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It was a sad day last Monday morning. So much time has been invested to make it the best it could be. Many late nights working to cut off a second here or a half second there. Working out to stay fit. Phone calls to suppliers. Long road trips and time away from the family. Busted knuckles and bruised limbs. Unexpected expense after expense.
I finally sold my beloved Superbike.
It has been a very fun trip though. I have seen all parts of the country, made LOTS of friends and have lots of good memories. Five Championships, 2 of which were National. I am going to be 38 in about a week and I don't heal as fast as I used to. I have had a few close calls where I may have been only a split second away from meeting my maker. 160 mph at the end of the straight at Road Atlanta, braking and tipping in with your knee on the ground will never be matched by anything else I could ever do again.
I have 2 children and have decided I need to grow up and take our business up a couple of notches. We are moving into a 4500 sq/ft building and have a full time employing starting next week. The ride will not be as fun, but it should be more profitable.
I still have my GSXR750 streetbike, so I can continue going to SBTT and instructing if time allows.
If anyone would like to take a ride on that bike go to:
It is a race at Grattan MI. I led most of the race, got passed in one of my close meetings with our God, and passed them back before they called the race for rain. Sorry to give it away, but the play by play isn't there.
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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Well Jerry, I know its no conselation, but you are walking away with all limbs and head intact. Bike racing is a young man's sport. And although you are far from old, bikes are unforgiving. It's not like a car with a roll cage etc. The safety net just isn't there. Maybe you can find something else for the adrenelin. And it sounds like you were a top notch competitor. There will be MANY young people anxious to learn from you. Pass it on man.
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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I here ya. I'm 35 and did a nice little grade 3 Shoulder separation this past weekend. Nothing like a nice new bone sticking out of my shoulder permanently. I've been second guessing my dirt bike hobby for the past week.
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 910 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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It's been tough to say I'm not going to do it again. I know I have made the right decision though. Now the race is to get all the jobs out the door. I am a very competitive person so I enjoy the business side too.
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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Jerry, racing is psychologically addicting and it's very tough to quit altogether... maybe you should buy a sprint car and just move to a little safer but still adrenaline pumping ride...
I don't recommend quitting racing cold turkey...
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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