That's a pity, Tony told me that Damien's got all his bones in the right position, as he put it. Now for the skin grafts. Jeeze. Sometimes these things happen to the wrong people. Linzi.

Not exactly your average stereotypical terrorist. Seriously though, that is shocking.

I flew from Newcastle to Stansted last year. It was lashing down with rain so grabbed the only waterproof jacket I owned at that time, you guessed it, my textile bike jacket. You should have seen the queue at security while they searched the pockets (must be at least 10) and queried whether or not to cut the lining and armour open!

Demarcation mate.
Only baggage handlers are allowed to break passengers luggage.. it is in the fine print.

-----------------------
Good luck on the next atempt.
Edit - oh distant memories...
There area at least two types of boomerangs - returning and killing. Killing ones are heavier and don't return. Returning ones are 'sporting equipment' .. not meant to be a weapon. In the same way that a pen is not meant to be a weapon .. but you could use it as a weapon.

Boomerang

__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

Hi Frank, thanks. I worked out it was actually an immigration officer. I have noticed over the years they are humourless on duty and zero tolernce enthusiasts. Still, this was out of order. A couple approached me out of the blue as I waited for my bag and saying they had witnessed it, said it was appalling. I have thought and actually one thing this guy acheived was to leave his post for 10 minutes over a detail of insignificance. I also feel the press has led to them watching tourists rather than for terrorists. I was treated very differently when an army officer and that should not be the case. Us and them! I'll put everything in the hold next time but it is impossible to think how to reply if approached or spoken to. Still it gave me time to try shooting several rolls of film and that paid dividends. Finally it was a timely turn around. The magazine editor e-mailed with a pathetic financial offer and didn't even answer Tony's query about payment. We're going to write for a different magazine so I'l more than get my money back in a way. Linzi.

I find it best to say nothing. If it is really really needed .. say as little as possible, and in 'official terms'. No jokes, no humour, no added information. Just answer the base question truthfully but minimally.
Sometimes a gesture of 'I don't know' works well - palms outwards - shrug shoulders and a blank look on the face. Conveys helplessness and ignorance, most people then try to help rather than hinder. At least the next question might give a clue as to the 'correct answer'.

__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

Yes Frank I agree but for those not experienced with UK entry I'd say our customs and immigration officials are very hard to please. "Yes Sir, No Sir, Three Bags Full Sir". I'm going by Heathrow next time incase the same guy does it again at Gatwick. I'll be very observant of the Serbian immigration officials as a comparison. Linzi.

Hi Damien, Tony and Linzi

Just finished the chapter in Mike Carter's "Uneasy Rider" called "The Land of the Giants" which covers Montenegro and decided that it is a place I must visit, after he described the scenery so vividly and even if it's just to see the second tallest race of people in the World, after the Watutsi of Burundi!

As a bike dealer in North Oxfordshire, I would like to help by offering a free ad on the Biketrader website to assist in moving the bike on to it's new owner, which shouldn't be to long with 09 just round the corner.

January is surprisingly busy (lots of Christmas gift money and work bonuses) and as an optomist, I feel that any normal person feeling depressed about the credit crunch, will just say "Sod it all, I'm going to buy a bike!" Have to think like that, as business is dire at the moment.

Just found this great site, via Mike Carter's amusing book and look forward to offering , tea, help, advice and accomodation to other touring bikers when needed and as a payback for all the good turns done for me in the past.

Damien, once you've recovered, you and your mates are welcome anytime and we can pop down to my local for a pint of warm or perhaps we can nip down to Munich for the 2009 Octoberfest for a stein or three!

Get well soon mate (I hate these things, but this little fellow looked like it was made for us!) and hope I can be a useful part in what will soon, I'm sure, be just a distant memory.

Good luck with your trip Linzi and hope you get through the stress barrier at the airport this time. Please feel free to get in touch if you need any help and ride safe.

Cheers


Chris

__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"

Thanks for that offer Chris, that would be helpful.

Damien is making good progress. All his surgery is finished now and he hopes to be using a walking frame to put some weight on his feet by xmas.

I heard from Rade (my new friend and keeper of the bike in Montenegro) that Lindsay made it there. That was a week ago, I haven't heard anything since.

Montenegro is an exceptionally beautiful place. Durmitor Nat Pk is stunning and is superb for biking. I'm going back in May to visit Rade and see more of the place.

I have written an article about the accident for Motorcycle Sport and Leisure. It should be out in the next edition.

Tony

Hi Tony

Nice to hear from you and glad to hear that all is on the way up for Damien, as something that simple could have happened to any of us and there for the grace of God, etc, etc. The only challenge for adventurous people is handling the boredom whilst recuperating, but he can always put that time to good use and learn how to speak Montenegrian!

Can't believe that you can see the whole saga unfold via this site and look forward to hearing how Linzi got on when he returns. "What a Guy!" (Red Dwarf, Ace Rimmer episode)

Be more then happy to help with the sale and if you are in the UK before your next trip back to that area, please feel free to get in touch.

Cheers


Chris

__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"

I live on the Isle of Wight ha ha

Lindsay's trip sure will be frosty (i love those things!!)

What Aussie in his right mind would end up on the IOW?

Only kidding, as I like the place and went to the Towrags Trike Rally at the Speedway Stadium near Ryde. Good laugh and went on a 4 seater Wing, with the family.

I could get to like these things.

Cheers


Chris

__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"

Obviously I'm not in my right mind. I haven't "ended up" here, I'm just here for a period. Long story, involving a girl of course, came back to the UK to be with her, 2 days later she says sorry about dragging you to the other side of the world but it turns out I dont love you afetr all. sorry bout that..
Life goes on and is very good. I have a good job and a great lifestyle here with lots of European travel opportunities (incl my 4 month bike trip). I'll stay for another year then head to south america for a couple of years.

Hi Tony

Sorry to hear of your tale of woe and didn't mean to be flippant about your reasons for living on the IOW.

Wondered if you had any updates, as it's all gone a bit quiet. Has Linzi arrived back with the bike? How is Damien doing?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

Chris

__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"

Hey no worries Chris, i can laugh about it now The IOW is an unusual place to be living for sure! I just re-read my post and it sounds really serious but i didn't mean it that way.

I havent heard from Lindsay, I have texted and emailed him. Rade sent me a text on 7th December to say Lindsay had arrived at his place in Montenegro. I hope he's just having a nice adventure and hasn't either frozen solid or sold the bike in Ukraine.

Damien is doing ok, is weight bearing on one leg now with a walking frame. Is going home from hospital on xmas eve. His other knee desnt fully straighten yet, there is still some swelling there which is going down.

Merry xmas to all

As a few of my Aussie mates used to shout to testify all's well, back in my DHL London days of the 70's and 80's. Great bunch and I think the travelling bug rubbed off from those blokes.

Look forward to hearing about his journey back, as it's such a live story and wish him well and hope he's home for Christmas.

Cheers


Chris (Bloody Things!)

__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"