| Subject: |
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Track Day Report |
| Name: |
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scott richardson |
| Date Posted: |
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Sep 22, 04 - 9:12 AM |
| IP Address: |
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195.10.45.218 |
| Email: |
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scott@limbless-association.org |
| Message: |
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The Limbless Association’s inaugural Amputee Motorcycle Track & Information Day was held at Donington Park on Monday 20th September and proved to be incredibly successful and rewarding day for the +300 attendees.
More than one hundred and twenty riders (including upper limb, lower limb amputees, Prosthetists, Occupational Therapists and friend’s) spent the day riding around the Grand Prix circuit. Onlookers were amazed to see one-armed and one-legged bikers outbraking and out pacing able-bodied riders. Throughout the day there were inspirational sights to see.
In addition to the track action, twenty motorcycle/amputee related stands exhibited in the conference centre. These included prosthetics, adaptive technology (such as thumb operated gearshifters), tailor made motorcycle clothing, motorcycle support groups, road safety organisations, trike and quad manufacturers.
Honda Racing were very generous supporters of the event. They displayed two of their championship racing motorcycles, which were accompanied by their team racer Michael Rutter and Race Co-ordinator Simon Buckmaster (himself a below knee amputee) who signed autographs and answered questions all day. Recently crowned British Superbike champion John Reynolds was amongst numerous other celebrity motorsport guests who were genuinely astonished by what they saw, both in the conference centre and on the circuit.
Honda (along with and Allan Jefferies Motorcycles) also provided motorcycles for the events ‘Amputee Pillion Laps’, which proved to be incredibly popular. Amputees, paraplegics and able-bodied volunteers took a chance in a lifetime series of laps, as pillion passengers to international racers Naill Mackenzie, Mike Edwards and Dave Wood.
The delight and exhilaration on every pillion’s face, as they completed their laps, was a sight to behold and an experience they will never forget. David Rose, a LA Vice President, was one such thrilled passenger who recommended it so highly that he persuaded his son to have a go too!
Prosthetist Jamie Gillespie gave a very informative and well received presentation, to more than fifty attendees, about prosthetics for motorsport and encouraged ‘users’ to build a good relationship with their Prosthetist, to achieve an appropriate specialist limb.
The purpose to the day was ‘sharing information’, and to hopefully inspire others. All the prosthetic companies found the day incredibly beneficial, listening to ‘users’ about their need and offering their support. Amputees also found it very informative to see what products, or possible solutions to their goals, were available.
Special thanks go to volunteer helpers Sally Shelley and Tony Crowe who significantly contributed to making the day such a success.
Throughout the day, event organiser Scott Richardson (LA’s Outreach Officer) was inundated with enquiries as to when next year’s one is, so it may very well become part of the LA’s calendar… |
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