Thanks for the encouraging words, Andrew. I’m confident that my symptoms will completely resolve. I’d say that I’m about 90% better already.
In addition to quitting the two-wheeled sport, I’ve also resigned my position as ER medical director. I worked in the ER for 26 years, and it felt like a good time to make a change. My new job is in a local clinic seeing walk-in patients. I’ll work Monday through Thursday, no nights, evening, weekends or holidays. I’ve been working crappy hours since I was 15, so a regular schedule will take some getting used to.
I’m not saying that I’ll never ride a motorcycle again. There may come a day when I get the bug and buy a new Ducati Diavel 1498 ST9. Until then, I have my trike and a Honda Metropolitan scooter that will do 38 mph on a calm day.
Mark
From: st2_owners@yahoogroups.com [mailto:st2_owners@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew Stephen
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 7:14 PM
To: st2_owners@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [DucatiST] I'm getting off two-wheeled machines
Hi Mark,
I had cereballar bleeding from a cavernous hemangioma about six years ago, seriously impacting my balance and co-ordination for several months. I can relate to your decision to sell your two-wheeled vehicles; I went through a similar decision making process.
At the time my "daily" ride was a 2005 Kawasaki ZX10R with thousands spent on suspension and exhaust to make it the best road & track bike I could build. I knew after the bleed that I might never be able to ride it with the skill and precision I was used to, but I also knew that if I sold it I might never find my way back onto two wheels again, and that was something I would always regret.
In the end I decided to keep it. When I felt capable of riding it again I found that, although my symptoms were greatly improved, my confidence had been seriously hurt. I rode it only occasionally, and gradually improved each time. It was 2010 before I dared go out on the track again. I went to a track day and spent the day riding mid- to front-field in the medium class. I felt a bit silly at first but as the day wore on I felt more and more at home - not faster, just more confident. I even dropped the bike in the paddock at one point, because my left leg still doesn't always do what I expect of it! In the end I had an absolute ball.
I realised that I wasn't going to be doing the same sort of riding that I had been doing before the haemorrhage and resolved to sell the Kwaka, but to replace it. I ended up back on Ducati riding an ST4s (I'd previously riden a '92 900SS for many years) and I absolutely love it.
I understand your reasons for selling, and I'm sure you've put a lot of thought into it before making the call. For me, I found that having the bike in the garage helped me to keep the goal in sight. I've been riding two wheels my entire adult life and I knew that was something I didn't want to give up.
Kia Kaha,
--
Andrew
Wellington, New Zealand.
2002 ST4s
On Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 5:45 AM, Mark D. Lindquist <mark@mdlindquist.com> wrote:
Greetings listers,
Some of you may recall that I was assaulted by a patient at my job in the Emergency Room back in March. Due to some post-concussion symptoms, primarily headaches, balance issues and concentration problems, all of which are improving, I’ve sold my two-wheeled Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic and purchased a 2011 Harley Tri Glide Ultra Classic (a trike.) I’ve also decided to sell my 1999 Ducati ST2. I don’t want to tempt fate by riding it knowing that I’m not at my full ability level. If anyone is interested or wants to forward a link to someone who might be looking for a nice ST2 in absolutely gorgeous condition, I’ve listed it on the Ducati.ms website. There are many more photos in my Gallery on that site as well.
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/128-bikes/118745-sale-1999-ducati-st2.html
If it doesn’t sell here or there, I’ll list it on eBay and craigslist, but I think most of the true ST lovers can be found here. Email me if you have any questions. I’m flexible on the price.
I truly appreciate the wisdom and knowledge of the ST2 Owners list members. I can say that every issue I’ve ever encountered with the Duc has been solved by reading your posts or asking questions. Thank you very much.
Mark Lindquist, MD
Detroit Lakes, MN
1999 Ducati ST2
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