abtech

Damn. I don't know what to say except thanks for all the positive wishes. I don't plan on leaving the forum at all, as this place is really part of "home" for me.

It is/was a difficult decision and one I really didn't expect to make as recent as two weeks ago, as I have been doing very well after extended rehab. Evidently I have overcome the debilitation through therapy, but have had zero success with changing anything structural and well, the structure just isn't there at this point.

On the up side, I haven't taken any pain meds in over two months and am no longer limited to lifting no more than 10 pounds (an impossible situation, as I usually move servers and tape libraries several times during a normal work day).

As far as finding something else to replace riding, I don't think that is really possible, as I have never been much of a spectator and the neuro guy says car racing could be just as bad. One good hit in the wrong place and it's a house of cards . . .

Anyway, this will give me time to pursue another passion and if things come together, I'll let everyone know how it's going.

Thanks to everyone for their supportive comments, see you at Grattan

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Now in stereo
AAA doesn't only refer to the Auto Club . . .

Jetbdude

WOW. I'm speechless. Frank, you're a BIG part of the reason I love track days that much. I had a great amount of respect for you, and now I have even more. Thought decision and the hard choice is usually the right one.

Please keep on putting together the best track day there is for years to come! You're the man!

P.S. I had the chance of riding the RC for a session last year at Grattan. This is one hell of a nice bike

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#20

abtech

Yep

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Now in stereo
AAA doesn't only refer to the Auto Club . . .

deftones156

Wow...sorry to hear this, Ab. I hope you can find something else to be as passionate about as you were about riding motorcycles.

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http://www.gighive.com/the-buzz/

"My friend said to me, ‘You know what I like? Mashed potatoes.’ I was like, ‘Dude, you have to give me time to guess. If you're going to quiz me you have to insert a pause."

OSIRIS

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OS X Underground

smoothrideronli

Wow after reading your post I feel a little bit of pain...I havent even met you but I always thought of you as the superhero rider that everyone looks up to and strives to be...kind of like a kid saying I want to be just like Superman. I have not known another person that I can automatically trust in their motorcycle advice without question and to see that you are forced to give up riding...I take that almost as seriously as if I had to give it up myself. The next time I get on my bike to go for a ride, I will think of you and appreciate more what I often take for granted. Really sorry to hear and good luck with your recovery...hopefully they will come up with some medical miracle and we will see on twos again.

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DonB

A manly decision.

There's no doubt you'll be just as passionate and successful with your next undertaking, whatever it is.

asiliat

Hey Ab, there's always knitting. hahahahahahaha.


Don't worry, I collected stamps when I was younger.

TornadoB8

Abtech, as many others have mentioned, we all respect your decision and understand the serious thought your situation must have invoked. No doubt your wealth of knowledge and talent will remain sought after by your huge motorcycle family. And though you've decided to step out of the saddle I hope you can still feed your love for the sport in other roles.

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CCS#27
Dunlop, Vortex, Vesrah, Silkolene

gt702

Sorry to hear you had to make a decission like that, and hope that if I'm ever forced to I'd make the smart one too. Best of luck in whatever pursuit you chose to fill the gap, and in continued improvements with therapy and development. Thanks for the inspiration, on track and off.

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Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein

CBR929RE

I really can't think of anything to say. I mean Frank without a motorcycle, that thought never would have crossed my mind in a million years. You've taught everyone so much and I can't wait to learn ever more from you when I finally get to meet you in June.

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if you can't fix it with duct tape, you haven't used enough.

smkeatr

A wise decision from a very wise man. Respect goes out to you for setting your priorities straight. I'm sure I speak for everyone as I continue to look forward to your credible advise on anything motorcycle related. Good luck in your endeavors. Stay healthy.

Leelover

I am very sorry to hear this Abtech. I pray the prognosis gets better.

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"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

Getsome

So sorry to hear this. I know there will be a void in your heart and soul that probably will never be filled again by not being able to ride.

I hope the new passion you pursue give you much joy. Keep us posted.

Mojave954

WOW, sorry to hear this. Hopefully you will stick around.

davef

Frank, Emily and I are both bummed about this, but it sounds like you made the right decision. Thanks for being a rider for us all to look up to.

Dave and Em

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2002 945RR "Dark" Ohlins, Galfer, 520 Conversion, Mig Half System, and Crap Plastic

SPY

Damn Ab, I am sorry to hear this... But glad that you are man enough to make the right decision. It really takes a lot to give up something you love so much. I hope to see you stick around here and continue to share your knowledge with us.

On a lighter note... I really wish I was in the posistion to give that RC of yours a great home. I have wanted one for the longest time. Its just not in the cards for me... (or in the paychecks!) hahahahaha

See you around buddy

Greg

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I NEED more Motorcycles and Guns!

f1_hurricane

Sorry for your loss as a rider but look at it as a new oppertunity. Nothings stopping you from wrenching on bikes in your spare time should you be so inclined. I mean theres the slect few riders (such as myself) who have trouble wrenching on bikes but hate to pay dealer prices. Surely with your knowledge of them you could do something to that aspect. I mean just because you cant ride doesnt mean you cant be part of the motorcycle community in one way or another. Keep your chin up.

Bacchus

For those of you who don't know the face of abtech (I'm sure the owner of the mug hiding under the helmet will recognize this also), here ya go....

I TOLD you guys I NEVER throw ANYTHING out.

Edit: well, except for Stegen's shaved ass. I think I actually jettisoned that one...

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abtech

man I haven't seen that one for awhile

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Now in stereo
AAA doesn't only refer to the Auto Club . . .

CBRVFR

Just as a testimony to the high degree of respect and love we have for you, Frank -

50 posts in and no one has used the word "pussy."

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"...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass."

Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly.

Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

tigerblade

I would say you took the word right out of my mouth, but that in itself might have been misconstrued.

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Seems that doomsday's come early this year

SheepOfBlue

...personally it is more the pain I feel from ANYONE having to involuntarily stop riding... I do plan to terrorize him at Grattan still

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A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

abtech

Did you forget who will be holding the stopwatch?

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Now in stereo
AAA doesn't only refer to the Auto Club . . .

SheepOfBlue

Fear is for weak people

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A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

nhfirefighter13