Miles Davis - CruiserCustomizing Newsletter Editor

1. Blake's Story

Blake poses with his "Cadillac of Cruisers", the restored Honda Aero Shadow. The loss of his right leg below the knee hasn't deterred his love of riding.

I began riding almost three years ago; my first bike was a Honda VLX. I bought it the same week as the Bike and Blues Fest, the fastest growing biker rally in the nation, here in Fayetteville, northwest Arkansas. The first time I rode my VLX on the street was on the strip; the adrenaline was flowing there in the middle of thousands of other riders. I had fallen in love with riding and I knew at once that bikes were my hobby. Work and ride; my life centered on motorcycles, afternoons, weekends or any spare moment. I'd even ride the four-hour trip to my drill weekends at Tinker Air Force Base--I'm a Senior Airman there--and, in retrospect, such a long trip on a diminutive VLX can be a rather grueling experience.

Even given the limitations of the VLX, it's maybe the best bike out there for first-time riders. The 600cc V-twin has enough power to get you anywhere in town. The VLX does really well between zero and fifty, but anything faster really pushes the rpms. Quite comfortable for its size, it has a low seat height, which allows the rider to stretch out while riding. The low seat gives stability when stopped, a plus for shorter riders. The only faults I found with the VLX were the small gas tank which holds only three gallons (but it does get 50 mpg on the highway) and the limited power.

"The crash bars were a huge donation...It's people and companies like CruiserCustomizing that make being a biker truly enjoyable. When a company cares about customers for more than their wallets, you know that they are going to go the distance."

While riding around in May of '04, I passed a '01 black Shadow A.C.E. with a For Sale sign on it. I had admired Honda's A.C.E. even before I began riding, so I pulled over. The seller let me take it for a spin, and I purchased it on the spot. At 750cc's of comfort, the ACE fit me so much better and now my riding experience became magnified. It has the power to tackle the Interstate, and its five-gallon tank makes road trips more feasible. With the highway pegs installed, I feel that the A.C.E. is even more comfortable than the larger 1300 and 1800 cc bikes out there.

A.C.E. stands for American Classic Edition, which it emulates. With its bold styling, low rear fender, pulled back handlebars, wide tank, spoked wheels and ample chrome, the A.C.E. is a very balanced bike making maneuvering a breeze. One day after my buddy took my A.C.E. for a spin, he commented, "Man that thing rides like a Cadillac."

Being from the Ozarks, my favorite rides are the twists and turns of the back roads, or the scenic byways that run along the river valleys. My favorite rides are in the fall. When the leaves here change color, the mountains just blaze with the reds and oranges of the oaks and maples. Riding way up high on the mountain, you can watch as the fog rolls through the valley below, flowing just like the water beneath it, but in slow motion.

Just north of me lie some good cruises through southern Missouri, like the cobblestone streets of historic Eureka Springs or and the thrill of Branson just a few hours away. For me, nothing is more peaceful than a good cruise. Every biker says it and I'm no different: it's the wind that makes the ride. You feel a mile high when it whips past you, carrying you wherever you want to go. And scenery can never be enjoyed more than when you are in the saddle. Everything just opens up all around you and you can just soak it in as you please. But the joy of riding would last only for another two months.

It was July 25th of last year. I was coming home from a pool tournament. Ominously, mist was beginning to fall as I pulled up to a stoplight. As the light turned green, the bike stalled. The very moment I put my leg down to lean over and switch to reserve, I felt a pounding blow, and started spinning. As I hit the asphalt, I blacked out. A few minutes later as I came to, there was a very scared face hovering above me. Fortunately, another driver had seen me get rear-ended and he had stopped to help. If it had not been for him, I probably would have ended up under the wheels of another vehicle that wouldn't have stood a chance of seeing me on that foggy night.

The Fayetteville Fire Department arrived several minutes later and, fortunately for me, I knew one of the rescue squad. Phil Dewey called my family. Right away I knew that something was terribly wrong: The pain was excruciating and I was unable to get up. The driver had slammed into me from the rear right, pushing my leg onto the bike's peg, sending the peg through the middle of my calf. Then my leg was driven onto the crash bar, crushing any remaining bones as well as my right foot. At the hospital the prognosis was grim. As there was no nerve activity in the lower leg, the doctors ruled against reconstructive surgery. I consented to have my leg removed that night. It was removed seven inches below my knee.

At first the leg didn't improve much, but now--two surgeries later--progress is being made and the stump is healing. Due to the severed nerve endings, I experience what is referred to as 'phantom pain' from where the missing leg should be and, nothing short of narcotics, can stop it. In December, I received a prosthetic leg and have begun a vigorous program of physical therapy to walk again. Since January I have returned to full-time employment. Because the collision was a hit-and-run, I have had to bear all the burden of medical expenses.

I had no money left over to repair the bike, so I began contacting companies for help. The Cobra freeway bars that Cruiser Customizing donated were a huge help. Jardine pipes and Action Honda, our local dealer, were also generous in helping me get the bike back in shape. Now with cruise pegs attached to the bike, I can stretch out and be comfortable with my prosthetic in place. My first big ride was on New Year's Eve, when I joined some friends for a ride through the Ozarks.

A few months after the collision, one of the passengers in the car that hit me went to the police and confessed, identifying the driver as John Robert Hobbs of Huntsville, Arkansas. Hobbs had been trashed when he hit me, and after the collision he went to a restaurant for breakfast. The police have known since last November of Hobbs' involvement, but they did not issue a warrant until June of this year, nor have they actively pursued him. I am trying to lead as normal a life as can be expected from now on. I am grateful to have returned to my routine of working and riding. And speaking of riding, my fingers are tired from typing, so I think I'll go out for a ride. Riding is still the greatest passion in my life. Even if I lost the other leg, I'd still find a way to ride.

Still riding,
Blake Walker (BabyAce)

THINK ABOUT IT

On behalf of all our members and staff, we have to say, 'Thanks, Blake!' for sharing your story with us. Members who would like to communicate with Blake, can contact him at gotninja@hotmail.com. The anniversary date of Blake's encounter with the drunken cager (July 25th) is fast approaching and I'm sure some words of support from other Cruisers would be appreciated.

While reading Blake's Story, it's natural to wonder if there was something that could have been done to prevent the tragedy. Blake's bike was stopped for a red light at an intersection, the most dangerous place for a motorcyclist. Maybe a second, or at the most two, after the light turned green Blake was rear-ended by the drunk, so establishing eye contact with the driver wasn't a likely option. However, one lesson is underscored by the incident: At all times keep your bike fueled and in good tune to increase the radius of your all-important Circle of Safety. Another is the use of extra taillights and reflectors, and wearing reflective gear that increases visibility. All riders are encouraged to take training courses from time to time, like the course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (800-447-4700).

In fact, Cruiser Customizing's list of over two hundred books on motorcycling features several valuable volumes by well-known motorcycle safety gurus. Among these is one of the best-selling motorcycle books of all time: THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION'S GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLING EXCELLENCE. Dan Kennedy, who published the book, wrote me that he feels even experienced riders should read this book from time to time to refresh their skills. Two other titles on the list are also highly recommended. These are David L. Hough's PROFICIENT MOTORCYCLING and MORE PROFICIENT MOTORCYCLING. These three books will put into your hands many decades of life-saving advice that can be applied to whatever sort of riding you prefer. When you return to the Cruiser Customizing home page, click on 'Safety Gear'. Consider items like a brighter helmet for your next lid. And check out the "Ride Like a Pro" safety videos from our fellow members "Motorman" and his wife "DonnatheDoc". For the bike, Kisan offers several products to make your bike more visible to other motorists.

Once again, Blake, I know I speak for all the Cruisers in wishing you as successful a rehabilitation as can be hoped for and hundreds of thousands of miles of joyful riding.

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2. Backfire: Biker Bumper Stickers
Last month's Biker Bumper Stickers generated enthusiastic responses from Cruisers the world over. As you can see, the language of cruising is universal! Thanks for the feedback:

I'm Riding My Psychiatrist

Freedom Starts on Two Wheels

Open Your Eyes as Well as Your Mind

Just Think

On Two Wheels Everything Is Equal

Try It
You'll Like It

SUVs Suck Gas

Bikers Are Born Leaders
You're Following One Right Now

$30,000 and 300 Miles
Does Not Make A Biker

My Ex Got the Car
And That's OK With Me

Ride With Pride

The Reason I Ride Is
I Know the Difference Between Education and Wisdom

I'm 667, The Neighbor of the Beast
And You're Too Damn Close!

What Part of 'GO' Don't You Understand'

I Ride It Because I Love It
I Love It Because I Ride It

If You Can't Figure It Out
You're In a Car

Cars Know Traffic
Bikes No Traffic!

That's Your Girlfriend
Giving Me the Eye!

The Perfect Break From The Kids

You Will Soon Tire of Reading This
Because You Will Stay Behind Me!

Savor The Moment

Faster Than Broadband

If You Had A Bike Like This,
You Might Get a Girl Friend Like Mine!

I'll Ride Till You Die

See You In About An Hour

Everything Comes After My Bike,
Women, Work And You!

I'll Save You A Seat

Play Nicely
And We'll Let You Out Of Your Cage!

Bike Me!

I'm In No Hurry
I'm Where I Want To Be!

No Cell Phone Area!

Just Because You Have One,
Doesn't Mean You Have to Act Like One!

See you next month, Cruisers.
-Miles Davis,
Editor Cruiser Customizing News