Truly inspirational! I used to trail ride (green laning) with a guy we knew as One arm Gordon. Despite losing his right arm above the elbow it didn't stop him doing anything. We used to charge about despite him being the leader and open the gates. He used to come plodding along and he'd shout directions as he passed. Gate shut we'd chase after him, overtake and open next gate. We didn't have to wait for him as such all day. On the bike mods bit; He had an XL 185 with the (normal) throttle on the left bar i.e. roll forward for MORE throttle, a clutch lever and a front brake lever. His right arm was a false one with the "wrist" terminating in a piece of metal tube (false hand) at right angles to the arm centre line. When he got on he slid the tube over the bare bar end and this way he could steady tankslappers etc. using his right shoulder to oppose his left hand. One day we were crossing a fairly wide stream. I was on a Kawasaki KDX 200 and checked he was ok as he was behind me. I crossed and turned around to see him following but he hit a hidden rock and keeled over to his right side mid-stream. The water was halfway up his face and he was pinned to the floor by his "false hand". I jumped in along with two others and lifted his head so he could breath We jointly lifted and pulled him and bike up the bank. "are ya alright Gordon?" "Yes why not!" we all started laughing. "Are you sure Gordon?" "Well actually I've broke my arm!" "Which one?" I said. Laughingly he stated "my right one!" Bike was stripped on the bank by others to clean carb, airbox etc. whilst I set to with duct tape, self tappers and a bit of the wire fence repairing his arm. Bumping the bike off on a narrow stream bank was fun and I decided not to be the rider as it all just seemed illogical to me. Sadly he is now dead; RIP Gordon. https://www.justgiving.com/remember/10415/Gordon-Thackray
Whatever happened to SteveJ, the OP on this thread? He was also on the Triumphtorque forum a while back (as Daytona Kiwi), but has disappeared from there as well. I believe he had been working for Jack Lilley just before he went AWOL. Seemed like one of the good guys.
