cannot express how sorry I am for that. I've reached out and called one of them. I "friend requested" the other on FB. Both were very understanding and both accepted my apology. That does help a bit with the healing process but I still feel overwhelmingly guilty for the mistake I made. I actually feel pretty good physically, aside from the soreness in my neck and a couple bumps and bruises. On the other hand this has been emotionally weighing heavily on me. I scared alot of people(family and friends)...now they're all expressing their opinion about my choice of activities and how I should think about giving up racing. I've been told that my life is not my own and that too many people depend upon me. Am I crazy for wanting to go back there and race again? Am I selfish? Reckless? Irresponsible? I made a terrible mistake. I know what I did wrong. I've learned from it. Should I take another chance or do what everyone wants and give up competition racing? They all know I won't give up riding altogether. In fact they all said they would support me in my decision to do trackdays and coach only from here on out. I just don't know if that will be enough to fulfill my dreams and desires. So much is going through my head right now as I sit idle and do nothing but wait until my injuries heal completely. This is going to be the longest 2-3 months of my life. Sorry to rant but I want to thank you again to all of you who have been there for me. I wish you all have a fun and safe riding/ racing season. Jeff B.
Jeff, Don't let your disturbing feelings weigh down your conscience. It is normal to go through doubts, recriminations, guilt after you've had a particularly traumatic crash. Yes, it's true that others depend on you and that is a factor that we all have to take into account in everything that we do, even the simple act of getting out of bed every morning to go to work. If you've got it in your blood and can't resist the urge to grid up again after your injuries have healed, make sure that your loved ones are taken care of in the event that something like this happens again. upgrade your life insurance and invest in a disability policy if you need to race again. I have a feeling that if racing is something that you absolutely must do, that you will do what ever it takes to get out there again. Know that you have the support of your friends in the community, no matter what you decide. Heal up quickly and do your physical therapy- it will make your recovery much shorter. Good luck! Lance
Thank you Lance. Words of advice and wisdom are always welcomed and taken into consideration. I appreciate those words that you've spoken. I did some web browsing about cervical spine injuries and I've read numerous stories, ranging from horrifying and sad to motivational with a happy ending. I think for the first time I DO consider myself very lucky. Not just lucky that I didn't become a paraplegic or quadriplegic, but lucky that I have the love and support of my wife and children, to put up with me and my dreams and desires, no matter how irrational they seem to be. I'm actually able to smile again for the first time since my crash because I know I'm going to be alright, and so will my family, no matter what my choices for the future will be.
Jeff, First i am very happy your injuries will heal. Second I could not offer better advice than what Lance has already given you. Take care of the family for the in case of situation and go do what your heart tells you to. Because i believe that what will happen can not be stopped, or hide from. We only have this one ticket so i say enjoy the ride. And if ya need something speak up.