I have not been on the board very often as of late, but this (see link at bottom) caught my attention thanks to RacerV and just blew me away (i.e. pisses me off). RacerV (John), who was behind Jimmy during the 2008 Spring Bash group ride saw the accident caused by Robert ('dadofthree') first hand and understands it very well could have been him as opposed to or in addition to Jimmy being severely injured.
I do not know Robert. Regardless, his thread (see link) disturbs me. Since making the 'decision' to ride irresponsibly (over the edge and out of control) during the 2008 Spring Busa Bash 'causing' severe injury not only to Jimmy but to his own girlfriend (riding pillion no less), Robert has the gall to post a thread on here mentioning his 'poor, unfortunate, insurance situation' ($4k annual) which forces him to put his bike up for the winter until Spring. And to say to Jimmy at the hospital not to 'beat himself up over this' is beyond me. Fortunately for us both I was not there to witness that statement.
Meanwhile, Jimmy, whose hip was broken in 13 places and still cannot work, is making ends meet for his wife and one year-old daughter on his group long-term disability. This like most group disability policies pays only 60% of 'base' earnings. In addition, that 60% is also taxed as income and I believe about 30% of his earnings were from overtime work. As an example, a $100,000 wage earner would only receive a net income of about $34,000!!!
Jimmy was a skilled professional as a lineman with Progress Energy and it is unlikely he will be able to ever regain this position within his company due to his injuries...we'll see. His future capacity at Progress Energy is not certain at this point. To see Robert mentioning his 'unfortunate situation' with his insurance for his brand new 2008 Busa, quite frankly, sickens me.
I have seen comments that Jimmy, as a rider, was unskilled or if he had been more skilled this possibly could have been avoided. I'm here to tell you I rode with Jimmy for two years leading up to this incident and he was one of very few I felt comfortable riding close with and those of you who have ridden with me know my ability to ride (26 years) and know what I'm talking about.
I understand Robert's intentions were not to cause injury to his girlfriend, to Jimmy or any fellow riders, but he made the 'conscious' decision to ride out of control in a group and endanger others. It's no different than the kid riding wheelies down the middle of the highway and runs broadside into a family crossing the street because he lost control due to his decision.
To my knowledge, knowing Jimmy as a friend first hand, Robert has never shown true remorse and his distanced himself from the whole thing by attempting to sweep it under the rug. I would never feel safe knowingly riding in a group with someone like this and it's why I will never likely ride in a Busa Bash group ride again.
Jimmy has not been on here ranting and raving about this but I, and to an extent RacerV, have more first hand knowledge/experience on this incident than anyone else so yes I'm holding the torch on this.
Robert, or anyone else for that matter, if you read this, my whole point behind this is 'accountability.' I'm not saying the rest of your life should be some miserable existence, just that accountability for your actions has not been witnessed by me or anyone else I am aware of.
Link to thread:
https://www.hayabusa.org/forum/new-2008-busa-threads/95690-rear-spools-installed.html
I do not know Robert. Regardless, his thread (see link) disturbs me. Since making the 'decision' to ride irresponsibly (over the edge and out of control) during the 2008 Spring Busa Bash 'causing' severe injury not only to Jimmy but to his own girlfriend (riding pillion no less), Robert has the gall to post a thread on here mentioning his 'poor, unfortunate, insurance situation' ($4k annual) which forces him to put his bike up for the winter until Spring. And to say to Jimmy at the hospital not to 'beat himself up over this' is beyond me. Fortunately for us both I was not there to witness that statement.
Meanwhile, Jimmy, whose hip was broken in 13 places and still cannot work, is making ends meet for his wife and one year-old daughter on his group long-term disability. This like most group disability policies pays only 60% of 'base' earnings. In addition, that 60% is also taxed as income and I believe about 30% of his earnings were from overtime work. As an example, a $100,000 wage earner would only receive a net income of about $34,000!!!
Jimmy was a skilled professional as a lineman with Progress Energy and it is unlikely he will be able to ever regain this position within his company due to his injuries...we'll see. His future capacity at Progress Energy is not certain at this point. To see Robert mentioning his 'unfortunate situation' with his insurance for his brand new 2008 Busa, quite frankly, sickens me.
I have seen comments that Jimmy, as a rider, was unskilled or if he had been more skilled this possibly could have been avoided. I'm here to tell you I rode with Jimmy for two years leading up to this incident and he was one of very few I felt comfortable riding close with and those of you who have ridden with me know my ability to ride (26 years) and know what I'm talking about.
I understand Robert's intentions were not to cause injury to his girlfriend, to Jimmy or any fellow riders, but he made the 'conscious' decision to ride out of control in a group and endanger others. It's no different than the kid riding wheelies down the middle of the highway and runs broadside into a family crossing the street because he lost control due to his decision.
To my knowledge, knowing Jimmy as a friend first hand, Robert has never shown true remorse and his distanced himself from the whole thing by attempting to sweep it under the rug. I would never feel safe knowingly riding in a group with someone like this and it's why I will never likely ride in a Busa Bash group ride again.
Jimmy has not been on here ranting and raving about this but I, and to an extent RacerV, have more first hand knowledge/experience on this incident than anyone else so yes I'm holding the torch on this.
Robert, or anyone else for that matter, if you read this, my whole point behind this is 'accountability.' I'm not saying the rest of your life should be some miserable existence, just that accountability for your actions has not been witnessed by me or anyone else I am aware of.
Link to thread:
https://www.hayabusa.org/forum/new-2008-busa-threads/95690-rear-spools-installed.html
