Power Kite Forum

even a broken spine cant stop me this year!

dirtslide - 26-3-2010 at 11:53 PM

Hi Friends ,it feels like it has been forever but at last it is time again to make my way back to be with fellow wind junkies at the NABX and yes i will be in a buggy and loving that playa again:wee: first lets catch up ,some may remember that i broke my back two weeks before last years event and the doctors would not let me leave the hospital to come to the 09 party (things were a bit scary then) .so i have spent this last year in a wheelchair and I'm slowly teaching myself to walk again but that will not stop me from kiting and I have some special attachments on my buggy so i cant run over my legs if they were to fall from my pegs .but mostly I want to get back there and see Friends ,visit and let the dust cover me so i know i made it and I'm still alive . so if you see some kiter out in the middle of the lake and he cant get back to the kite he may of had to let go that will be me just grab my kite and bring it back and i will buy you a drink when we get back to buggy camp LOL. and you have to check out my NABX tattoo it now has little Joe ,a golden diamond for the 20 year celebration and AOXOMOXOA :thumbup: look for the guy in the toxic green wheelchair and say hi .see ya next week.

Kamikuza - 27-3-2010 at 12:10 AM

Yikes dude! :o glad you're getting back on your feet! Take it easy out there :karate:

dirtslide - 27-3-2010 at 12:19 AM

don't fight with 1200 lbs of concrete ,chances are you will lose that battle::no::

ripsessionkites - 27-3-2010 at 06:07 AM

see you in a few days BRO!!!

your stuff left FRI Morning and is already at Monty's house, today they travel through Cali

BeamerBob - 27-3-2010 at 07:51 AM

I'll keep an eye out for you in camp and on the playa. Can't wait to meet you.

rocfighter - 27-3-2010 at 11:36 AM

WOW man good luck running the buggy. I hope all works out for you and I'm sure there will be lots of good folks to help you with any troubles you may have.

-mj- - 27-3-2010 at 10:08 PM

There's some die hard spirit, respect!

macboy - 27-3-2010 at 10:16 PM

Ditto - looking forward to meeting you. I still remember seeing that vid of your first time back in the bug....quite special man. Quite special.

rocfighter - 29-3-2010 at 04:49 AM

I was wondering how you are steering the buggy? Special mods? I know a couple para's and quads that like to fly kites and ask about advancing to power. This could open some doors.

Bladerunner - 29-3-2010 at 08:04 AM

Have you seen the video of that guy from Aus. tearing it up in a sport chair?

Search Parapalegic under my name to find it.

He just stears with his hips then holds the edge. VERY COOL! I had big hopes for introducing kiting to our rehab clinic but it isn't coming together.

C'ya on the Playa #1 !

dirtslide - 29-3-2010 at 10:50 AM

bladerunner you will be excited to know that on April 21 after we get back from Nevada i have a power point with 8 rehab doctors and all others who wish to attend at gf strong rehab hospital . it will be about proper bracing and para,s involved in power kiting . there will be kites and buggies there for the group to check out and ask question about . we will talk about it down at NABX .I would be delighted if you what to get involved . see ya soon bro.

Dagon - 29-3-2010 at 11:29 AM

Looking forward to seeing you again this year Ken. If you are rooming with Bladerunner, I will try to get a room on the same floor. Kiah will be there with me this year too.

dirtslide - 29-3-2010 at 11:38 AM

See ya Wednesday :singing:

airin - 29-3-2010 at 11:52 AM

I look forward to meeting you at NABX too dirtslide. I've heard a lot of complimentary tales of your kiting from the gang at GP. Maybe you could give a newbie like me a tip or two?
I'll be there on Wednesday as well, see you then!

Houston AirHead - 29-3-2010 at 12:27 PM

i dont even know you but i can tell your an inspiration :karate:

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Bladerunner - 5-4-2010 at 08:06 AM

My biggest thrill of the whole event was getting out and riding with D'sliddy in the sitty !!!!!!!! :cool: SO F'N :cool:

I want like crazy to introduce this sport to GF strong ( rehab clinic ) ! I expect that with the right gear a person in a chair can take complete care of himself. With GF strong behind us , Dirtslides natural zeal and my willingness to biatch I see it coming together.

Not sure if Popeye has a catagory for it but if I have my way there will be a " one person, one kite , one chair " speed record soon! :thumbup:

PHREERIDER - 5-4-2010 at 08:17 AM

the Kite chair ride was crazy ! how you did steer ?

Bladerunner - 5-4-2010 at 08:34 AM

Dirtslide can explain his situation better.

He has a certian amount of control of both legs but they are ( as normal ) waking up in different ways . Being such a natural he can steer AND TURN with the control he has in his buggy. We road to the road and back in one of the best trips there and back I have ever had ( sorry B'bob ) . We cruised all over in the buggy with me on the blades.

In his chair he was running mostly downwind and beat 9mph last I heard ! If anybody can figure out how to hold an edge in a chair Dirtslide can. The rest will fall in place once we figure that out.

revpaul - 5-4-2010 at 09:29 AM

Dirtslide,
Good times. Sounds like you had some fun and inspired some folks while doing it. Cooooool:roll:
Looking forward to seeing some vids of you guys out eat'n some playa dust.

BeamerBob - 5-4-2010 at 10:57 AM

Dirtslide your passion for the sport just bubbles out of you. I know you will continue to progress forward just on your sheer will to succeed. It was awesome to get to shake your hand and see your smiling face on the playa. I hope we can do it again many times in the future.

@Bladerunner - no apologies necessary. You riding with DS is in a different category. I'm SO happy we have something to look forward to next time we get together too. I love mixing it up with a worthy adversary and just know that I can take it as well as I can dish it out. You really know how to magnify that "Thrill of victory/Agony of defeat" thing! I hope I can be properly powered (plenty of power but not in survival mode) sometime to force you to stretch your legs a little next time.

Scudley - 5-4-2010 at 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
Dirtslide your passion for the sport just bubbles out of you. ... It was awesome to get to shake your hand and see your smiling face on the playa.


Kiting with Dirtslide is always a joy. I envy those of you who got fly with him on the playa. The only person I would rather fly with is my girl friend. I think she likes to fly with him more than she does with me. All of us at Gary Point felt something was missing last year. I know we are all looking forward to his being back this year.
S

SCREWYFITS - 9-4-2010 at 11:19 AM

Dirtslide is a true inspiration, and it was a honer to met him... I had the great opportunity to film him create/break what I believe is the first record for kite-wheelchair speed record, if DS is O.K. with me adding the vid to this thread I'd be proud to share it... I'll have to add it to youtube firs and then link it to this thread, unless I can figure out how to embed it here... I will have time on Mon to add it if DS is kool with it...

"GREAT TIMES"

I'm not sure but Dirtslide might have broke the time in my vid later that day or the next, he'll be able to confirm...

rocfighter - 9-4-2010 at 03:42 PM

That is a video I think we will all enjoy seeing. But we all will wait till DS gives the ok. Awsome respect shone by asking.

Bladerunner - 9-4-2010 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SCREWYFITS
Dirtslide is a true inspiration, and it was a honer to met him... I had the great opportunity to film him create/break what I believe is the first record for kite-wheelchair speed record, if DS is O.K. with me adding the vid to this thread I'd be proud to share it... I'll have to add it to youtube firs and then link it to this thread, unless I can figure out how to embed it here... I will have time on Mon to add it if DS is kool with it...

"GREAT TIMES"

I'm not sure but Dirtslide might have broke the time in my vid later that day or the next, he'll be able to confirm...




Dirtslide NEEDS A COPY of that video please !
Does anybody have any pictures / video of Dirtslide in his buggy ??????????

We are hoping to do a presentation to the Rehab centre !

airin - 9-4-2010 at 04:48 PM

Ken, I think Rip took some footage.

Bladerunner - 9-4-2010 at 05:01 PM

Here is a video of what I am hoping to introduce with Dirtslide .
http://en.radsails.com/kite-videos/events/Kitesports-Alex-Sa...

This Guy ROCKS !!!!!!

rocfighter - 9-4-2010 at 07:17 PM

WOW that is cool. And he not only Rocks, he Rolls as well and damned fast. Though I would think that little wheel in the front would get caught on something. A great bit of engeneering in that chair.
Thanks for sharing Blade

ripsessionkites - 9-4-2010 at 09:10 PM

we took pics of the GPS he borrowed from me

i didnt get all the video from Dirk before he left

ill get a copy through skype soon and edit some stuff on the MAC.

dirtslide - 11-4-2010 at 05:20 PM

yes of course you can post any video you have of the chair ride and i did get another ride in the wheelchair all the way down buggy camp with a 5m kite on bridle and handles ,no lines thanks to the young fellow who lent me his kite and then ran after me at the end of the down winder:singing:it was great to see everyone again and that time i spent in the buggy on the playa felt like i had no disability at all ,funny how passion can make you forget any cares or worries in your life .cant wait till next year

deanaoxo - 12-4-2010 at 11:52 AM

Thanks for the inspiration!

dirtslide - 15-4-2010 at 08:58 PM

here is a pic that Dean took in the casino at primm .thanks Dean

24382_381083670487_711365487_3911725_6529425_n.jpg - 81kB

SCREWYFITS - 18-4-2010 at 01:37 PM

O.K. Gentleman, so here is Dirtslide making the Kite Speed Record sorry for the wait...
Proof of speed!!!
Thanx Dirtslide it's a privilege to meet you and be part of your accomplishment...

Bladerunner - 18-4-2010 at 01:55 PM

Page 2 glitch again?

SCREWYFITS - 18-4-2010 at 02:18 PM

I just loaded them in Youtube so it might take a lil time for them to be viewable, not sure if that is the glitch your mentioning...
I know you want a copy of the vid, is there a way you can receive it, I'll try your email...

rocfighter - 18-4-2010 at 03:43 PM

Hey D-Slide I think you need some better front wheels on that chair. I think I noticed a little wobble in the left one. Then you would easily hit 10.2 I think

jbeegle1 - 18-4-2010 at 08:05 PM

Dirtslide, Great meeting you. Was happy to be there to see you make the record. Great tattoo.

ripsessionkites - 19-4-2010 at 09:02 PM

whoop whoop kiteloop

csa_deadon - 19-4-2010 at 11:03 PM

Sweet man!! Was great meeting you, and shootin the .... well you know :lol:

jvegas - 20-4-2010 at 07:16 PM

So hows the spine coming along?

dirtslide - 26-4-2010 at 08:14 PM

the spine is fine, they will be taking the two steel rods and four nasty looking screws out on April 30 so i have that to look forward to :thumbdown:other than that it is all good ,i can walk with a brace on my right leg for nearly a block but it takes a ton of effort but I'm getting stronger everyday .kiting on the other hand is becoming weekly again and with the purchase on a rear rack for my SUV i can now get to and from our local riding spot and that is a huge bonus:wee: so good to get back in the buggy and ride what a great life i have

revpaul - 26-4-2010 at 08:26 PM

good show D-SLide.
that's all kinds of different dynamics at play with the way taller CoG and yea, those front tires.
Good work and take care.
Paul

flash - 26-4-2010 at 08:36 PM

saw you and met you at NABX and me and the crew walked away thinking "holy crap that dude has some serious elephant cajones" Way to go! can't wait to keep seeing all of the updates.

Flash

dirtslide - 26-4-2010 at 10:40 PM

yes the front casters are a bit shaky at any real speed ,so i am in the process of mounting my dirtsurfer under the footplate of the wheelchair and riding on the deck using both wheelchair wheels and the 20 inch wheels of the dirtsurfer .I will send pictures of this franken chair as it develops and see what you think.i better get a seat belt for my chair LOL.and i need all the practice i can get because i over heard Rip saying he is going to shatter my record at NABX 2011 ,like he needs another record haha anyway the line has been drawn in the sand and we will see who has the chair skills :smug: .Flash it was great to meet you and i will see you next year and i like to tell all my friends that think it takes big balls ,that it is not what you achieve in life but what you can over come with the time you have to live.

rocfighter - 27-4-2010 at 04:56 AM

Hey Slide that last statement is so true. 13 years ago I was in a hospital on support with TBI. loss of left side control no feeling in my hands and feet. 13 months in and out of hospitals with little encouragement from Drs. But my family pushed me to the edge of sanity to keep me going. after a stroke and several other setbacks while in rehab (9 months in and almost another year outpatiant) I worked hard and pushed. Now I read write poorly (thank you spell check) My Mom bought me a kite to work on my motor skills and keep me moving and now I fly power kites and I'm learning to buggy :wee:. I even work part time which I was told would not happen either.
I am totaly impressed by you. And look forward to meeting you some time.

Bladerunner - 27-4-2010 at 06:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rocfighter
Hey Slide that last statement is so true. 13 years ago I was in a hospital on support with TBI. loss of left side control no feeling in my hands and feet. 13 months in and out of hospitals with little encouragement from Drs. But my family pushed me to the edge of sanity to keep me going. after a stroke and several other setbacks while in rehab (9 months in and almost another year outpatiant) I worked hard and pushed. Now I read write poorly (thank you spell check) My Mom bought me a kite to work on my motor skills and keep me moving and now I fly power kites and I'm learning to buggy :wee:. I even work part time which I was told would not happen either.
I am totaly impressed by you. And look forward to meeting you some time.



I am VERY impressed with You ! :yes:
Way to show them who's limits are who's ! :thumbup: :thumbup:

rocfighter - 27-4-2010 at 10:21 AM

Thanks Blade. We just spent 9 days in Antigua sailing and snorkeling on our fake honeymoon !!The ski is the limit So fly a kite!

dirtslide - 27-4-2010 at 09:55 PM

i would be honored to kite buggy with you some day Rockfighter .maybe a NABX event is a place to meet ,keep in touch ,stay strong ,and may the wind be perfect for you every day you have a kite in your hands. P.S I rode hard for nearly four hours today,I'm beat up and sore but i wouldn't want it any other way and I'm leaving the buggy on the back of my SUV so it will be ready for tomorrow even if it hurts to get out of bed tomorrow if the wind is right you know where i will be:D