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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-10-04, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2007. PAGE 15. Paul Johnston of Auburn is gettinghis motor running, and planning tohead out on the highway come July 2008. Johnston, who lost his left arm in a motorcycle accident in 1967, plans on going on a cross-country motorcycle road trip starting in Newfoundland and ending in British Columbia, stopping at military hospitals, seeing veterans and other amputees along the way. Johnston wants to see anyone he can help. He’ll be stopping into hospitals, visiting veterans, factory workers, anyone who needs a lift after losing a limb. A trip 40 years in the making, Johnston was moved to action after seeing footage of soldiers coming back to North America from Iraq and Afghanistan after suffering horrendous injuries. Johnston has been there, and could empathize with the soldiers, knowing that their time in hospital would be some of the darkest hours of their lives. When Johnston lost his arm, he was 19 years old and felt his life was over. Thoughts went through his head, wondering if a girl would ever want to be with him, if he’d be able to work, ride a motorcycle, etc. He faced tough times in the hospital. When the possibility arose of amputating his left leg due to extensive injuries, Johnston began to contemplate suicide. However, a young doctor with a new skin-grafting idea experimented on him, leaving Johnston with his leg and getting his name into the medical history books while he was at it. After several visits from a WarAmps representitive, Johnston was unsatisfied, and didn’t want to see him again. It wasn’t until a nurse sent up a kitchen aid with one arm that Johnston’s life was changed forever. The man spoke briefly with Johnston, not saying much, but what he did say was effective. He told Johnston that he could do whatever he wanted to do, as long as he was sincere and committed. Although it took him 11 years to get back on a bike, Johnston is now more enthusiastic than ever. He said it happened very quickly too, trading in for bigger bikes after mere months of riding. However, to recalibrate his balance, he needed to start again on a bicycle. With a slight modification, the clutch of the motorcycle is put on the right handlebar, and Johnston can ride just as he did as a young man. “It’s a funny thing. I can’t skate and chew gum at the same time, but I can make a bike dance,” he said. The plan is to start in Newfoundland and drive across Canada, east to west, ending in British Columbia. Johnston will be travelling with a five-car camera crew who will be taking it all in for adocumentary.Through several avenues and witha little luck, Johnston was connectedwith Studio M, a digital productioncompany based in Toronto, who took interest in the project. After hearing about the project, Rocky’s Harley-Davidson in London donated a brand new 2008 motorcycle for Johnston to ride on and Studio M constructed a three- minute short film to show to potential sponsors, all pro bono. He aims to raise $250,000 for the trip by July 2008. Volvo in Goderich, where Johnston has worked for years, will serve as a sponsor for his trip. Johnston expects the trip will take about two months round trip. This includes a little detour he hopes will prove to be “the icing on the cake.” Once on the west coast of Canada, Johnston plans to head south to California, with a final destination of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Johnston has high hopes that Leno, a noted motorcycle enthusiastm will want to talk with him. And as always, his wife, Christine, will be riding on the bike right behind him the whole way. “Oh, I never miss a trip,” she said. “I wouldn’t miss this trip for the world.” Authorized by the CFO for the Rob Morley Campaign A Vote for Rob Morley is a Voice for Rural Ontario “We need to elect Rob as he will shine quickly and rise to a prominent role where he can press our goals and aspirations as a community of families, businesses and neighbours.” Blaine Field, President, Goderich Aircraft Inc., Huron Park “Rob has demonstrated a keen interest and support for Huron Bruce. His thoughtful and steady approach will be very helpful in our future.” Dr. Gary Gurbin, Kincardine “I pledge to have a strong, respected voice at Queen's Park. I guarantee that the issues that matter in Huron Bruce will receive proper atten- tion and action. I will not settle for less. Huron Bruce deserves better - Leadership does matter!” Rob Morley On October 10th Elect Rob Morley 1-866-615-1203 www.robmorley.com THE ROB MORLEY CAMPAIGN Meet & Greet Ausable Bayfi eld Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region invites you to meet the region’s newly-appointed Source Protection Committee Chair and Members When: Wednesday, October 3, 2:00pm Where: The OMAFRA Building 100 Don Street Clinton The Source Protection Committee is responsible for creating a Source Protection Plan for drinking water, under the provisions of the Ontario Clean Water Act. For more information: sourcewaterinfo.on.ca Auburn man to ride across the country Born to ride Paul Johnston of Auburn, seen here with the 2008 Harley-Davidson he’ll be taking across Canada in 2008 is looking forward to lifting spirits all across the country next year and maybe making an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno with any luck. (Photo submitted) By Shawn LoughlinThe Citizen Beat the temptation. 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