Ash is in hospital

Flatspot · May 18, 2026

Ash, maybe a daft question, sorry. What do you have planned for changing gear on the Norton as your new leg won’t have an ankle to ‘lift up’ - heel and toe lever maybe?

btw, CNW starter kit is a superb addition to have, along with a suitable Lithium battery. I’m using a Shorai LFX21A6-BS12, smaller, lighter and more power 21AH 315CCA on my 74 mk2a.

ashman · May 18, 2026

Flatspot said:
Ash, maybe a daft question, sorry. What do you have planned for changing gear on the Norton as your new leg won’t have an ankle to ‘lift up’ - heel and toe lever maybe?

btw, CNW starter kit is a superb addition to have, along with a suitable Lithium battery. I’m using a Shorai LFX21A6-BS12, smaller, lighter and more power 21AH 315CCA on my 74 mk2a.

Not sure yet how things will go with gear change, haven't thought about it just yet but will work around that when the time is ready, thinking I should be able to lift the leg/foot up to put in gear and push down with the leg foot to go up the gears, anyway be a while yet before I get there.

I have a good battery supplier near me so will talk to them when its time to decide what size or battery I need and make the battery tray/mount to fit the battery I decide on, I get the starter kit mounted before I make any decisions on gear change and battery size.

Ashley

robs ss · May 18, 2026

In the early 80's I had broken my left lower leg (tibia & fibula) and was in plaster for nearly seven months.
That's too long not to ride my 1000 Katana - so... where there' a will there's a way.
I could change down okay but changing up was a problem.
My solution was to tie a length of 6mm cord around the change lever toe-piece and secured it at the back of the fuel tank. I left a bit of slack and could change up using my left hand..
Worked well (for me

)

So - some type of partial hand shift might be good for you too Ash.
Cheers

ashman · May 19, 2026

Well got my new leg Thursday, Tuesday I lost my new leg, no not really had rehab this afternoon and they took my new leg off me after a session of walking on it, I knew they were as part of the training to learn to walk right with my peg leg they keeping hold of it till I do a few more sessions with them, next rehab session is this Friday and next week 2 more sessions but I have the leg back next week as I have to take it back to the peg leg makers for a tune up.

I wasn't happy about losing my leg for the second time but I got to abide by the trainers of peg leg land and I got to do things the right way and not my bad way lol, but I am doing pretty good as they are already thinking my upgrade from the training leg to my full time leg is sooner than later and will see how things go this week and next week sessions and have a talk with the leg makers, they might be coming up next week to one of my rehab sessions to talk about it.

While walking today they video taped me walking from different angles and had found a few things I have to readjust too with using my hips and weight load, only minor things but so far they are very happy in my progress in the short time I been with them, I just want to do the right thing, it's bloody hard work learning to walk with a peg leg.

I just got to do the right thing with my training and do as I am told to get it right, but mind you the amputee trainers all have their real legs to stand and walk on and don't I let them know, its not the learning to do things right its more training the brain to do it right as its not the same as walking on real legs, but I am progressing a lot quicker than most other learner amputees.

Ashley

ashman · May 22, 2026

Well been a few days since I reported, been a bit busy with rehab, learning to walk again is bit harder than I thought, its different to walking with 2 normal legs and training the hips to do the work of a calf mussel after Tuesday's training session up at rehab my hips were a bit sore the next day, its not just the hip that I have to get use too, its standing straight and arse slightly forward, shoulders level and leaning to the right before I take a step, is just not the same with normal walking on 2 normal legs and training the brain to walk differently to how I use to walk, its fu cking hard work.

While having the leg on the rehab trainers were a bit concern with a pressure point of the mould and front of my knee so they asked the leg makers to check it out so on Monday I have to take the leg back to the makers, but Friday session at rehab that pressure point was ok after my session so they sort of freaked out to soon as the stump and knee was sitting where it was suppose to be sitting, but they gave me my leg back for the weekend to take it to the leg makers, and back for rehab on Tuesday, Thursday while up at rehab next week the 3 members of the leg makers are coming up to rehab as well to see how things are going and to see if any adjustments are needed before they make my full time leg, so a lot happening next week for me and my new leg.

I been told over the weekend to fit the leg on 2x a day for 30minutes each time and to stand up on the leg but not to do much walking so my stump and skin get use to its, of course I am going to do some walking, but I be keeping an eye on the stump and skin to make sure there is no rubbing as I don't want any sores or open skin that will put me back so only short walks for me and not allowed to walk with the leg using my crutches.

I have a mate coming over today for a few days before he heads back to Thailand next week to his Thai wife, so he will give me a hand to pull the lift table out and move it into my workshop as well roll the Norton up on it so I can start the work and mods needed to fit the ES kit, I will work on it when I have spare time and when I feel like doing work in between my rehab workouts and recovery.

My new wheelchair has been approved by the insurance company and it's getting made for my requirements so be a while before I get it, but it's a super lightweight and painted Farrie red so it be quick lol, so now got to start pushing for a new car once all the medical certificates for our long term injuries is filled out and sent to the insurers to push for a new car that both of us can drive, Debra be right but has to be modified for my left foot driving.

Well that's all folks.

Ashley

concours · May 22, 2026

ashman said:
Well been a few days since I reported, been a bit busy with rehab, learning to walk again is bit harder than I thought, its different to walking with 2 normal legs and training the hips to do the work of a calf mussel after Tuesday's training session up at rehab my hips were a bit sore the next day, its not just the hip that I have to get use too, its standing straight and arse slightly forward, shoulders level and leaning to the right before I take a step, is just not the same with normal walking on 2 normal legs and training the brain to walk differently to how I use to walk, its fu cking hard work.

While having the leg on the rehab trainers were a bit concern with a pressure point of the mould and front of my knee so they asked the leg makers to check it out so on Monday I have to take the leg back to the makers, but Friday session at rehab that pressure point was ok after my session so they sort of freaked out to soon as the stump and knee was sitting where it was suppose to be sitting, but they gave me my leg back for the weekend to take it to the leg makers, and back for rehab on Tuesday, Thursday while up at rehab next week the 3 members of the leg makers are coming up to rehab as well to see how things are going and to see if any adjustments are needed before they make my full time leg, so a lot happening next week for me and my new leg.

I been told over the weekend to fit the leg on 2x a day for 30minutes each time and to stand up on the leg but not to do much walking so my stump and skin get use to its, of course I am going to do some walking, but I be keeping an eye on the stump and skin to make sure there is no rubbing as I don't want any sores or open skin that will put me back so only short walks for me and not allowed to walk with the leg using my crutches.

I have a mate coming over today for a few days before he heads back to Thailand next week to his Thai wife, so he will give me a hand to pull the lift table out and move it into my workshop as well roll the Norton up on it so I can start the work and mods needed to fit the ES kit, I will work on it when I have spare time and when I feel like doing work in between my rehab workouts and recovery.

My new wheelchair has been approved by the insurance company and it's getting made for my requirements so be a while before I get it, but it's a super lightweight and painted Farrie red so it be quick lol, so now got to start pushing for a new car once all the medical certificates for our long term injuries is filled out and sent to the insurers to push for a new car that both of us can drive, Debra be right but has to be modified for my left foot driving.

Well that's all folks.

Ashley

Thank you for sharing.

Jerry Doe · May 22, 2026

Hi Ashley,
Thanks for the update. It sounds like you are doing the best you can in this situation. Please keep us updated, especially on the bike progress

Cheers, Jerry

ashman · May 22, 2026

Jerry Doe said:
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for the update. It sounds like you are doing the best you can in this situation. Please keep us updated, especially on the bike progress
Cheers, Jerry

Well I enjoy reporting on my progress it helps with my recovery as well Debra and everyone seems to like the updates, I accepted my injuries from day one it's now time to get back on track with my life as well Debra, it's been hard for both of us but having a good positive outlook things are better for me, Debra is having a bit of a hard time with the pain she has in her knee and suffering artiest doesn't help, but I try to encourage her to push through the pain, she has a physio come here once a week and her wounds have healed up so no more nurse visits every 2 or 3 days a week, she is also getting around slowly but better than she was, she is doing better than I through she would.

How's the Holiday going In NZ Jerry seeing family again is always good, I wore the T shirt the other day to rehab and had a few comments from a patient waiting in the transit area to come home as well Britt my trainer liked it as well, not cold enough for the sweat shirt, but things are starting to cool down here as winter is not too far away now, both shirt and sweat shirt fit both of us perfect, lucky guess for both of us and a big thank you to you and your wife and the hearts and kisses from your wife.

We both still have a ways to go but we are getting there, our lives have changed forever but getting back on track with life is very important to me as well Debra and having the support from everyone, from family, friends and my close mates makes a big different to our lives as is, we both be back on top soon.

Ashley

grandpaul · May 23, 2026

ashman said:
... I wore the T shirt the other day to rehab and had a few comments from a patient waiting in the transit area to come home as well Britt my trainer liked it as well...

What am I missing? Funny shirt? Norton shirt?

Jerry Doe · May 23, 2026

ashman said:
Well I enjoy reporting on my progress it helps with my recovery as well Debra and everyone seems to like the updates, I accepted my injuries from day one it's now time to get back on track with my life as well Debra, it's been hard for both of us but having a good positive outlook things are better for me, Debra is having a bit of a hard time with the pain she has in her knee and suffering artiest doesn't help, but I try to encourage her to push through the pain, she has a physio come here once a week and her wounds have healed up so no more nurse visits every 2 or 3 days a week, she is also getting around slowly but better than she was, she is doing better than I through she would.

How's the Holiday going In NZ Jerry seeing family again is always good, I wore the T shirt the other day to rehab and had a few comments from a patient waiting in the transit area to come home as well Britt my trainer liked it as well, not cold enough for the sweat shirt, but things are starting to cool down here as winter is not too far away now, both shirt and sweat shirt fit both of us perfect, lucky guess for both of us and a big thank you to you and your wife and the hearts and kisses from your wife.

We both still have a ways to go but we are getting there, our lives have changed forever but getting back on track with life is very important to me as well Debra and having the support from everyone, from family, friends and my close mates makes a big different to our lives as is, we both be back on top soon.

Ashley

Thanks for the update. Glad you like the access Norton shirts! I am back in Colorado now enjoying the spring weather. Keep us updated!

Flatspot · May 23, 2026

Ash, will you be documenting your ES travails? Some pictures to show your progress will be good, and we can keep an eye on where you put stuff wrong

ashman · May 23, 2026

Flatspot said:
Ash, will you be documenting your ES travails? Some pictures to show your progress will be good, and we can keep an eye on where you put stuff wrong

Well the plan is to document all progress when I do get the time to start, with rehab and other stuff going on at the moment it might be a while yet, since I got the training leg things have been hectic as well recover time after hard workout from rehab, changing the way from how I use to walk to learning the new way of walking is hard and next day after the workout the hip is a bit sore to for a day or so after rehab I just trying to let everything recover, not easy being legless and learning to walk on a new leg when no longer having a calf muscle in my right leg no more, the hip does all the work of that and walking steps are different to when I had 2 normal legs, it all takes time to train my brain to do things differently when walking.

grandpaul said:
What am I missing? Funny shirt? Norton shirt?

Jerry was so kind to send Debra and myself Norton Access T shirts and sweat shirts for both of us that I will wear with pride.

Ashley

ashman · May 23, 2026

When I get my full time leg made the makers have asked me what print I like on the leg mould, I was thinking some flames would be nice but now thinking of a hot Commando motor on the outside of it with Powered by Norton printed on it, that would be so cool with flames coming out of the exhaust headers, what do you think???

Ashley

grandpaul · May 24, 2026

ashman said:
When I get my full time leg made the makers have asked me what print I like on the leg mould, I was thinking some flames would be nice but now thinking of a hot Commando motor on the outside of it with Powered by Norton printed on it, that would be so cool with flames coming out of the exhaust headers, what do you think???

Ashley

Cool!

Fast Eddie · May 24, 2026

ashman said:
When I get my full time leg made the makers have asked me what print I like on the leg mould, I was thinking some flames would be nice but now thinking of a hot Commando motor on the outside of it with Powered by Norton printed on it, that would be so cool with flames coming out of the exhaust headers, what do you think???

Ashley

I’d have:

“It’s just a scratch”…

ashman · May 24, 2026

Fast Eddie said:
I’d have:

“It’s just a scratch”…

Or "just a flesh wound"

SteveBorland · May 24, 2026

ashman said:
Or "just a flesh wound"

To be pedantic, it’s “Tis but a scratch”
Wonderful suggestion though, gets my vote

Fast Eddie · May 24, 2026

For those who don’t know…

SteveBorland · May 25, 2026

Fast Eddie said:
For those who don’t know…

Are there people who don’t know this?
<Shakes head in amazement >

ashman · May 25, 2026

On Sunday a my mate Joe came over he was leaving to go back to Thailand to his new wife, my beer fridge was near full so we had a session with a the beer, after consuming 24 cans of heavy beers Joe wanted to take us out for tea so a trip to our local pub for a very expensive meals and more drinks as well car rides he spent over $300, pubs are no longer cheap for their meals and drinks, Joe has more money than sense.
But before leaving home to go out I had a bit of an accident getting up out of my wheelchair and onto my crutches at the back laundry door my crutch got caught up on the drainage grill and I went arse up on my arse, my mate Joe freaked out and was trying to pull me up but was causing me more grief doing so and the bottom of my stump hit the concrete a few times till I told my mate to stop I can get up myself, so after a few days my bottom right cheek is sore, I say its bruised and have a little bit of skin wear/rash on the bottom of my stump, lucky not cut open as that would be the end of rehab till it healed up.
Monday had to take the new leg back to the leg makers and they asked if the wound on my stump was from my stump bottoming out on the leg mould and I said no and told them what happened from my fall, so all good can keep going with the walking training, just got to keep a eye on it while doing rehab, they will take my leg off me this morning and only be allowed to wear it at rehab till I can walk normal with it.
My mate Joe caused the gaze on my stump trying to pull me up as it was rubbing on rough concrete that did the damage, I kept telling him to stop as it was easier for me to pull myself up, so now hope it hasn't set me back with rehab and learning to walk again, just lucky it's a gaze and not an open wound.
Well glad Joe has flown out at midnight last night so I can slow down on what I drink, he just don't know when to stop drinking even when he can no longer stand, me I enjoy a cold beer or 2 but I no longer drink till I fall over when pissed but Sunday night I did have a few to many but the fall wasn't from being pissed out of my brain, just my right crutches got caught up on the drainage grill, well I am blaming that anyway lol.
Now Joe has gone things will get back to normal, well near so anyway.

Ashley

Ash is in hospital

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