It is with a heavy heart . . .

That I am having to get out of riding on a permanent basis. Based on my last set of X-rays and MRIs it is extremely likely that even a slight getoff will leave me permanently paralyzed. As it stands right now, I can ride around at a "parade" pace without too much trouble, but anything serious and I can barely get off the bike.

I will make Grattan, but primarily in a management capacity, although I hope to get in a few laps over the three days.

This has been an extremely difficult decision to come to and believe me, I have tried every possible long term solution. I am able to function pretty normally, but the thought of becoming completely incapacitated from a simple trackday incident has been sobering to say the least.

On a related subject, I will be selling the RC and the Vulcan and if anyone is interested, they can view/test ride the RC at Grattan if they are interested in purchasing a well developed bike.

sad to hear I am sure this is an extremely tough decision. Hopefully you can replace the void with a lot of other activities that make you happy.

Sorry to hear. That had to be an extremely tough decision. At least you didn't find out by having that incident. I'm really sad for you right now.

To always ride safe is how you've sponsored the Grattan events, Thanks for showing us what courage and wisdom are.

Sorry to hear that Abetch but glad you are smart enough to know when it's time to understand the difference between ego and reality...some of us haven't figured that one out yet.

If you need a bike to ride around the track at Grattan... My R6 is open for you

Wow, I'm at a loss for words. I couldn't imagine NOT riding, but I would make the same decision.

I'm sorry that you had to make that decision. I'm happy that you were able to make it.

Damn, I am so sorry for your loss of something you enjoy so much. But it is your wisdom and love for your family that you have been unselfish with your decision to give up something you love so much. I told "Hammer Jr." and he is so bummed right now hearing this, he enjoyed riding with you last year. I know you will keep up with the sport and still share your knowledge and stories with us as you have in the past. Keep your head up bro.

Very sorry to hear this but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Ab, I know your decision was tough to make, but in the long run you know it's the right one. Your family and friends need you...that's what's important. I hope you'll find something that gives you the same passion that riding has all these years. Just remember...it's better to be safe than sorry.

I really dont know what to say-it's sad not to see you ride but we always want the best for your health. I remember you saying we would need to lift you off the bike after a session when we were instructing for trackoholics-I never thought it could come to this though. Best of luck you hopefully getting better and good enough to ride like you would like again. By the way is'nt your parade lap pace a 1:29?

ab, my heart goes out to you having to make this sacrafice. But you have earned a great deal of my respect by exercising such discretion. May you find a new passion to get your fix.

So sorry to hear this... It sounds like this has caused you many sleepless nights...as it should. You've made the right choice and even if you're not out there riding, you'll always be able to enjoy many other aspects of the sport! You just get to enjoy them on a higher level than most of us!

Oh yeah...parade pace? Does that include taking Little Firefly (or as she'd prefer to be called at Grattan: Gemini Firefly!) out for a lap or two next month?

Frank, I'm so sorry to hear that it's come to this, but I know you've given it a lot of thought and are making the right decision for yourself and your family. I'm grateful that you've been able to not only have a great riding career to this point, full of wonderful experiences and memories, but I also appreciate how much you've done (and continue to do) to help other riders (including me!). I wish you great health and joy in life, and look forward to seeing you next month.

I know how hard of a decision this must have been. To completely give up something that has a been a part of your life. You have enriched those of us who have known you, if only through the web and more so for those who have had the pleasure of sharing the track with you. Your stories and experience have helped me time and time again.

You are making the hard choice, but it will be for the best and I can only wish you the best. Take care..