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-
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On October 10th Elect Rob Morley
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THE
ROB MORLEY
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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
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