Mr. Greasy. Photo: Bandy
Recently, I got hit by a car while riding my motorcycle. When people tell me I’m lucky the accident didn’t take my brain or my life, I agree; yet I don’t feel very lucky. The time off skating, off my motorbike, on crutches, and in operating rooms doesn’t exactly feel like a blessing. Aside from my whininess, there are some pretty banger lessons I’ve learned. First and foremost, I would like to thank my sponsors Comet Skateboards, Caliber Truck Co, and Volante Wheels. It may sound like I’m trying to shamelessly plug these brands, but I’m not. The first thought going through my morphine-blitzed mind was what their reaction would be a potential season-ender. Despite all negative thoughts, my true friends Jason Salfi of Comet and Brandon Stewart of Caliber reassured me that everything would stay the same; even though I hadn’t gotten wrecked skating. Lesson #1: The support of friends is key to a healthy mental state.Respect to the homies.
The type of surgery performed on my leg was some next-level shit. A shout-out to Dr. Shaw and the hot anesthesiologists who put me to sleep and rammed a tube up my shaft. No cast needed, and the entry points of the metal that shoots down my femur are small and now stapled closed. A solid recovery after an injury like this is the difference between returning to 100% strength and a full range of motion, and never getting after it on a skate again. I went a little too hard the first week after surgery and tore a knee muscle. Lame! Anyway, the Doc said to take it a bit easier. That said, the muscle tear setback meant canceling a trip to New York for a Comet Slide Jam. Lesson #2: Proper recovery = proper skating in the future. Live Hard, Pay Harder.
I wasn’t biking recklessly, under the influence, listening to music, or doing some other dumb shit when I got thrown off my bike. The accident was not my fault; I had the full right of way, clearing a green light, when homeboy turned left in front of me. For the first time in my life the police were on my side—which was both refreshing and creepy at the same time. That said, I realize now that I could have prevented the whole fiasco. Even though it wasn’t my bad, I learned from several motorcycle websites, books, and videos that you need to ride with the mentality that everyone on the road is drunk and trying to kill you—a mentality of which I was not riding with that day. Skating down open roads at high speed is similar to motorcycling; the concept transfers. It wouldn’t hurt to shred with that same mentality. Lesson #3: Anything that propels you quickly on/down an open roadway requires awareness of idiot drivers.
Maybe I’m just some dumb kid who got thrashed on a “death bike” as my mom now calls em‘. . . just my two cents here.
Take it easy and remain greasy.
-Liam
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GENERAL DISCLIAMER: The statements, comments, and opinions expressed by Liam Morgan through Notes of a Greasy Young Man are those of “Mr. Greasy” himself, who is solely responsible for them, and they do not necessarily represent the views of Wheelbase LLC. Questions or comments regarding any information listed in this particular column can be addressed by contacting aliens, or channeling the spirit of Isaac Hayes.
Wheelbase Management
That’s some solid wisdom right there. Skating or biking, right of way doesn’t matter when your flesh and bone goes up against a few thousand pounds of steel and gasoline.
Gotta get back on that horse!
yeah Justus! Keep on skatin’!
Here at Comet, we’re stoked that Liam is recovering very well, and is actually on the Southwest tour with Mr. Editor Marcus Bandy, and the Comet Caliber crew. I was sad to not see Liam at the Ithaca slide jam but there is always next time. Can’t wait to see you rip again buddy! Heal up fast!
Liam is getting better everyday. He progressed every day of the trip. He’ll be shredding hard in no time.
this all really hits me deep because as of 6 weeks and three days ago i found out my back had two L5 vertebrae fractures. i’m a skater and i have good friends so far its been these long six weeks with physical therapy and other exercises. just today i was cleared to step back onto a board and not do much. i understand the pain of wanting to get back and go hard but i know i cant and it bothers me. something i just gotta do. either way thank you for posting this article its a true inspiration to me
Yeah David! It is very cool to know that you got some inspiration from the article. Skateboarder to skateboarder—the way it should be. Stay healing and we hope to sees you on the boards real soon. Shredlove!
at least you got to see some hot nurses. haha heal up.
100% true ride like everyone around you is drunk or dumb. although when i first started dh i found it hard to find the balance between bugging out when cars came close or something unexpected happened and, just always keeping an eye on whats going on around you. if you worry too much it can put you in an equally dangerous situation. heal quick brah!