Friday, October 15, 2010

Africa on a KTM, the story


I met my friend Gregg while we were in school @ UMASS Dartmouth. At the time there were probably only 5 or 6 skateboarders in the whole school, so we became friends instantly after many a late night session on our stolen parking block. Over the last 23 years, we've done a lot of stupid/fun things together and I consider him one of my closest friends.

Here's the story in his own words.

"I was on an 8 day riding tour of morrocco with some buddies of mine - we have done similar trips down to baja - this time on wonderful KTM 450s - on day three i was hauling ass after an afternoon learning how to ride sand dunes. - i was trying to push my speed a bit and was doing well - moving at about 50mph across a wide open rocky desert plane - hit a small grass bush and it pushed me off my line - before i could correct i ran into a large rock which was pitched forward as well as being deeply seated in the ground. it stopped the bike - tossed me - the bike then sort of snapped sideways and the tail of the bike swung up into the air and the bike went over my head as I did my superman impression thru the air. I ground into the hard pack - elbow first followed by my face - thankfully the bike landed some distance away. god bless my friend is a doctor and he was riding behind me with a full medical kit on his back. 20 hours of driving later. yes 20 hours of driving from Efroud to Ouarzazate and then over the Atlas Mtns - without pain meds as my lower arm floated around - I got to marrakech where they operated - trussing my elbow back together with an artists touch. its like nothing i have ever experienced. i cant describe the overall effect, but it moved me to my very core. i was very lucky to get away with just my elbow being blasted. jesus hates a pussy."

I'm glad you made it home safe GG.