Is Concussion Taken Seriously Enough?

[@liamkempthorne6621]

Neuroscientist here, repeated mild brain injuries, like concussions, have now been shown to lead to a form of dementia in later life termed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). It's relatively new discovery but has been widely studied amongst NFL players and boxers etc, any sport with repeated mild brain injuries are susceptible. Maybe we should do a study on motorcycle racers. Following on from what you were saying Al, you need to recover after a concussion for your own health as well, if you suffer more (even very mild) brain trauma too soon after a concussion this can lead to permanent brain injuries and make you more likely to develop CTE and dementia. Good public service announcement lads.

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Can you email/DM us please?

[@TheUberdude14]

Ive seen some talk about the monsterjam drivers having long after effects from all their jumps and crashes. Some are recovering using hyperbaric oxygen treatments

[@paulmcgrath3159]

I wish my old rugby coach knew this 😂

[@bg11696]

I wouldn't think most roadgoing motorcycling fits into the category of a sport with repeated mild brain injuries. I think I remember seeing a quote from Junior Seau (american football player with CTE) that he thought he got 50 concussions every single game he played. Even at the GP level, it seems unusual for a rider to suffer more than one crash per weekend, and many times with a low side there may not be any head impact at all. Do you think that riding itself (bumps in the road, turning, wind, etc) is violent enough to cause the repeated mild brain injuries that lead to CTE?

[@debbieclegg2485]

Obviously none of us wanna see any of you guys getting injured... but I stand by my comments on insta, Al .. you seem happier than you've been for a quite a while 👍 But just don't go bonkers huh😁.. we rate the 44 teeth team as a unit🍻 ✨️ Hope all the next races and ventures for all yous do well 💯

[@fizzyridertoo]

Some people with head injuries are never the same again, so it's very definitely something to be taken seriously. Glad you're on the mend Al and it's maybe just as well that the season is wrapping up.

[@tonyb622]

Keep going boys. I'm 66 and entered my first MX race a few weeks ago on a nine year old Enduro bike, finished a distant last but the memories will last for ever!

[@wimmm72]

that last line :"God forbide if it was any worse...who am i gonna make videos with?"... the love between you two,is just adorable🥰

[@k-mc94]

Perfect topic for the guy who stopped a Fireblade with his head. (Al in a BSB race back in the day, for anyone wondering)

[@wallycunningham5090]

Worst Brakes Ever

[@ElMuelio]

That wasn't BSB, it was club level racing. He spoke about it at length in a video with Mossey talking about their crashes, but it was insane how bad the care was compared to BSB.

[@k-mc94]

@@ElMuelio Gotcha, was going from memory. Thought it was maybe a production class or support race. Cheers

[@thomask1uk]

Glad Al is ok for a start! I highsided at Portimao, landed on my head, cracked my helmet, got up, got asked if I was ok, gave the thumbs up and that was that. Didn’t ride anymore, because the bike was done, but no one would have stopped me. I definitely had concussion, and I definitely shouldn’t have been drinking in the evening, though I only felt a bit ‘fuzzy’. Anyway - if you go on trackdays/holidays and your mate has a bang on the head, make sure they get checked at the med centre, bring the helmet, show the damage and keep an eye on your mate for the rest of the holiday - ask questions, check memory recall etc. A thumbs up is definitely not an ok!

[@SpiderrCuz]

Didn't know about the crash, glad your okay Al.

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Thanks mate

[@joechang123]

had a concussion back in April when i got gazeboed by a red light runner on my bike. dont remember any of it but from what my girl told me in the hospital, i was on a memory loop that refreshed every 5 minutes, just kept repeating myself nonstop haha best of luck with your recovery, al!

[@sakariputtonen2683]

Anyone who has got his/her's bell rung, knows it's no joke. Take your time to get well.

[@scottmcpeek4132]

I can empathize with the back half of this vid: Chris was right to ask the question, and Al was right to work through it how he saw fit as he went. At the end of the day, you mitigate risk as much as you can, but things happen outside of one's plan and you figure it out in real time. I had a close call on my bike recently, and a couple non-rider individuals in my life asked if I was going to ride again. I had to do the same thing as Al- work through why I wouldn't give up riding because of an incident that was (largely) outside of my immediate control, and articulate that in a response. Swift healing, Al!

[@RiskyIOM]

Love the bit about Michael Dunlop stopping to help you Al. He's a genuinely good bloke underneath that exterior.

[@stevefaust3532]

Great talk about this. I spent 18 months off my bike after a head injury, couldn't wear a helmet properly and it led to major anxiety, weight gain etc. Recovery from a head injury takes a long time and isn't often spoken about.

[@nathanmiles1721]

Raced for bemsee, had a crash and was left with 3 broken ribs, smashed wrist which needed bolts and rods. And worst of all brain damage. Was let out of the circuit not even knowing my own name and drive 296 miles back home from Wales. 4 months nhs said its long term concussion. A year later still suffering from brain damage from accident. It's no joke. Some days I can join the dots and others not right at all. Like you said bones are a measurable issue but brain trauma is scary stuff. Has left me unable to ride a bike so life sucks now. Keep the videos coming guys it's all I got left now lol

[@HollyBerryDOOG]

I’m just glad Al is ok. Oh and Chris a hundred percent is the maximum, you can’t exceed it. Folks who say ‘I gave a hundred and ten percent’ just don’t understand the maths.

[@zakelwe]

He might have a haircut injury so let him off

[@iamtherealzombie]

I lost both parents and my wife due to unforeseen circumstances over the past 4 years, if anything those losses have taught me not to count on tomorrow and to live for today.

[@davidboydarnott417]

And 4 other bikes ran off onto emergency corner exit. So 7 bikes involved in total. Jeez. Glad you're still with us Buddy! 👊✌️

[@_Makanko_]

I had a concussion when I was younger and laughed most of it off as you do in your teens. Good to hear you're being mindful about it Al, all the best for your recovery A discussion about risk assessment and responsibilities in life is quite something to have. I got into motorbikes two years ago at 35yrs old. I did weigh the risks, having a family with two girls. It's not easy weighing risks to enjoyment (or in my case even the dream because before that time, who knows if it's something you'll really like). I did spend extra on gear and even got a RST airbag vest. That's not to say things can't go horribly wrong but I guess that's part of preparing to take risks. Getting insurance, getting married are also part of it. Just in the 0,01% something dire happens.

[@markjackson7650]

Was a proper howler of a crash mate and I'm so thankful you're on the mend. Me and the Mrs were at east fortune watching the Scottish superbike championship and unfortunately a fella lost his life in a crash. Not that we need reminding how dangerous the sport we all love so much is but these things really bring it to the forefront of your mind.

[@petet8594]

Thanks for raising awareness of this Guys, I come from a Mountain Biking and Snowboarding background as well as motorcycling and have had many concussions and they definitely get progressively worse

[@1985murphy]

How did they get those bikes through the smallest door of a house lol even fagan must struggle to fit through that door

[@beneplex6122]

Had a concussion when I was around about 12 and had issues finding words for about a month afterwards. The day after felt crazy weird cuz I had no recollection of time and stuff. Great to see ur kinda alright and taking it slow.

[@jonathonpoole5070]

Since 2015 all riders who suffer concussion at an ACU road race event have a 9 day ban if 20yrs old or older. 16-19yrs old it’s 12 days and 15yrs old and younger then it’s 23 days. So it’s not just BSB riders but all riders who race under the ACU

[@youngreillytwo]

That Wall/Roof line behind you guys is giving me a concussion! Love your videos!

[@thisisatestoftheemer]

I think concussions/TBIs are one of the few places where I'm good with "protecting you from yourself" restrictions as well -- those injuries have very real impacts on your own decision making abilities. I'm glad to see Al recovering well.

[@deanodrives4966]

Sorry to hear your recovery is taking a while Al, hoping it clears soon. I was involved in a nasty pile up at Donny a few weeks a go and was the only one to walk away without a head injury, but seeing 3 people lead unconcious and presuming they were dead was not a good feeling at all. Luckily everyone is on the mend and no horrific injuries, but it does put into perspective how dangerous our sport can be

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Glad you're ok!

[@GazBromley]

Get well soon mate. I got knocked off when someone pulled out on me, i was doing 40mph. I was knocked out instantly. I was out for 45 mins. That was March 2023, injuries were a few broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Brain scan showed no real damaged, but i have good days, where i feel sharp and myself, other days I'm a little withdrawn even now, and i sometimes act out of character. I had RST leathers on and a good helmet, the hospital said i was lucky and the gear played a massive part in saving me from severe injury or worse.

[@Krazy2pl]

Glad that you're ok Al. On Chris's point about the danger of riding on the track, I think it's way more dangerous on the public roads in normal traffic, unpredictable things like diesel or oil spillage plus drivers in cars, trucks, vans etc. I think as Al said, you need to do what you like, as no one knows what's gonna happen tomorrow...

[@lonpfrb]

Everyone needs the Roadcraft System to keep them safe on the public highway.. You won't regret it..

[@ToughReganZ]

Get well soon Al! Broke my Scaphoid end of last year, huge recovery as it needed surgery and a bone graft, glad to here its only a small crack for you! All the best 💪

[@pauldobb8499]

I’d be interested to watch a follow up video discussing the trade off between risk and reward and how we weight this differently (or not) with age and experience.

[@craiganderson3795]

Really good points raised in this vid. Also think Rory Skinner deserves a lot of praise for having the balls to say, yep I can still ride but I'm not safe to after his crash earlier this year and think that reflects in Stathams comment about feeling fine until your heart rate starts to increase.

[@Chrisrides]

Glad your "ok" Al. A good recovery to you sir

[@gtl31rrob7]

Odd timing. I crashed my race bike on August 31 and was knocked out and lost about 15 minutes of memory. I had most of the symptoms for two weeks with lightheadedness lingering on. Head injuries are no joke and going through makes you understand even more. Good to see you taking your time and talking about it.

[@andyhumphreys2681]

I skydive, ride motorbikes, mountain bikes and snowboard, 4 years ago at work I made a mistake and fell 18 ft off a scaffolding onto concrete, I thought I was about to die but somehow I got away with a smashed heal and heavily bruised hips. You have to do the things you love as you never know what's around the corner.

[@bartbregman2613]

Got a similar brain shake 4 months ago. Got to fast back at it... As a result, I wasn't able to be back at the job for 3 months. Still not 100% taking half days now... I still have problems with vision and focus after doing too much... This shit is more serious than you think. Take more rest than you think you need, it's not a joke. Take it easy.

[@World-Superbike]

I absolutely love the Love that you have for each other. One life, love it and live it.

[@stevieh986]

I had a head injury in 2010 and still suffer 'exploding head syndrome' almost every time I'm going to sleep and waking up! Glad to hear you are OK..

[@RIBZ85]

Quality as always boys, All the best Al

[@RiderReviews]

Lots of good info there…..every day’s a school day! Glad you’re on the mend 👍

[@chrisgoes9610]

I have been knocked out quite a few times but never really understood what concussion was. I came off at Brands about 18 months ago, was knocked out (done collar bone and ribs), woke in the the excellent medical facility (thanks for not cutting my leathers off) after being out for 20-30 mins. For several days later suffered blurred vision and every so often became very very dizzy. Absolutely agree with standing back for a couple of weeks to minimise risk to yourself and others. Stay safe out there.

[@Tarfawn]

Sorry about the git off, but really glad you're okay and the hand and head heal up quickly. And as usual I'm lusting after the 999 in the background.

[@NooBiker]

Good vid, interesting topic. Fair questions and response regarding racing again. Good thing that nowadays concussions are treated more seriously.

[@Druezy]

Glad you've come out the other side of something that scary!

[@RawTopShot]

Helmet hits the ground (or someone belts into you) head hits inner helmet lining, brain hits inner skull... Brain then rebounds and possibly smoshes into the opposite side of impact. Groggy, dizzy when you turn your head etc.... Lasts ages. It's still brain damage even without

[@paigylou]

The last 4 minutes was the attempt to say I'm worried whenever you race because I may not have you in my life if something terrible were to happen ..they're unbelievably cute, even in a 4 minute disagreement on the risks of racing ❤

[@chedixon3002]

Great subject guys. I took a pretty bad blow to the head from a battery drill nearly 3 months ago. Never previously thought about concussion but the last 2 months have been horrible, dizziness, headaches, irritable, not feeling myself, even struggling with words at times. Now diagnosed with post concussion syndrome, A real eye opener and it’s definitely something that should be taken much more seriously in society. Glad you’re on the mend Al 👍

[@bergerniklas6647]

Maybe invite a neuroscientist for a future video on this. Head trauma is way underated in most sports (rugby, football, soccer, european handball, ice hockey, boxing and many more). I'm sure most Neuroscientists and/or MD would gladly join you and enlighten the people.

[@garethholden301]

I had a low speed high side at Cartagena, was out for a minute or so, the effects of concussion stayed with me for 18 months (nausea, vision issues, couldn’t concentrate), good luck with the recovery

[@ricatiman]

Concussion is a very serious issue that is only now beginning to get the attention it truly deserves. It's not just contact sports either - I have suffered concussions several times - Once in an auto crash as a child, once playing baseball as a teen, once in a bicycle crash, and one in a hang gliding crash.... now at 72 years old, I have ongoing issues from these injuries that happened decades ago, and will always bother me till the day I die. Getting up from bed every day requires a bit of care to avoid a dizzy spell. Also going on a merry-go-round or hanging upside down is impossible for me as uncontrollable dizziness results. High G forces also cause these issues, to a lesser extent. Now in my twilight years, I do everything to avoid a possibility of re-injuring my brain. But, I still ride, always wearing only top line Arai and Shoei on my head. I don't do track days anymore, having replaced that rush with Drag Racing sportbikes modded for that style of racing. Believe me, the first time you run an 8 second quarter mile, you will be on top of the world. I have never noticed any symptoms while drag racing, as the g-forces are so linear along the vertical of the body, I believe... I just have to avoid crashing.

[@sbnch06]

Your lights turn off to preserve the vessel, it also protects you from trauma in the conscious mind. When out, all energy is used for involuntary actions such as breath and your heart pulsing and to focus on healing.

[@higgy636]

The interesting thing for me was that you got concussed without even banging your head. The body especially a fit one can handle a lot , the head is a different matter. Love the channel.

[@whammerjammer1562]

Im 15 months into my concussion/head injury. It SUCKS ! I can't drive. I can't work. Im always "dizzy" and in a fog. Short-term memory is shit. Im not the same person and it sucks. Never thought this would be my life at 61 years young!!! Good luck !

[@ElMuelio]

I crashed on a track day in 2019 and had a bump on the head, wasn't unconscious but definitely knocked about and very dazed. I high sided and landed on my head, stopped sliding/rolling still in the track lying across the racing line with bikes flying past me, couldn't stand up after trying a couple of times so had to crawl out of the track. I rode round for another 2 years, couldn't get my head straight and in the end I have up trackdays. Haven't fancied it again yet. I enjoy road riding at 50% of my ability instead now. Just recently though, I've been feeling like doing another trackday... Wasn't sure why until you talked about how long the affects can last. Might be worth a try next year.

[@simonmassey8235]

Loved the last half of the video about the dilemmas of racing. I’m just about to finish my first year in a club racing paddock and I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered it. It’s fu**ing amazing. I’m very much on the side of Al for this one. I’m also at the age of pottering around at the back because I’m doing it because I love it, not because I’m at the pointy end.

[@UncoolJim]

I love the hard topics guys, love you guys! Rest up Al

[@skiersailorbikerguy8546]

As a marshal for BSB I have been wondering for some time if it’s worth doing some research into this - with perhaps sensors in the helmets as well as leathers, like rugby players have sensors in gum shields, and see if we can start to see any correlations with riding/crashes/concussions etc. a rather innocuous off could cause a small concussion, but it wouldn’t get picked up like you say if the rider acts normal - however if the sensor triggered then they would have to do an HIA. This could then be technology that becomes part of helmet/equipment regs, and give club racing authorities a way to assess the likelihood of head injuries much easier? Spoke to some of the medics about it and it’s an interesting idea just not sure how we could make those wheels start turning!

[@BigDan7114]

I was a 24/7 365 caregiver for my wife with early onset Alzheimer’s. Numourous concussions from Hunter jumper and race horse training. Last one in her 50’s. Never the same slowly progressed. Get yourself checked regularly, exercise and diet is also a great rebuilder of synapses.

[@archieslap6767]

Same story in amateur rugby. The Pros get baseline tested with reaction boards prior to the season starting. If they get a knock they're straight off the pitch to be tested. In amateur rugby you're lucky if you're taken off and even more lucky if you're not getting smashed about in a weeks time. No easy answer but relying on the person with a head injury and personal pride/ego to make the right call isn't good enough.

[@one-of-us9939]

In 1985, i was going down a street and someone tried to make a U-turn from the curb. I hit his door and then performed a subsequent high side. Came down on my head and shoulder after i went over his car. I went passed a concussion and into coma. But I'm still here.

[@Gobbbbb]

I have to agree with Al, you can't think like that, living life saying "what if" all the time is depressing. But at the same time, I understand where Chris is coming from. I'm 25 and have had 4 concussions, my last one was from a motorcycle accident. Life has definitely changed since.

[@gingerelvis]

Great discussion to have and definitely needs more attention in motorsport as we are starting to see in rugby etc. I've had concussion and whiplash over the years and never seen anyone about it (obviously should have done) but just gone back to things too soon. I have to say I'm with Al about getting back out on track when ready. You can't let past accidents stop you from doing things just because of the "what if" else you'll end up like those people who drop their bike in a carpark and then sell the bike and all their gear telling people "I used to ride".

[@theant9821]

Mate of mine was knocked out during a club race a couple of months ago, he had his licence taken away for 3 weeks. There are rules about this stuff for club racing.

[@FortyFourTeeth]

There are rules if certain people/organisers know about it, but it's not like BSB where your every move is known. As I mentioned, I know some people (last year) who crashed, got knocked out and rode again the next day. Bonkers

[@Nomads_Rowing]

Good to see and hear you and the other guys are alright - looked a horrible crash when we saw on TV and 44Teeth. You’re 100% right, concussion is serious shit as rugby and boxing are now addressing and discussing. 😎

[@sweet-triple-UK]

Interesting topic guys. Went out on track last week at Donington for the first time after becoming a Dad and 100% made me a bit paranoid and worried about smashing myself up. Especially when wobbling round and seeing people smash their bikes and selves up and red flags every session.

[@paulhammal7231]

I remember that blade to the face picture in Fastbikes magazine. Some time ago! Glad you’re okay-ish 😊👍

[@tiga23]

The scans can come in handy in some cases. I know one where the doctors had to put drains on the skull due to an internal bleeding caused by a concussion.

[@jonnyhoath515]

Really interesting chat, particularly towards the end. I feel you both wanted to say things, but held back. There's always that "risk vs reward" particularly when motorcycles are concerned. If you didn't want to risk injury, you wouldn't step on a bike full stop, let alone track days and racing. Life has to be worth living, just a case of getting the balance right

[@davidrenz2620]

Glad your on the mend. I’ve just got over my concussion from a big of down craner curves It took 2 months to not feel dizzy anymore. I can’t remember walking in the ambulance or going in the medical bay and because my brain was bruised it actually raised my blood pressure to dangerous levels to the point I had to go on tablets for 2 months

[@SeanRidley-g7z]

I've been knocked out a few times. Twice racing and a ladder fall at work. I've not been right since the ladder fall. I've been back to the Doctor and they're not interested. That was 8 years ago.

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Ffs, sounds sh!t

[@SeanRidley-g7z]

I've paid private to see neurologists and had private MRI scans. They all say I'm ok. I get numbness down my right side, blurred vision and slurred speech on and off.

[@Weeem]

Glad you're on the mend. When I was a young 'un I had a car crash where I broadsided a lamppost. Passenger headbutted the side window and I hit his shoulder which knocked me out for a bit. Afterwards I definitely had some issues with keeping a train of thought and feeling pretty spaced. Not all the time, but enough that I was aware. It took months before that went away. As to the discussion at the end, You've got to do what makes you happy, esp if you have a talent for it, so the effort to be good at it is lower than most. Mile for mile, racing on track must be a higher risk than your average ride on the road, but I'm sure regular track days are much safer than road riding.

[@MrChocalatestarfish]

Travis Pastrana who has broken near enough every bone in his body has said the injuries that scare him the most are concussions. The change in personality is the scariest thing. So if Travis Pastrana is worrried about concussions i think that says everything

[@doopiej]

Thanks for bringing up this topic and wishing you a speedy recovery Al! The discussion on risk reward is a valid one. I've seen repeated mild or singular severe head trauma cause people in my environment not to be able to focus for more than a few hours per day for years, permanently upset their balance or make them susceptible to uncontrolled emotional outbursts. Not ideal for being a parent. But then how risky is closed circuit racing? Certainly safer than mx, road racing or even competitive horse riding. Only you can decide what that adds to your life

[@GH-rt8ih]

I think it’s really important to have these discussions with your work wife online.

[@BrianFrichette]

You're absolutely not overreacting. I've been knocked out a few times in my life and it absolutely changed me.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

In 2023 I had a hard crash at 70 years old and raced again this year. I'm not afraid of dying but I am afraid of not living.

[@itstherealjammin]

you sir are my absolute hero. Godspeed.

[@RJ-ir9pj]

Wow you kept this super raw - especially towards the end. At some point you need to stop driving a motorcycle - so by that logic, at some point you need to stop racing, likewise goes for track days. A conversation for another time but you gotta be honest with yourself. Is it worth it, and what are your responsiblities. Glad you are recovering and well

[@daveydragon6268]

Chris being exactly what a good friend should be in situations like this…devils advocate Glad your doing well Al

[@Snoozzzzzze]

I had that same Velcro strap on 30 years ago! If your Scaphoid doesn’t heal well I can personally vouch for the Herbert Screw. I was very, very fortunate to have one of the first Herbert Screws used in a Scaphoid in late 1984. I was so lucky that my surgeon knew of it and was willing to try it. That was from being taken out on a motorbike which would have been life changing in several ways if I hadn’t had that surgeon. Thank you Mr Meggitt.

[@andytoff8024]

Great video and topic lads

[@tonypammen6150]

It’s an interesting video, I’ve suffered 2 concussions in my life, the first when someone released a 50 tonne step jack as he was struggling to jack open a furnace, when the bar hit me in the face as I tried to help him I had no idea that it had even happened apart from the blood on the floor. My wife has recently had a tennis ball sized tumour removed from her frontal area of her head, the difference in personality is striking. I think I’m with Chris on this one, don’t take your brain (your health ) for granted.

[@10secondsrule]

Glad you are ok Al, did not realise you passed out and had concussion. Have a speedy recovery! Ps. Still managed to upload an excellent content❤

[@neiltitmus9744]

2hy does air fence nothave a fixed in ground sheets people can't go under it ?

[@FortyFourTeeth]

It does. I found the hole, for once

[@bryangreen9672]

@@FortyFourTeeth🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wobblysauce]

Going under is nicer then most going over with a nice bounce.

[@sted101]

Once a racer always a racer. I can't think of a time after a crash when my first thought or question to the medical staff was, "when can I get back on a bike?"

[@gavra123]

Superb points u guys made

[@pauljenkins2501]

As a non-rider, I would have thought that its even more important for motocrossers to have a decent concussion recovery protocol than it is for circuit racers. If a motocrosser can knock themself out one day and still ride the next day, I would have thought that the bumps and jumps would be liable to shake a riders head about even if he/she doesnt actually have another crash... Thank you for an interesting video on an important topic. Hope you feel one hundred percent right again very soon.

[@ribbit876]

A fellow club racer once told me racers race . Its something different about us . I miss it like a limb . Waking up is freaking weird I remember dreaming and coming to and being shocked I wasn't in bed but laying on the side of the track .

[@nick636]

Remember Rainey at Donington in 93? He crashed in practice at Goddards and fractured a vertebrae and banged his head, and the doctors didn't check for concussion. He knew his vision wasn't right and he couldn't actually judge distance properly, but with a Championship on the line he still raced... And came 2nd.

[@weddincoyote2440]

Both of you have good points. Utilmately up to each person to what risks they are willing to take. I hope that you have a speedy recovery and I would recomend getting medical advice before racing again so that your 100% know what the risk to make an informed decision.

[@jirihorsky9600]

When I was a teenager, I was struck by a Fiat Punto (leaf green one). I woke after some time looking at a bus roughly a meter from my head. It took me a solid year to get back to where I was before that incident. Both at school and anywhere else.

[@marty1780]

Good to see you back and feeling mostly well after that scary meeting with a wall and extremely rapid deceleration. That must have been a lot of g-force. Chris’s question about stopping is a fair one but it’s also hard to know where to draw the line with it - we are riding motorcycles after all. The same argument can be made for not riding at all. But cutting out the really extreme risks when a number of head trauma’s have stacked up does seem wise. I think there needs to be a follow up with a neurologist (preferably one that doesn’t have a bias against bikes...).

[@tobynorman852]

You’re still at risk riding on the road, arguably more so than on the track because of the level of stupidity some other drivers/riders have. Of course you need to weigh up the risks but I feel like if you decided track riding was too dangerous then road riding is probably off the table as well…

[@lonpfrb]

Everyone needs the Motorcycle Roadcraft System to thrive on the public highway. You won't regret it and it's not slow. Make Progress!

[@thecommentator6694]

Just got home a few days back from my first four day track weekend at Almeria on my ZX6. I had only done Silverstone for a day on a Ninja 400 before this so it was a whole new experience really, and I absolutely loved it. I'm in my mid twenties and share Al's outlook on it, I know it's risky (especially being a new track rider and being around other inexperienced track riders in group 1) but didn't think any more of it than that. On day 1 I got tuition from an ex-pro rider so that helped massively, and by day four I moved up into group 2 because group 1 was too slow and too dangerous for me - riders that weren't on the line, massively early on the brakes, drifting left before turning right into corners, etc. Felt much better in group 2 and was pleasantly surprised to not be the slowest in the group by any stretch even on a 600 with road tyres while riding with guys on 1000s with slicks! Thankfully only had one run off into gravel and held the bike up, unscathed other than that 👍🏼

[@brdllc]

Glad you’re doing well Al, interesting and important discussion for sure. I think they need to implement the off period after a concussion or head trauma of the like. More complicated when it comes to not wanting to lose a championship, but we don’t need a bunch of CTE Chris Benoits in the moto world.

[@TheScortUK]

The head trauma from my first accident (hit by a car), has affected my memory - I lost about 10 minutes before the crash, though I still recall the moment of impact (seeing the bonnet and hearing the impact). Thankfully my brain did a ctrl+alt+del and I went to sleep, so didn't feel the impact. This was back in 2008, and I've had instances of memory loss since then - even went to my GP 5 or 6 years after, to see if I should worry about it, but they said not to (unless it gets worse).

[@dazzerf8392]

Like Clarkson once said going fast has never killed anyone it’s stopping fast that does glad you are ok tho 👍🏻

[@scott4427]

Scaphoid is a tough one to heal. Had to have mine screwed together after maaaany weeks of it not healing. Take care Al!

[@jamesf8864]

Good concussion chat. I also really enjoyed the division between you in the last few minutes of the video when discussing risks, and whether or not we should take those risks. This is always a divisive topic that highlights wildly different opinions, and no-one is wrong. We all perceive risks and rewards differently to one another, for all kinds of reasons. My mum would think that ragging a mountain bike down a hill is a surefire way to break all your arms off, but that's because she doesn't have the ability to control a juddering bike at speed on rough ground, so to her, it looks like a certain way to mess yourself up. Her risk assessment would be skewed, plus she couldn't understand how it could possibly be enjoyable. To me, nailing it down a bumpy trail might be standard procedure and massive fun, so of course I'd take that "risk", over and over again without a second thought. We all have to feel alive ❤

[@stevencurtis-rich4178]

I wont even make an attempt to understand concussion as i don't think i have ever suffered but fully understand the feeling of do it as you just never know what is around the corner.

[@ducky237]

Al, I got all that grief from just about everyone I know, & I still want to get back on track!

[@Love4boost]

I’ve gotten cleared on 2 ct scans after breaking my fall with my head in both accidents. Both times I was clearly concussed. The first accident I almost passed out and fell into my door taking my boots off when I got home from the hospital. Second accident was 2 years ago next week and I’m still dealing with vertigo from it

[@pcofmind65]

Hi guys, Chris comments about Al's injury can be distilled down to risk all motorcyclist take a risk just getting on a bike, racing isn't the only domain you are likely to get injured hurt or killed, it ones own acceptance the the passion and joy you get out of motorcycling out ways the risk, if you start thinking like Chris then you might as well give it away. While we hang onto that joy and love of bikes then we take the risk and accept the consequences.