It was yesterday, but I took the Jota out for the usual shake down run through the Lindis Pass after doing some carb work. It ran beautifully, over-fuelling due to worn float valves and deformed float tang hanging up no. 3 valve cured. But today I’m in bed with right leg in some kind of plastic cage, waiting for swelling to reduce so I can get surgery.
I was taken out by an oncoming biker overtaking on a blind bend. I just managed to get left enough to avoid a direct head-on but my leg took out his hard luggage case. Thankfully the Jota stayed nice and stable and punched me through.
I kept going for a bit to check things out but figured I must have a broken leg. Also had to find a safe place to stop. The other biker turned around and caught up just as I stopped. Helped me off the bike and went back to collect debris. I knew I had to get on with it if I was going to get back home so got him to turn my bike around and get me on it, and follow me home. I could change up gears with my right hand, only had to change down to stop at home and used my heel.
Then police, ambulance, X-rays and scans. Not sure exactly what damage but broken knee, ankle, and a couple of fractures in the small lower leg bone.
But the good news is not a scratch on the Jota, home and locked in the workshop. Just not sure if I will be able to use rearsets or right gear change in the future. Good riding gear with armour saved the day, general view is lucky to be in such good shape after impact at 180 kmh plus.