hill_393

About 6 years ago now, I was doing a wall to rail gap. Pretty easy, and wasn't really concentrating. Landed too short on the rail, went to pedal, and because their was no traction, I flipped the bike and went over the bars 3 foot straight down onto my head. Was out cold for about a minute, woke up to find my helmet split into 4 pieces, with the shell completely shattered. I was lucky enough to walk away then just with a sore neck and a little dizzy.... I dread to think of what would have happened if not. Darren

QUOTE(BONGO @ Aug 27 2007, 11:00 PM) * So from what you've said, you've clearly, amongst other things, had an ACL reconstruction, as the ACL holds 90% of the knee's stability. What kind of reconstruction have you had?? What donar was used for it, and what's your rehab plan??? I hate to sound off, but i don't believe what you're saying, as i'm going through it, and after a year of research before it, i know an awful lot about it, and i know that what you are claiming, doesn't lne up with anything int he UK or US post op rehab programs. In fact, you're about 6 months out of sync... Sorry for the late reply sir. I have to admit I glanced over it, and forgot to reply. Yes, the first stage operation was to reconstruct the ligaments on the outside of my left knee. These are the Outer Lateral and Medial Ligaments using donated Doner Tendon. They decided to use Doner Tendon rather than cut and slice elsewhere, so I know have a dead leg!! Ha. Seriously though it's this factor that has made me sign up to become a Doner when I move on. I was then put in as cricket splint for a week so the swelling can go down. The staples were then taken out, and I was put in a splint that allowed my leg to move from 10 to 90 degreees. With the aid of crutches I've been slowly learning to walk again. 3 weeks later (now), I'm now walking without any support both with an without the support. I hopefully will be driving next week! The support is due to come off in a little over a week. On the 10th September, I will find out when my ACL Cruciate Operation will be. They decided to do the op in 2 stages, due to swelling. My doctor told me they've done the medial and lateral 1st so that I can walk, and then the ACL will be for stability. Weather it's what the US do I'm not sure, but I'm walking again, so I'm happy. In regards to the guy who started the thread regarding sponsorship, I'm sure hopefully he can see that I and Bongo have a view from the injured perspective. I speak for myself in saying get yourself better 1st, Get walking and your muscles built up 1st. Everything else is trivial. There's nothing worse than lying there getting angry with yourself whilst recovering. I was like that for a little, and it made everything 10 times worse. My friends got me through. And the recurring theme I'm getting here is the attitude. 90% of the time, the attitude of a rider speaks more than the riding. Enjoy the riding, as you never know when it will end Darren

Eeeye it should be Just be good to see loads of people again. I may be out the game for a few years, but I'm not out of the sport yet! Darren

I thinks I may hobble along for photography duties! And to take the piss out of Spode constantly Darren

That's fair enough dude £87K - Whoops was a typo Meant £870 K Store was targeted at achieving £870,000 Per Year on 12 People. As you well know Adam, Retail is season dependant, and fluctuates over Xmas, New Year. Don't get me wrong, it was stupidly hard work ( I remember a 23hour day for a stocktake once! - Thank christ my gfriend was on Holiday - She would have had a barney if she knew!!). But all the hard work paid off. I enjoyed Retail from the very bottom working on a till, right up through the ranks to my 1st Manager Appointment, and I enjoyed it. Sometimes you have to go through the crap to get to the good. And I also agree with your point about Customers Adam! He he Darren

splinters

Aah my mistake good sir Crossed wires Darren

Right, had to reply to this one A lot of people have a negative view of Retail, and this is through their own personal experiences. Here's mine and for once it's positive; I was employed as a Retail Manager at 23, and my 1st store was the newest store in the McArthur Glen Shopping Outlet near me. It was targeted for a turnover of £87K Per Annum. Doesn't sound that much, but it's a small store so it's consistently busy, and one of the leaders within the center. I was competing against store's 3 times the size (Over 75 Stores in the Outlet!), and I worked hard to keep these figures high. A lot of people have had negative experiences within retail - What about the positive? For me, I managed a team of 12 people, all of whom were great people. I enjoyed managing the store, and seeing it become successful. I enjoyed watching my staff become more successful. I enjoyed being asked to open new stores and train new staff. In regards to complaints, my view is I was getting paid to take these complaints, not m staff, and if any one had a problem, I asked my staff to point them to me. I stood up for my staff. Retail for me is now a career I chose not to continue, as I've worked to the level i want to, and now I want to experience different things. Just because one person has had bad experiences, doesn't mean everyone has. Darren

Not quit, sidelined due to Injury. I was referring to being back on an XC bike. Was a great feeling. Weather I can return to trials will be decided in time and the results of all my operations................. Darren

I think everyone has made good points, and each have a valued argument. The question I have to ask is would you ride if Sponsorship was not available? My answer is yes, as I do it for the enjoyment. My principles have remained the same since day 1, and thats to have fun on my bike. Nothing will ever change that, and when I'm back on a bike ( Like I was in London on Sunday), it felt fantastic to have that freedom after being housebound for so long. I agree with Joe on this one. I really don't see the big fuss over sponsorship. Darren

QUOTE(Ali C @ Aug 28 2007, 12:12 AM) * Going smaller and being smooth with your own style is more attractive to potentiol sponsors I think you just changed the way a lot of people ride tongue.gif It's true by the way... You've got my vote on this one. I've had the privilege of being sponsored by a few companies before my accident, and I'm sure if you ask any sponsor, what they look for is someone who can provide something for their company and be a benefit to them. You have to remember you are a walking advert, and it's the attitude on and off the bike that counts. A rider has to make a company know and this is done more through conversations than riding. In my experience a lot of people ask about trials, how you can get started, and where to look, and through conversations you can point them towards you sponsor ; ie) Tarty Bikes provide complete bike builds starting at £X, but can also provide the individual parts needed. The website is £x, and if you don't have access to the Internet, their phone number is £X. Thinkbikes are pushing the barrier further with training programs, as is Waynio, and full respect to them. Sponsorship is helpful for bike parts, but believe me once you get it, the job gets 10 times harder in keeping it. I think the key in your riding is to be different. Show your ability to cross disciplines. To be able to do the big, but also small, to be able to do the tech, but huge, to be smooth and precise, but most of all be different. Darren

Hey Dude. I'm in the same boat. I fell and severed every ligament, plus severe nerve, muscle and tendon damage to my left knee about 5 weeks ago now. Worst Injury my hospital has ever seen on a knee. Have to have 2 sets of surgery to rebuild the knee. Had the 1st and within 4 days of the op I was walking with crutches, and now 2 weeks down the line I'm riding a bike. Went to London yest and photgraphed some street riding with friends. Doctors said it'll be at least a good few months till i can ride again. I can walk unaided with my leg support on now, and without I'm completely comfortable on 1 crutch. According to the doctor's I'm recovering quicker than thy ever thought I would. Just goes to show you that doctor's aren't always right. i may never be able to ride trials again, but I'm going to be able to ride a bike and walk, so I'm glad enough for that. It's the pyschological side that is the hardest, and trying to stay motivated and positive. You never know what the future may hold, so I wish you the very best of luck in your recovery. Darren

www.thinkbikes.com I don't know any other rider who can do them better than my friend Dave Lowe. He's on the forum as well. He would be the best person to E mail. There's a few video's on the website with them on. The one that springs to mind is call "Something Cryptic" Hope that helps Darren

Oh how wrong Tall Rob was!!!! Spode, I think your going to like these scars!!!!! Monster beasties!!! Darren

Now I think you should computer generate a photo of that!!! Could be quite funny Darren

If your soft and gentle and tease me, you may delight in poking my cut and scared bits!!! See you tomoz you little bundle of fun!!! Darren

Indeed, fingers crossed. There's nothing worse for an active person that to be completely bed bound for 2 weeks, and then be completely limited for the next 4 or so weeks after that!! Pyschological side to the injury has been the toughest thing, and something i would wish upon no one Darren

Hope you're a medical marvel, and make it back quicker than they think possible

I'm going to try. To be honest, I'll be photographing, and yea it'll be a bit shitty, but to get out is better than nothing!! Might be on my mates XC bike, but I'll just be happy to see old mates. By the way, there 2 seperate scars. One either side of my knee cap. And there may be a third one added soon for my cruciate ligament operation, around the knee cap area, although i won't know for certain till Mon 10th September. Come out on Sunday dude. I'm coming up with Tall Rob, and I think my ginger partner in crime Spode will be coming..... Darren

Bit of an update. I've now had the 1st Op, and am up walking about with one crutch, and have to wear a support nearly all the time. I'm attaching a few photo's of the scars, and the relevant leg support I have to wear. Progress is slow moving, but moving all the same Hopefully see people in London this Sunday Darren

WHATS YOUR BEEF?????? He he

Young Mr Fatty Pants You couldn't have been more right!!! I demand both yours and his attendance on this date. I will be bringing my juicy love and photography skills to this event, and I want to see as many riders as possible. Spode and Rob will both be there...... Darren] xxx

Video's look good I've seen both of them through the planning stages, so to see the final finished products, I am impressed. I think with all Thinbikes video's ( And I'm not saying this because I ride for them), the music choice has been spot on. The music is catchy and up beat and suits each video down to the ground, and I like the way the video's show the entire event, not just the riding. It's a shame, really want to get back on a bike now!! Hurry up and fix leg!! Still, London ride this Sunday should be good, even if I'm only watching and taking photograph's!! Darren

He he " Have you been chasing my daughter with pegs on my face!!" Brought a smile to my face. Yea I'm up and walking about. Provided I can sit down at regular intervals, I'll be fine, and having a dedicated photographer won't do any harm I suppose. be nice to go up and see everyone to be honest Phil " Earthworm " King, I demand your attendance for this event!!! You have been missed!! Darren