Visit to a Recuperating Rik

The 26th of March saw the first ride-out of the season for the Flying Ferrets. The occasion of this inaugural event was to visit Trickster, in order to cheer him up hopefully, during his post-accident recovery. Taking advantage of the sudden change to Spring and the welcome sunshine there was (L-R) Gareth & Sue (Precious Metal), Del (Grey Wolf), Lainey & Stuart (Stuey), and Kit & Clive (taking the shot).

For those who would be interested in seeing the result of Rik's accident on his beloved R1, then check at the end of this report.

However, before the 'off', the opportunity was taken to present the new Annual Ferrets Trophy to this year's holder, Stuey. At the Social Event, in January, the old Cloggers trophy was presented to him in lieu of the new one being available. Fortunately, Del excelled himself in creating this superb new trophy, a worthy award for each year's winner.

The little presentation over, and the trophy safely stashed away in Stuey's carrier, it was time to get off for the run up to Dunsop Bridge, in the Forest of Bowland for a bit of breakfast.

The run up to Dunsop Bridge held its usual spectacular views, wonderful roads and great scenery. After a variety of bacon, egg & bacon, and other toasties, along with mugs of tea & coffee Garf led us all over a superb fast road that brought us down through Quernmore into Lancaster. Despite the vestiges of the late Winter, it was great to lay some power down, get a move on and carve up a number of lovely bends. A short run through Lancaster, and before long we were pulling up at Glasson Dock in the warm sunshine.

Another brew, another chin-wag, the passing of more gossip and a phone call to Rik to confirm that he was still expecting us, and we were back on the road taking distinct advantage of the very fast and tasty bends across Pilling on the look-out for Blackpool Tower. It was Stuey who won the jelly-baby! And before long, there we were outside Rik's. We were all really pleased to see how well he looked, and that he was now walking without the aid of crutches ... well done mate.

Our sincere thanks to Rik for his excellent hospitality, and we hope that we didn't piss you off too much with the sight, sound and smell of bikes! Our thanks and gratitude to Rik's son as well, who kindly helped out doing teas and coffees for everyone.

Rik's progress is very good, both his being able to get rid of the crutches, and now only relying on a stick, and the significant reduction in the drugs intake that he's needed. We all wish you at least as speedy a continued recovery mate.

Well, having seen the old cripple, and given that the rain had started to come in, it was time for the off and everybody made their own ways back home, with Del, Gareth, Sue, Stu & Lainey stopping off at the local Morrisons for a further bite to eat, with Clive & Kit going straight off across to Preston and down through Belmont and Bolton into Manchester.

The photo above is of Trickster's pride & joy, his Yamaha R1, taken sometime before his New Year's Day disaster. As you will all know, Rik was on his way back from visiting Precious Metal (Sue & Garth) when a car pulled across his path directly in front of him, giving Rik no chance of avoiding a collision.

As you may have heard, I stuffed my precious R1 into a Renault Clio that turned Right across my path on New Years Eve. I was travelling at about 45 to 50 mph and didn't have a chance to brake or manoeuvre to avoid him. The net result was a quick bounce off the windscreen and a 35ft Superman impersonation, leaving me with a compound fracture to the left arm and several Pelvic fractures - wear the armour at all times folks it saved my back and legs!!. I escaped from hospital on Friday (17th Feb) with the aid of a pair of complicated crutches, but am still not much use (no change there then!) although I do hope to fight back to good health in the near future.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your get well wishes, particularly Clive and Kit, and Garf - who has been keeping you all informed.

Rik offered to make some photos available, so we of course offered him some space here to save him sending them out to individuals:

My other half says I'm never ever ever ever getting back on a bike, she was always nervous before the accident and is so determined now that she's currently trying to bribe me with a Porsche Boxster! The truth is that bike ownership for me has always been a much more intense and emotional experience than car ownership has ever been, so we'll see....

So, firstly, to the photos that Rik has provided, but then onto the much more important topic of arranging a Ferret's visit to cheer the bugger up, and to perhaps ease Rik's 'other half's' worries! Well, to annoy the neighbours at the very least :-)