A story of resilience
Jay, a rider since he was 17, broke his back after falling down a flight of starts sixteen years ago, and was told by doctors he’d never walk again.
Refusing to accept that fate, Jay rebuilt his strength and eventually returned to riding, fulfilling his teenage dream by purchasing a Harley Softail Custom, which he affectionally names ‘Quinn’.
After my accident, I see every day as a bonus,” says Jay. “When I first got back on a bike, I was terrified, but that fear turned into utter joy.”
A love affair of riding
Jay regularly rides with his wife and has adapted his beloved Harley Softail Custom to fit her accessibility needs. He fitted quick-release clips to his beloved Harley so she can strap her sticks to the bike and ride alongside him.
Together, they’ve ridden across the New Forest and Yorkshire, with dreams of exploring further afield to Kefalonia or Malta.
“Riding the bike blows the cobwebs away particularly if we've had a bad day at work,” Jay adds, highlighting just some of the mental health benefits of riding.
This echoes recent research from Entire Cover, that showed 59% of motorcyclists cite mental health benefits as the most rewarding part of being on two wheels.
“We are both determined that nothing will stop us,” Jay adds.
Looking to the future
So, what advice would Jay give to anyone looking to pursue a dream of riding motorbikes?
“Ride safe and enjoy every second of biking, just as we do!”
We thank Jay for sharing his story with us and wish him and his wife many happy years on the road.
