Dying of cancer, but I have a dream (18 tracks, 13 countries) - RIP, Jonathan Ko
- Thread starter jonko
- Start date
jonko
Well-known member
Melbourne/Phillip Island advice?
Hi all,
So I've booked plane tickets and track school at Phillip Island in December. Just wondering if anyone had any advice for me regarding where to stay, what to do, etc... It'll be a family trip with my mom. Don't have any definite plans yet.
Where should I stay? Phillip Island? Melbourne? Are there any good day trips? I'm thinking about taking my mom a glider ride. Other than that, I'm hoping to relax, maybe swimming and diving if it exists.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Jon
Hi all,
So I've booked plane tickets and track school at Phillip Island in December. Just wondering if anyone had any advice for me regarding where to stay, what to do, etc... It'll be a family trip with my mom. Don't have any definite plans yet.
Where should I stay? Phillip Island? Melbourne? Are there any good day trips? I'm thinking about taking my mom a glider ride. Other than that, I'm hoping to relax, maybe swimming and diving if it exists.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Jon
vaibhavdesai137
YoYoYo Wassup!
I have spent the last 30 minutes going through the entire thread and it is hella inspiring. You rock dude. And so does everyone here. Amazing how everyone is willing to go out of their way to help a stranger (not a stranger anymore, though). You guys kick ass :thumbup. Great story.
My turn: I have been pretty active on the Z1000forum.com. On the forum, I know a guy called Ash from Australia (where Z1000s are super popular). He has done the Philip Island track a number of times. He is super helpful and very passionate about motorcycles. I am going to send him a PM right now. I think he lives in Adelaide. I am sure he'll help you directly or find a way to get help to you. Either way, he'll ensure you have a great time in Aus.
I was contemplating going to Thunderhill on Sat because it might rain and may be cold. After reading this thread, I told myself, "Fuck yeah
. I am going even if theres a tsunami on the way".
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djnsmith7
Well-known member
This thread is so full of Awesome! :thumbup:teeth
It's awesome to see you taking on this journey on your terms, the way we're supposed to live our lives. I'm so glad you decided to do this & make it everything you could dream of.
Here's to hoping you get to ride every single track you set out to ride, my friend! :thumbup
It's awesome to see you taking on this journey on your terms, the way we're supposed to live our lives. I'm so glad you decided to do this & make it everything you could dream of.
Here's to hoping you get to ride every single track you set out to ride, my friend! :thumbup
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Sticka
I am the Stig
Jon, PM me the dates of your flights, mate.
I am an Aussie, well close enough, I lived south of Melbourne for 30 years.
I have ridden the track several times and I know an instructor that still works there.
I will be able to help you out with where to stay, what to see, etc. :thumbup
I am an Aussie, well close enough, I lived south of Melbourne for 30 years.
I have ridden the track several times and I know an instructor that still works there.
I will be able to help you out with where to stay, what to see, etc. :thumbup
jonko
Well-known member
Australia (part 1)
Just got back from my trip to Australia. It was a good experience and I am glad I made it. The trip was broken up into roughly three parts. I spend the first part in Melbourne, then Philip Island, and finally Sydney. The weather was one of the highlights of the trip. The temperature was mild, probably around the low 80s. It was a wonderful contrast to the winter here in Seattle. I loved how easy it was to get around, although driving on the left took a little time to get used to. However, I thought the road signage in the country was excellent. I also enjoyed no-tipping culture. It was great to be able to pay exactly the prices shown without having worrying if I was paying too much or too little.
So here is Melbourne in a couple pictures:
The city has a nice contrast of old and new.
Full of little alleyways with nice shops and restaurants, with a free tram which runs around the city.
This is Victoria Market, a perpetual farmers/flea market in the heart of the city.
We took a drive out to the Great Ocean Road to check out the nature:
It was then off to Phillip Island. I participated in a track day with with the Australian chapter of California Superbike School aka Keith Code's school. I also did an additional track day on top of that. This was the second level of the of the school, and was all about how to use your eyes. It focused on using reference points, and how to use a wide view to help slow the impression of speed. Honestly, I was a bit stressed out from trying to do the drills and to learn the track at the same time. I feel like I might not have gotten as much from the school as I could have.
I did the level 1 course earlier this year and I felt it made a huge improvement to my riding. I guess I am on the part of the learning curve where improvements now come slower, and that left me a bit frustrated. However, by the end of the second day, I did feel fairly comfortable on the circuit. My pace was decent, I was relaxed, and my instructor was fairly happy with my riding.
It is my belief that to do something means to do it well. I am glad to be making progress in riding, no matter how slowly. At my best, I feel like I might be getting a very tiny glimpse into what it means to really ride hard. It is a feeling of calm, with no conscious thought to all those technical aspects of riding, like shifting, braking, turning, accelerating. The eyes are effortlessly focused on the proper things. There is time to simply focus on how to bike feels. It's riding at an entirely different level. I don't know if I will ever get there, but it would be nice to try.
Incredibly, this beautiful scenery is in the infield.
Only decent shot of the two days. I was probably pushing a bit too hard here though. I had a bit of an incident a few laps later. I think the traction control saved my bacon.
And some other pictures from the wildlife on the island.
Pelicans are big.
Koalas are lazy, and kangaroos are soft and docile.
Just got back from my trip to Australia. It was a good experience and I am glad I made it. The trip was broken up into roughly three parts. I spend the first part in Melbourne, then Philip Island, and finally Sydney. The weather was one of the highlights of the trip. The temperature was mild, probably around the low 80s. It was a wonderful contrast to the winter here in Seattle. I loved how easy it was to get around, although driving on the left took a little time to get used to. However, I thought the road signage in the country was excellent. I also enjoyed no-tipping culture. It was great to be able to pay exactly the prices shown without having worrying if I was paying too much or too little.
So here is Melbourne in a couple pictures:
The city has a nice contrast of old and new.
Full of little alleyways with nice shops and restaurants, with a free tram which runs around the city.
This is Victoria Market, a perpetual farmers/flea market in the heart of the city.
We took a drive out to the Great Ocean Road to check out the nature:
It was then off to Phillip Island. I participated in a track day with with the Australian chapter of California Superbike School aka Keith Code's school. I also did an additional track day on top of that. This was the second level of the of the school, and was all about how to use your eyes. It focused on using reference points, and how to use a wide view to help slow the impression of speed. Honestly, I was a bit stressed out from trying to do the drills and to learn the track at the same time. I feel like I might not have gotten as much from the school as I could have.
I did the level 1 course earlier this year and I felt it made a huge improvement to my riding. I guess I am on the part of the learning curve where improvements now come slower, and that left me a bit frustrated. However, by the end of the second day, I did feel fairly comfortable on the circuit. My pace was decent, I was relaxed, and my instructor was fairly happy with my riding.
It is my belief that to do something means to do it well. I am glad to be making progress in riding, no matter how slowly. At my best, I feel like I might be getting a very tiny glimpse into what it means to really ride hard. It is a feeling of calm, with no conscious thought to all those technical aspects of riding, like shifting, braking, turning, accelerating. The eyes are effortlessly focused on the proper things. There is time to simply focus on how to bike feels. It's riding at an entirely different level. I don't know if I will ever get there, but it would be nice to try.
Incredibly, this beautiful scenery is in the infield.
Only decent shot of the two days. I was probably pushing a bit too hard here though. I had a bit of an incident a few laps later. I think the traction control saved my bacon.
And some other pictures from the wildlife on the island.
Pelicans are big.
Koalas are lazy, and kangaroos are soft and docile.
jonko
Well-known member
Australia (part 2)
I was then off to Sydney. It is a bustling city which felt surprisingly crowded.
The obligatory opera house shot. It is larger and more impressive in person.
I love the colors and the shapes in this shot.
Shot from the ferry to Manly beach, the local secret.
It is in contrast to Bondi Beach. The views here were spectacular, and I not just talking about the scenery.
The opera house at night has a completely different vibe.
I had a chance to meet up with some of the locals here. In the end, it is really the connections that matter. Unfortunately, I have no pictures with any of them. I kind of dropped the ball on this one.
Ken is a friend of Ian (Sticka) from the board. He is an avid track rider and helps out at the track days. He introduced me to some of the people that run the school and the track days. All around a great group of people. It felt really like a family. He is unfortunately also part of the cancer club. I was humbled by his drive and energy. It was good to talk to someone who could share in the struggle.
Jess is a friend of a friend who lives in Sydney and has two very cute and wonderful kids. We spent a day with her at the zoo and she gave me a driving tour of the city. Even though we live very different lives, it was nice to share our similarities and also get a different perspective on things.
So I guess if you've read this far, you might be interested in how things are going with me. I had surgery in October to remove a small tumor in my lung which was not responding to chemotherapy. The chemo seems to be keeping the rest of the cancer in check. The schedule is still once every three weeks. The side effects from the chemo has lessened over time. I still get some fatigue, but it is much better than before. I am grateful for this time that I have, but no one has any idea if and when things will change. Other aspects of life however has not been so great. Work in particular has been bad. I was put on probation for low performance. This really hurt, and I have been struggling with it ever since. As much as I would like to, it has been difficult to separate what I do with who I am. Of all the things that I do, this is what I have spent the most time on; it should be the best of me. To be told that you suck at it, and you suck at it so badly that you might be fired has been a terrible blow. For the most part, I have struggled with confidence and worth all my life. I have been making progress, but this has reinforced that little part of me which frankly believes I am worthless. At first, I was trying to fight it and blame it on an unfair process and an unfair boss. But in the end, although that might be true, it is not productive. I've decided to own it. I have not been working as hard as I can. I have made mistakes and could improve. I am going to fight. I don't know if I'm able to get out of this hole I've made, but the next quarter will be crucial.
So overall, I feel less connected, satisfied, fulfilled. But at the same time, I feel more driven to do more and try harder. I guess this is the other edge of having low self-esteem. It has been responsible for much of the success I have achieved so far. I wish for more answers, but life doesn't really work that way.
I was then off to Sydney. It is a bustling city which felt surprisingly crowded.
The obligatory opera house shot. It is larger and more impressive in person.
I love the colors and the shapes in this shot.
Shot from the ferry to Manly beach, the local secret.
It is in contrast to Bondi Beach. The views here were spectacular, and I not just talking about the scenery.
The opera house at night has a completely different vibe.
I had a chance to meet up with some of the locals here. In the end, it is really the connections that matter. Unfortunately, I have no pictures with any of them. I kind of dropped the ball on this one.
Ken is a friend of Ian (Sticka) from the board. He is an avid track rider and helps out at the track days. He introduced me to some of the people that run the school and the track days. All around a great group of people. It felt really like a family. He is unfortunately also part of the cancer club. I was humbled by his drive and energy. It was good to talk to someone who could share in the struggle.
Jess is a friend of a friend who lives in Sydney and has two very cute and wonderful kids. We spent a day with her at the zoo and she gave me a driving tour of the city. Even though we live very different lives, it was nice to share our similarities and also get a different perspective on things.
So I guess if you've read this far, you might be interested in how things are going with me. I had surgery in October to remove a small tumor in my lung which was not responding to chemotherapy. The chemo seems to be keeping the rest of the cancer in check. The schedule is still once every three weeks. The side effects from the chemo has lessened over time. I still get some fatigue, but it is much better than before. I am grateful for this time that I have, but no one has any idea if and when things will change. Other aspects of life however has not been so great. Work in particular has been bad. I was put on probation for low performance. This really hurt, and I have been struggling with it ever since. As much as I would like to, it has been difficult to separate what I do with who I am. Of all the things that I do, this is what I have spent the most time on; it should be the best of me. To be told that you suck at it, and you suck at it so badly that you might be fired has been a terrible blow. For the most part, I have struggled with confidence and worth all my life. I have been making progress, but this has reinforced that little part of me which frankly believes I am worthless. At first, I was trying to fight it and blame it on an unfair process and an unfair boss. But in the end, although that might be true, it is not productive. I've decided to own it. I have not been working as hard as I can. I have made mistakes and could improve. I am going to fight. I don't know if I'm able to get out of this hole I've made, but the next quarter will be crucial.
So overall, I feel less connected, satisfied, fulfilled. But at the same time, I feel more driven to do more and try harder. I guess this is the other edge of having low self-esteem. It has been responsible for much of the success I have achieved so far. I wish for more answers, but life doesn't really work that way.
Don't be your worst enemy. From the outside, you seem to be doing very well considering your situation. Don't be your worst critic. Try to enjoy your accomplishments and take pride in knowing what you know and keep trying to get a grasp of what you need to learn (hope that doesn't sound to cliché but I believe it holds true). Try identifying what your shortcomings are, that is the first step in accomplishing what you need to do. Just my 2 cents.
Sticka
I am the Stig
I am so glad that you got to meet Ken.
He is a super nice guy and the way that he and his family are handling his cancer is truly inspirational.
I am trying to talk him into coming to Laguna Seca for a track day in 2015.
He doesn't even want to think about it until his treatment moves to once every 6 weeks.....help me convince him!!
He is a super nice guy and the way that he and his family are handling his cancer is truly inspirational.
I am trying to talk him into coming to Laguna Seca for a track day in 2015.
He doesn't even want to think about it until his treatment moves to once every 6 weeks.....help me convince him!!
Dude. Any of us could check out tomorrow and your adventure is so much more rocking than living day to day and just exiting this world.
Australia looks awesome.
Keep it up.. You are inspiring many. I hope you are sharing this thread with other cancer patients. If not. Think about it.
God bless brother.
Australia looks awesome.
Keep it up.. You are inspiring many. I hope you are sharing this thread with other cancer patients. If not. Think about it.
God bless brother.
NorCalAthlete
O_o
Can I nominate this thread for best of barf?
motojen
Well-known member
Jonko, hugs! Healing thoughts and positive vibes your way. You will turn the work sotuation around, no doubt. Keep asking what you have to do to do better and get honest feedback from those you trust. I've always struggled as well to not let work define who I am or my success at life...but who you are is sooo much more. You're an inspiration to all of us around here. I agree with Bud, share your story with others affected by cancer- I bet they will be inspired too. keep up the good fight
keep up the good fight
jonko
Well-known member
My life is easy, my life is hard
It was my birthday a couple weeks ago which also happened to coincide with the anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. I thought it would be a good time to reflect and take stock of the previous year. It was a great year. I visited 4 motogp tracks and rode on 3. I rode 6 trackdays with additional dirt and mountain biking excursions. My riding is better and stronger than ever. I have made new friends and connected with old ones. I am as healthy and fit as I have been in a long time. I was also able to accomplish some other personal goals. I spent considerable effort and energy to fix my work situation; I was able to transition smoothly to a new group. My soccer skills continue to improve. I threw a kick-ass Halloween party and puzzle room. I coauthored an academic paper (in review). I made art. I have also received 19 chemo infusions, 1 surgery and incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. I am often dumbfounded by how well I am doing. I am truly grateful for all that I have, and for all those who love and support me.
These last years have been the worst, hardest, best years of my life. There has been a great deal of suffering, but I come out of it with better understanding of myself and focus on what’s important. To sum it up, my life is easy, my life is hard. I am clear on what gives me meaning. But the pursuit of it is not always easy. Fear, distraction, physical and mental constraints can stand in the way. And sometimes it simply requires a great deal of hard work and effort. There is joy and satisfaction, but that joy as always is tempered by sadness. I know that which is can never last. Everything I am, my entire experience is transient. That thought is oftentimes too overwhelming to contemplate. But at the same time, it is necessary to keep it close.
Now too is a good time to look forward to the future. I had made plans to visit Sachsenring in June. However, I have yet to secure a bike for the event. The Germans are not as efficient as I have been lead to believe. So it may not happen. I was able to book Mugello for August and will hopefully finalize Jerez for November. Bike hires (rentals) have been expensive and not as easy as I would have hoped. I am actually considering buying a bike in Europe to store and bring to events. It seems that I won’t get to go to as many MotoGP tracks as I would have hoped, but I am at peace with that. There are many other things which requires doing.
Life is good and I am so grateful for all that I have.
I’d just like to end with a small vanity project of mine. This is me. I am more than my disease. There is joy and happiness and pain and sadness here. I would like to think that there is strength and dignity here as well.
It was my birthday a couple weeks ago which also happened to coincide with the anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. I thought it would be a good time to reflect and take stock of the previous year. It was a great year. I visited 4 motogp tracks and rode on 3. I rode 6 trackdays with additional dirt and mountain biking excursions. My riding is better and stronger than ever. I have made new friends and connected with old ones. I am as healthy and fit as I have been in a long time. I was also able to accomplish some other personal goals. I spent considerable effort and energy to fix my work situation; I was able to transition smoothly to a new group. My soccer skills continue to improve. I threw a kick-ass Halloween party and puzzle room. I coauthored an academic paper (in review). I made art. I have also received 19 chemo infusions, 1 surgery and incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. I am often dumbfounded by how well I am doing. I am truly grateful for all that I have, and for all those who love and support me.
These last years have been the worst, hardest, best years of my life. There has been a great deal of suffering, but I come out of it with better understanding of myself and focus on what’s important. To sum it up, my life is easy, my life is hard. I am clear on what gives me meaning. But the pursuit of it is not always easy. Fear, distraction, physical and mental constraints can stand in the way. And sometimes it simply requires a great deal of hard work and effort. There is joy and satisfaction, but that joy as always is tempered by sadness. I know that which is can never last. Everything I am, my entire experience is transient. That thought is oftentimes too overwhelming to contemplate. But at the same time, it is necessary to keep it close.
Now too is a good time to look forward to the future. I had made plans to visit Sachsenring in June. However, I have yet to secure a bike for the event. The Germans are not as efficient as I have been lead to believe. So it may not happen. I was able to book Mugello for August and will hopefully finalize Jerez for November. Bike hires (rentals) have been expensive and not as easy as I would have hoped. I am actually considering buying a bike in Europe to store and bring to events. It seems that I won’t get to go to as many MotoGP tracks as I would have hoped, but I am at peace with that. There are many other things which requires doing.
Life is good and I am so grateful for all that I have.
I’d just like to end with a small vanity project of mine. This is me. I am more than my disease. There is joy and happiness and pain and sadness here. I would like to think that there is strength and dignity here as well.
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