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With the rising cost of fuel, I have noticed more motorcycles on the road than I have in my 31 years of riding. I have also seen a lot of riders in shorts, flip flops, T-shirts, no gloves, and so on. This is where my story begins ...

On Oct. 5, 2005, I was riding with my husband and friends to San Luis Obispo via Highway 58. We were cruising along at a comfortable speed, when my husband looked in his rear view mirror and saw me and my bike flying in the air. I don’t remember the accident, but I was airlifted to Kern Medical Center where I began a two-month-plus stay, six weeks of which I was in a drug-induced coma because of my extensive injuries. I punctured my lungs, lacerated 85 percent of my liver, shattered my right shoulder, dislocated and fractured my left collarbone, broke multiple ribs and have bilateral frontal lobe brain damage. While in the hospital I contracted a serious infection and pneumonia.

On Dec. 9, I came home with an IV and antibiotics for the next six weeks. In March 2006, I started vigorous physical therapy to learn to walk again and get my strength back. Last year, I began my surgical journey to repair. I had five surgeries in 2007, and two more in May of this year after I got another infection. I still have weekly therapy for pain relief.

I started riding again last year as a passenger with my husband. I was nervous at first, but now I look forward to the peace I feel when I ride.

I wanted to share my story because I believe my rider education contributed to me still being alive, along with the wonderful staff at Kern Medical Center.

How much is your life worth? I realize it’s hot here and sometimes it’s just not convenient to dress for a ride. Before I ride, I put on jeans, boots, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, chaps and a jacket. Most of all, I wear a full face helmet.

Proper preparation requires more than just attire. Did you take your medications, eat and take along a lot of water? Cool scarves will keep you hydrated while riding. Stop and take breaks to stretch those weary legs and arms. It’s also good to keep current on experienced rider classes, CPR and first aid.

Had I not been dressed and trained properly, I probably would not be here today. I have scars on my knees from the road rash that I sustained through my jeans and chaps. Imagine if I had been wearing shorts ...

Please take the time to educate yourself so you can ride safely. The Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s Web site offers information on experienced rider classes. At gwrra.org, under regional operations, choose region F. From “district links” click on California and choose “Local ERC Locations.”

The GWRRA district rally will be in Bakersfield at the Doubletree Hotel this weekend, Aug. 29-31. We will have seminars, skills games and lots of information. Please join us, because I care.

Reminder: This article is only MY story and MY personal opinion, just be safe and enjoy the ride.