Well, I had my surgery on May 9th which included repairs to my ACL, PCL, MCL, and, relocation and anchoring of my meniscus. I did end up with one screw in my knee to anchor the MCL ligaments as well.

I got the staples out two weeks ago and saw the surgeon again. Originally he thought that they may have to put me back under to free up some movement in my knee (since I can hardly bend it at all right now) but instead I have been given some muscle-flexing exercises to do and I have started physio this week and will be going twice a week.

I still have a significant amount of swelling in my knee and due to the muscle atrophy and my leg looks more like an olive on a martini toothpick.

It's gonna be a long haul.

Impending surgery...

Saw the original surgeon in O.S. yesterday and he referred me to a knee specialist at the Fowler-Kennedy clinic in London. Saw him today, had a CT scan, and, will be having surgery either tonight or tomorrow. I need to have some ligaments re-attached (ACL), some grafted back together (Medial Collateral), and one of the meniscus has been moved from its outside position on the knee to the middle of the knee, so it will have to be re-attached to its proper position. He's not sure about the status of my PCL right now and won't know until he actually gets in there. This won't be arthoscopic surgery either because of the work that needs to be done and some scarring that has started. Oh well, I'll have something in common with Bobby Orr (besides the talent of course).

Well, I saw the orthopedic surgeon today and he told me (after reviewing the x-rays and MRI) that I basically dislocated my knee and tore all of the ligaments except for one set (torn ligaments are marked below).

I'm off to see a knee specialist tomorrow and hopefully will get booked into surgery quickly for knee re-construction surgery.

Looks like the racing season is shot for sure now and it will be a long haul for recovery.

Got last week's x-rays back. I have an avulsion fracture, torn ligaments, and, knee instability. An avulsion fracture is an injury to the bone in a place where a tendon or ligament attaches to the bone. When an avulsion fracture occurs, the tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of the bone.

MRI on Friday night and go to see the surgeon on Monday.

Looks like my rookie racing season might be toast. >:(

Bad start to the 2011 season...

I had planned to start vintage racing this year on my KZ650 and also had the opportunity to try sidecar racing as well as the 'monkey' that rides on the back of the rig.

Well, my attempt at being the 'monkey' did not go as planned. On the second lap at Shannonville last weekend (April 15), coming out of Turn 2, we clipped the red and white raised markers known as 'turtles'. This, unbeknowenst to us, punctured a hole in the oil pan. As we headed towards the left hand Turn 4 and started to turn in, the back wheel spun out on the oil trail. The sidecar then spun around, flicked me off the back, and rolled backwards over my left leg.

I was diagnosed with a dislocated knee and possible fracture of my leg bone right up under the knee. The doctor in Belleville hospital told me I will likely be on crutches for 10 weeks and I am now wearing an imobilizing brace too. I need to get an MRI as there may be pieces of bone under my knee cap and some torn ligaments as well.

I have the now dubious distinction of being the 1st Shannonville casualty of the 2011 season, and, 1st racing casualty at the Belleville hospital.

Needless to say, my racing season has suffered a huge hit and my career as a sidecar 'monkey' is now officially over.

It could have been a lot worse though. At least I'm still here to talk about it.........if anyone is really listening to me or not.

Now you will be able to follow my stats...

Now linked up with MyLaps. Here's the link so you can follow me.....

parkingpuckguy's race stats

:)

Here is the list of scheduled races for the 2011 VRRA season:

4/5th June – Long Track - Shannonville, Quinte TT - VRRA Sprint races

9/10 July – North Bay – Runway Romp - VRRA Sprint races

12/13/14th August – Mosport - VRRA Vintage Festival

10/11 September – VRRA GP - Ste Eustache, Quebec

Hope to see you there. If you do come out and watch, stop by and say hello.

The hunt is on...

Well, the VRRA has decided to enforce the use of oil containment belly pans starting this season. As this is a requirement in other racing series it was expected and probably the best thing for all involved in turning wheels in anger on the track. However, the bike I have purchased does not currently have one so now I am on the hunt for one. While there are many possible solutions, I am hoping that I can get one from one of the VRRA members that are presently in the process of manufacturing some.

My first track day is the weekend of April 16 and 17 so time is ticking away quickly and I don't have one yet!!

Yikes.

Looking forward to 2011

Well, this year will be one of excitement, challenges, and, changes....

I have begun my quest to go racing in the Vintage Road Racing Association . I will be racing a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650 in the P3 Middleweight class. It's kinda funny because my very first bike was the same model. I rode that thing everywhere!

My race plate number is 519 which I chose to represent our area we live in (phone area code). I also needed to get a SNELL 2010 approved helmet so I bought a Shoei RF1100 at the 2011 SuperShow in Toronto (the one in the pic is my old Shoei TZR).

I met a number of other racers at the VRRA booth and had some great discussion about racing in general and the upcoming season.

I also will be wearing these leathers as well.

I have two goals for my 'rookie' season: 1) Don't finish last in any of my races, and, 2) Finish in the top 10 (stretch target top 5) in at least one of my races.

Stay posted for more updates as they come.