Dying of cancer, but I have a dream (18 tracks, 13 countries) - RIP, Jonathan Ko

jonko

jonko

Well-known member
Who?

My name is Jonathan and I am a long time member of BARF (I bought my first bike from yanabanana over 10 years ago), and admittedly not particularly active since I live in Seattle now. About 2 and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, which is a rare and currently incurable cancer. I have been in treatment every since (twice monthly chemo). The treatments have so far been effective in stabilizing the disease. I am currently relatively healthy and exercise regularly. I have done track days since my diagnosis.
I have always been fascinated by motorcycles. My passion in particular is for the track. I am a fast C pace rider. I have probably done about 10 trackdays in my life.

What?

I would like to ride at all the circuits on the motogp calendar before I die. In the grand scheme of things, it's pretty silly, but I guess it would mean something to me.

When?

ASAP, but I would guess next summer season, except perhaps for Phillip Island.

Why?

Before my diagnosis, I had like most people a very standard idea of what I wanted in life. I would get a job, get married, and have some kids. And I think I would have been happy with that too. But cancer has pretty much thrown that all out the window. Those dreams are impossible. For the last 2 years, I have been coasting through life, and going through the motions. I really have no answer to the question: What does this all mean? I know dreams != meaning, but they are at the very least closely related. I want my life to mean something. I want something to live for. I've been inspired by Diana Nyad (Cuba-FL swim), Terry Fox (one legged run across Canada with cancer), and Moin Khan (ride to Pakistan). All amazing journeys, which I am sure have shaped them as people.
I have always been fascinated by motorcycles. ("Motorcycle" was apparently my first word.) I watch motogp and I see these riders with amazing talent, with absolute mastery of their craft. I know I can never hope to ride like that, but when I am at the track, I feel a small spark of what that might be like. Like I said before, this is a small dream, but I think it would mean something to me.

How?

I would like your help. Right now, I think I would just been interested in your advice. Does this make sense at all? Is it feasible? Stupid? Dangerous? Honestly, I haven't really done much research on this. From my 2 mins of searching, I know at least Phillip Island and Qatar offer trackdays. Ideally, I would love to meet some locals that can show me around and that I could perhaps rent a bike from.
If this this idea makes sense, I would really appreciate introductions to people in these countries and hopefully in the motorcycle community.
I have no agenda. I am not trying to raise cancer awareness or whatever. If pressed, I guess my only message would be this: "Are you living the life you want? If not, why not?"

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your input!

Edit: Update at post #112.
Edit: Update for Laguna Seca #137.
Edit: Update for CotA #143.
Edit: Update for Phillip Island #169.
Edit: Update at post #180.
Edit: Update for Mugello #201.
Edit: Update for Jerez #210.
 
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NorCalAthlete

NorCalAthlete

O_o
I think it sounds like a fantastic idea, and one you'll find plenty of support for on BARF. Feasibility will vary depending on finances, logistics (are track days an option at each and every track?), etc. Stupid? Dangerous? Some would say riding in general is stupid and dangerous, let alone hitting every track on the circuit. I don't think this particular idea is any more stupid or dangerous than riding in general.

PM incoming; good luck dude!
 
budman

budman

General Menace
Staff member
Jon... Go for it.

You have no doubt had a life altering two years. The next two riding as many of the GP tracks in the world and meeting new people is no doubt life altering as well. If it is the passion then that is where you will find life. Good life. Life with living.

Take a camera and note pad and me along please. I will be a worthy reader. No doubt.
 
Spec-ECU

Spec-ECU

required protocol
Let me start you off with this:

I know Laguna Seca hosted its last MotoGP race this year, and who knows when/if MotoGP will return to this circuit. But if you want to still include Laguna Seca in your list, then just make it back down here, and your trackday is on me, and you can ride my track work horse - a 2007 Yamaha R1 - carte blanche.

I'll even ride with you the whole day, C Group or not, if you think that will make your time and experience out in the track that much better. Or I can just be your pit bitch, for that whole professional rider experience; your own pit area, me waiting to roll the bike for you on the stands at the end of your sessions, your own pimp chair, a work table to put the bike on during lunch so it looks like we're working on it, and I'll even have a clipboard with fake data to look like we're working on set up. You can make exaggerated motions with your arms as to what the bike's doing, to complete the look.

Dead serious. Print this if you need to, cash in whenever you're ready.

:thumbup
 
Idioteque

Idioteque

_________________________
sinncere said:
Let me start you off with this:

I know Laguna Seca hosted its last MotoGP race this year, and who knows when/if MotoGP will return to this circuit. But if you want to still include Laguna Seca in your list, then just make it back down here, and your trackday is on me, and you can ride my track work horse - a 2007 Yamaha R1 - carte blanche.

I'll even ride with you the whole day, C Group or not, if you think that will make your time and experience out in the track that much better. Or I can just be your pit bitch, for that whole professional rider experience; your own pit area, me waiting to roll the bike for you on the stands at the end of your sessions, your own pimp chair, a work table to put the bike on during lunch so it looks like we're working on it, and I'll even have a clipboard with fake data to look like we're working on set up. You can make exaggerated motions with your arms as to what the bike's doing, to complete the look.

Dead serious. Print this if you need to, cash in whenever you're ready.

:thumbup
Click to expand...

I fuckin' love you guys here.
 
B

badandy

Well-known member
sinncere said:
Let me start you off with this:

I know Laguna Seca hosted its last MotoGP race this year, and who knows when/if MotoGP will return to this circuit. But if you want to still include Laguna Seca in your list, then just make it back down here, and your trackday is on me, and you can ride my track work horse - a 2007 Yamaha R1 - carte blanche.

I'll even ride with you the whole day, C Group or not, if you think that will make your time and experience out in the track that much better. Or I can just be your pit bitch, for that whole professional rider experience; your own pit area, me waiting to roll the bike for you on the stands at the end of your sessions, your own pimp chair, a work table to put the bike on during lunch so it looks like we're working on it, and I'll even have a clipboard with fake data to look like we're working on set up. You can make exaggerated motions with your arms as to what the bike's doing, to complete the look.

Dead serious. Print this if you need to, cash in whenever you're ready.

:thumbup
Click to expand...

That is VERY Cool!
 
phocup

phocup

Well-known member
sinncere said:
Let me start you off with this:

I know Laguna Seca hosted its last MotoGP race this year, and who knows when/if MotoGP will return to this circuit. But if you want to still include Laguna Seca in your list, then just make it back down here, and your trackday is on me, and you can ride my track work horse - a 2007 Yamaha R1 - carte blanche.

I'll even ride with you the whole day, C Group or not, if you think that will make your time and experience out in the track that much better. Or I can just be your pit bitch, for that whole professional rider experience; your own pit area, me waiting to roll the bike for you on the stands at the end of your sessions, your own pimp chair, a work table to put the bike on during lunch so it looks like we're working on it, and I'll even have a clipboard with fake data to look like we're working on set up. You can make exaggerated motions with your arms as to what the bike's doing, to complete the look.

Dead serious. Print this if you need to, cash in whenever you're ready.

:thumbup
Click to expand...

:thumbup :thumbup and another :thumbup
 
xl1200r

xl1200r

Active member
sinncere said:
Let me start you off with this:

I know Laguna Seca hosted its last MotoGP race this year, and who knows when/if MotoGP will return to this circuit. But if you want to still include Laguna Seca in your list, then just make it back down here, and your trackday is on me, and you can ride my track work horse - a 2007 Yamaha R1 - carte blanche.

I'll even ride with you the whole day, C Group or not, if you think that will make your time and experience out in the track that much better. Or I can just be your pit bitch, for that whole professional rider experience; your own pit area, me waiting to roll the bike for you on the stands at the end of your sessions, your own pimp chair, a work table to put the bike on during lunch so it looks like we're working on it, and I'll even have a clipboard with fake data to look like we're working on set up. You can make exaggerated motions with your arms as to what the bike's doing, to complete the look.

Dead serious. Print this if you need to, cash in whenever you're ready.

:thumbup
Click to expand...

very generous...:thumbup:thumbup:thumbup
 
rugbydawg13

rugbydawg13

MoreTitaniumThanMyBikes
Do it! I was just telling my girlfriend that if we won the lottery, I'd go on tour with MotoGP for the whole year. Actually riding those tracks is even cooler.
 
dtrides

dtrides

Well-known member
Hi Jonathan, sorry to hear of your troubles.
I say yes, go forth and ride the great tracks of the world! Live large, meet great folks along the way, deal with your setbacks that may come and relish all of it !
Maybe you could journal and share your ups and downs on a blog for others to follow? Please remember,you are important in ways yet to be shown .
So I say GO FOR IT and let those who can, help along the way.
Really looking forward to how this all unfolds for you:thumbup
DT
 
Pushrod

Pushrod

Well-known member
Don't hesitate. Trust me on this

As an old man you will regret more the things you didn't do rather than the things you did. (Apologies to Sam Clemons). Sail away from any safe harbor and walk on distant shores.

Since my wife had a diagnosis of MCL (lukemia) our life together has become very interesting, the boredom factor has disappeared and the unexpected bonus is that I am now more of a better person than previous.
 
greenaero

greenaero

motorcycle hypermiler
Jon, you gotta follow yours dreams!! Your's is a cool one and you can see how it is already inspiring others. Even if you aren't successful you will love the journey along the way. :thumbup
 
NTron3000

NTron3000

When in doubt...
In. Sincere that is an awesome offer. I've got zero racing experience but I'll show up and man the BBQ. Or make sandwiches. Or bring the turntables (which no I don't own but I got a mean playlist on the iPhone and I ain't afraid of no remixed 'Devil went down to Georgia'). So much inspiring awesome in your post and spirit in general. Would love to hang for a day and support this.
 
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