That's a good video David. Thanks for representing the brace and giving us riders a real reality check on safety. It has opened my eyes about the frequency of these types of injuries in our sport. I hope to see more of these worn by all riders, both professional and on our local tracks. I just hope they keep an affordable price tag for the working man...

If you're a Vital MX member, feel free to leave your comments here. (Like Ryan did above.)

David good to see you.Thanks so much for bringing this subject up Iam a father of two boys who ride as well as myself.Please send me email with info where to get these braces.Any info you can send me I will pass on to all of our friends that ride with us.Thank you again for this very touching video.My wife will feel so much better with us wearing these braces.Take care.Look forward to hearing from you.

David,

Thanks for having the courage. Do they come in kids sizes? If we get the kids to wear them from Day 1 they won't ride without one.

Ken Bach

(In 1983 or 84 at High Point I was the yellow flagman before the triple behind the starting gate. When you were running down Glover and jumped that thing you blew my mind. It took every thing I had to jump the double. On that day I knew I would never turn pro. Thanks for the wakeup then and now.)

Just wanted to say thx for doing this video and its about time somebody stepped up and starts pushing this kind of device. Hope your doing better and keep positive!

And THAT is why you are a champion! Thanks for showing all of us what class and courage look like. You are a great example of the kind of human being we should all be like. It's totally from the heart and not in opposition to anyone or anything, but support of a great case. Thanks David!

David,

You will forever be the champ! What a video, thank you. Everyone needs to stand up and join the fight to improve safety in are sport, and what a great place to start. But its only the start, too many riders have suffered allready. Why? Every other sport has moved forward to improve safety. The time for us should have been 1987 when a Icon in are sport feel victim. Lets not wait any longer!

david!

that is why you are a TRUE chapion! that was a tru heart felt message and it takes somone like you to truely tell everyone what we need to do to make this sport better. that is why you have and will always be one of my heros of this sport! i am planing on buying one as soon as possible and that is what everyone needs to do! we can have fun but we need to be safe. i am behind you and this message 100%! thankyou david.

I praise you for finally doing this video. Nobody wants to be the first to fully stand behind a new idea and I'm glad you are pulling on your resources to make your point. You have to call out MC, Button, and Ricky to sweep all aspects of the industry. What would we have done if Jim Castillo didn't hurt his knees skiiing? No CTI2 braces? And who doesnt where them? The Leatt-brace needs to stay and enforced if neccessary. I will be back in the industry in a few years after I get out of Chiropractic school and I will be a major advocate of this device.

You are absolutely right David. Alot of people talk about doing things but it doesn't happen. After my dad and I watched this video, we decided that today we are going to order a brace for each me and my little brother.



One thing I haven't seen is a comparison to knee braces. I mean, how many people are wearing knee braces now? I have worn them so long that if I had to ride without I couldn't do it. I am so used to the protection of them that I couldn't ride without the confidence of them being there. This is what people need to feel with this brace, and even if it's uncomfortable, you will get used to it to the point where you won't be ab;e to ride without it, just like the knee braces are now.

It's about time someone said something. Not blaming David. More so I'm proud of him. I fiddle around on a pit bike and some fools on a 250F and a few 450's snickered about me and my toy bike. Sure enough, I smoked them on the track. They said, "Well, it must be because you can throw that bike around because it's light." I said, "Actually my little bike is about the same weight as your bike. It's a pig. You just have too powerful of a bike."



The bikes today are too much power for the average rider. They buy them because of peer pressure. It's sad. People ride over their heads because of peer pressure. They need to stand up and get a brace to hold their stupid heads on their stupid shoulders.

It's about time someone said something. Not blaming David. More so I'm proud of him. I fiddle around on a pit bike and some fools on a 250F and a few 450's snickered about me and my toy bike. Sure enough, I smoked them on the track. They said, "Well, it must be because you can throw that bike around because it's light." I said, "Actually my little bike is about the same weight as your bike. It's a pig. You just have too powerful of a bike."



The bikes today are too much power for the average rider. They buy them because of peer pressure. It's sad. People ride over their heads because of peer pressure. They need to stand up and get a brace to hold their stupid heads on their stupid shoulders.

It's about time someone stepped up.. Good job Bailey..

this is a great thing i am going out this weekend and buying my daughters one

hey this video has a lot of meaning behind it...i am intrested in learning more about this brace, and i was wondering who makes this brace?....where i can get one?....and for how much??..

....Thanks for doing this video on saftey because i know how u guys must feel because i watched a friends lose his life in a crash at a local practice track.....thanks again.....you can e-mail me back at ryan_mosch09@hotmail.com

Proof to all that he is still a real champion. His face and tone speak volume on what could have been. We should all be listen to the "Little Professor"

Great job David! I think this has been long over due. Maybe now we'll see more guys wearing the Leatt Brace. I for one will be ording one when I am able to start riding again. Now its time for James, Ricky, Chad, and the rest of you guys to step it up and Stand for Something.

Thank you David,

My wife and I were at San Diego SX last year. Marshall crash happened right in front of us. It was a wake up call for me and hopefully for many others. Since then I've changed my outlook on riding. Taking chances, riding over my head, being talked into trying things are not very important any more.

I now wear one of the new EVS neck rolls and some of my friends are doing the same. It just doesn't make sense to not make an effort to use safety equipment when it is available. As you know through the years people resist until the majority follow suit and make new ideas the norm instead of the exception. Lets hope that your video helps speed up that transition. Thank you for taking your time to voice your valued opinion about such an important issue.

David, I can't believe that there's anyone out there that didn't feel your pain and frustration. Its up to all of us to make this happen and not just the gifted few at the top of the heap.



I'm proud to be in a sport that is represented by people like you David.

David, thank you very much. You are a great role model!



Here is a link to the Leatt website for those that would like to see it.



http://www.leatt-brace.com/gpx_product.asp

Since my son started riding MX at age 9 the one thing that stood out in my mind was extreme safety. How could any responsible father send their child out riding without proper protection. Cool was never an issue with me. I knew the "cool thing" was not to wear some neck protector around your neck. But would you rather be cool, or would you rather save your childs life. Keep him or her out of a wheelchair, keep him or her out of a box in the ground. I put a neck protector on my son day one, a PCS at the time (now we both have the newer EVS race collar). After his 5th time out on his KTM Pro Junior he flipped that bike, he landed on his head then the bike landed on him completely bending his head & neck. As he lay there and I ran up, he was motionless, but his eyes were open. I told him not to move. Had I been responsible for putting my son in a wheelchair for the rest of his life? Was he going to be bed ridden? Would he have to be hand fed, tended to because his arms,legs no longer can work. My sons first words after I had run up, he asked what are all those sparkly things (stars) that he had seen. My son was to walk away from that crash. I had saved my sons life that day by protecting him with all the right gear and one piece of gear in particular, a neck collar, a neck protector, the Leatt Brace. Whether you are a 9 year old rider or a Pro Racer neck protection should be on every single person that rides a dirt bike whether it's cool or not. Do you want to be the Dad or Mom that has to tell the family that your child is a parapalegic or even worse, passed away because we were out on our dirt bikes. You'll have to live with that the rest of your life. I should have, I could have, I wish I would have,purchased and put neck protection on my child because then I would know that other than never letting him or her

ride a bike at least I as a parent did the responsible thing. I protected my child from head to toe. Cool or not, my son is 16 years old and rides with a neck collar. The AMA and the factories (to save their racers) have to make it mandatory. It's just common sense. Joe Moore, Calabasas

CA

Incredibly Powerful David. You again show your bravery by this video.

This was obviousy not easy for you, but so needed! I have Magoo; The

Danny Chandler Story on DVD. It's heart breaking. (But some wonderful

footage from the day, everyone should have a copy.)

P.S. I sure miss you on TV!

Thanks David.

Great Comments, My son Brandon suffered a Basal Skull Fracture and a Traumatic Brain Injury on Feb 25/06 here in Lake Mary Fl. He was life flighted off the track and was unconsious for 4 days. He has had a full recovery and started racing again in May/06. I truly believe that after seeing this brace in person that his injury would not have been as severe if this brace had been available. No child should ride without it ! I will order 2 today, thanks again for standing up for whats right, not good looking.

Where can I get this brace??

just do a search for Leatt Brace but hurry, I'm sure they are about to be backlogged. We love you David and thanks for looking out.

i think the most important point david brings up is that the AMA needs to stop focusing so hard on the way the riders display their numbers, logos & graphics and start recognizing more important issues like rider safety...so much of the sport is preventative maintenance and improvement on the bikes, they need to dedicate as much if not more attention to preventing injuries..

Great video David!!

http://www.leatt-brace.com



Wonder what's going to happen in San Diego? Bunch of men stepping up?

db - Thank you for Standing up for something again.

David- thanks for sharing.....I get crap all the time for wearing safety gear...I think that safety of this type should be mandatory, something like the HANS device. What is it going to take?

Hey David,



Its been a really long time...Its Mitchell Hodges "little Mitch" from Axton. I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I appreciate, respect, and idolize you. I really didn't understand as a 10 year old boy, and as your neighbor, what and who you are. You are truely an inspiration to those who know you, to those like myself, who knew you, and those who are up and coming even after 20 years of being off of a bike.



I am now 30years old and get emotional when I think about how you and your family inspired me as a child and even more so as an adult. You are the BEST on and off of the track--even after 20 years. I thought after watching the video that I needed to let you know my thoughts...Thanks for being an incredible roll model, a great friend, and an inspiration for all.



Sincerely,



Mitchell

Hi, David

That Video is GREAT I am with on this issue I believe that it is time to change like you, I believe the bike or so fast now tracks are getting crazy and it is crazy not to just try it (the brace). I will come take the stock car device it took awhile but it is there. It has been awhile in our sport and I believe it is TIME!!!!!! Thanks. P.S I would like some info on the brace if some one can send to me

To: Dr. Leatt, Riders, Parents and Sponsors:



Hello, my name is Mitchell Hodges. I am writing this with a heavy

heart. At the urgency of a great friend, Paul Mundt, I watched the

David Bailey video. I was virtually in tears. Let me give you a brief

history of myself. I grew up living next door to David and the rest of

the Bailey family in Axton, VA. I was 10 years old when David was

national champion, as well as a riding partner, coach and friend. I

was devastated at David%u2019s injury in 1987. I still see the film clip in

my head of him in the halo squeezing a tennis ball, giving thumbs up,

then his return home and seeing him for the first time in a wheel

chair.



Over the next few years I went on to become David%u2019s father, Gary %u2019s

instructor at the Gary Bailey Motocross School in Axton VA, as well as

a top pro rider riding for Kawasaki Team Green. Shortly after turning

pro, I got injured at an outdoor national at Mt. Morris PA. I walked

away from the sport I loved, to heal up, to get an education and to

setup myself up for a future. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I

had to come to the realization that I was not the next Ricky

Carmichael.



Ten years later, Tim Buffaloe at BSY Yamaha gave me an opportunity to

ride for them. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. My

desire never died and now, more than ever, it consumes me. I am again

teaching MX schools, teaching kids how to ride safely and responsibly.

With that being said, I cannot turn my back on all of these spinal

injuries, especially after seeing my personal inspiration calling out

the heaviest hitters this sport has ever known. Great job David, as if

your spot in history is not already carved in stone.



I see in the magazines and on the web pages; Leatt does ride days in

California. I respectfully request a ride day on the east coast, the

southwest and the northwest. We all need to be a part of this growth

and safety for our comrades and their loved ones, not just California.

I will contact my local tracks; setup a time to have a ride day in my

area. Budd%u2019s Creek, Lake Sugar Tree, the Virginia Motorsports Park

would all be receptive to this I am quite sure. I will meet with

company representatives or whomever to set this up. We do not need to

see anymore-unneeded injuries, cripple or kill anyone else.



As an instructor, I am obligated to teach my students, the proper

techniques to make them better riders. As of today, in honor of my

hero, David Bailey, I am going to insist to riders and parents that my

schools purchase a Leatt brace, and hold off on the latest go fast

product until they are properly dressed for the ride. Even if they

don%u2019t crash often, at least they will be better prepared when, not if

they crash. I encourage other track owners and sponsors to request

ride days also. Let%u2019s keep this ball rolling before we lose someone

else.



Respectfully,



Mitchell Hodges

#567

I think I might be the first MX Wife commenting on the video...my husband asked me to watch this clip and I'm SO GLAD HE DID! Thank you David Bailey for stepping up! I hadn't heard of any kind of brace that protected the one part that every MX wife, girlfriend, bother, mother, boyfriend...etc worries about. I know I'm not the only one to say my heart literally stops when you notice your significant other or your friend didn't come around the track once, twice...three times...(even if it's only happened once before) and it's as if life stops until you can

see for yourself what happened.

I know this brace isn't going to stop all injuries, but I gotta tell ya, it certainly brings A LOT of comfort to those watching you guys ride. Nobody likes to see somebody go down hard, whether you know them or not, so let's push to see this brace made mandatory! I know its expensive, but who would put a price on their life...or on their mobility. I think David's made it clear enough that no price is worth leaving you unprotected.

If there's anything we can do to 'untie' the hands of people who can make this brace a necessity, let us know.

With all sincerity,

Eerika Silegren

David,

Thank you SO MUCH for this video.



My husband and I both had severe motorcycle accidents in September of 2006, different incidents, two weeks apart. Mine was a dirt tracking accident and I took a headshot that literally cracked the side of my helmet. My injuries were extensive. I share this information because it hits home. We forget how vulnerable we are.



THANK YOU for bringing awareness to the table, for helping to educate, and for opening the topic up for discussion. All of us in the motorcycle community appreciate your efforts, and your work to bring this to attention. Thank you for standing up for all of us.

David...

YOU RULE!

I have two boys. 7 and 4 and they both ride... I WILL LOOK INTO THIS BRACE FOR MYSELF AND THEM... I WILL WEAR AT LOCAL AMATEUR AND PROMOTE THIS BRACE!!!

I Had the oppurtunity to go to Gary Bailey school of motocross at Lake Sugartree 1983... My hub broke and you just got your car liscence and took me to a local shop to get it welded so I could finish the school...

I KNEW THEN THAT YOU WERE A "STAND UP" MAN!!! THE NICEST GUY IVE MET!

I have always been a huge fan of YOU and now....... EVEN A BIGGER FAN..... It makes me very upset everytime someone gets a life altering injury... I WILL TAKE A STAND..... even if its small..... HOPEFULLY I CAN EFFECT ONE PERSON.

thanks for what your doing!

David,

I would like to thankyou.

I became a real fan of motorcross after watching you in 1986. Back then, My friends and I would rent the race videos and watch them over and over. There were a lot of great riders but you were the best. My friends and I rode in the local sand pits and did some racing but we never took protection seriously. We rode with no gear at all (sometimes with no shirts and in sneakers) until your crash. When we read about your injuries, we all had the same thought - if this can happen to the smoothest, most talented rider on the planet - it can happen to us. We all started to wear every protective item that was available. I was thankful for this change on more than one occasion. Every time I got (or still get) into a crash and my gear saves me, I think of you and why I started to wear protective gear. Now that I am a father, I ride a lot safer and even slower than before. I will purchase one of these neck braces for myself and if my son ever decides to ride when he gets old enough - he will wear one also.

I also still ride Hondas because that was your brand.

Hats off to Kevin Windham for wearing a neckbrace and hopefully more riders will follow.

The riders that are in the spotlight can have a lasting impact on their fans.



Thanks again for everything

David

Thank You for the your message from the heart, I raced last weekend and wore a Leatt Brace in an Oldtimers MX Race at LACR and I Loved it.

God Bless You for standing for the cause I know God is well pleased with your actions.

Bless You and Your Family

David,

Thank you soooo much! Your message comes from your heart. I have to tell you, this made me cry. I am a mother of twin 15 year olds who race motocross. Their father and I are in the medical field and truly believe YOU made the difference. We thought, we had everything covered, head to toe. Since their father showed me your video, we have purchased the Leatt Braces, and we are very happy we did. The kids wear them all of the time. Happy Easter!

Anna

Very inspiring David! I have been contemplating my future in this sport that I love and wondering if the risk is worth the reward. I will never advance past the 30 C class and I'm more than ok with that. The joy you get from racing with your friends at the local track is like no other but, as we all get on in years and realize this will never pay the bills, you start to look for an exit strategy. With all of the injuries we hear about and see weekly at the track or on-line you start to wonder if today is your day. We all know that as soon as you start to lose confidence or focus that is when you go down. I love to see the kids out there wearing the best protection the industry has to offer and it surprises me when I see their dad's go out with minimal equipment. It's not just the kids who need to be wearing the best in safety equipment, but the parents who insist on it as well. None of us are above the get-off that could change our lives forever. So as I sit and contemplate this sport I love so much it gives me peace of mind to know that people like you are pushing those of us that still have our "necks" on the line to "Stand for Something". Great video, I'll be getting one as soon as they are off of back-order. Thanks again David

my name is Phil Kuhn I Own P.C.S. Neck Support systems . I talk with Ryan Sipes after his accedent that you talk about on your video. When I was talking with him he told me that he would not be wearing the P.C.S. Neck Support , instead he would be wearing a new neck brace , But he did say that he was wearing the P.C.S Neck Support when he crashed not the leatt Brace And that he truely believe that our Neck Support helped him . I think that all safety equipment is good but to make that statement about what he was wearing sucks please find out the facts . Please responed Phil Kuhn

my name is Phil Kuhn I Own P.C.S. Neck Support systems . I talk with Ryan Sipes after his accedent that you talk about on your video. When I was talking with him he told me that he would not be wearing the P.C.S. Neck Support , instead he would be wearing a new neck brace , But he did say that he was wearing the P.C.S Neck Support when he crashed not the leatt Brace And that he truely believe that our Neck Support helped him . I think that all safety equipment is good but to make that statement about what he was wearing sucks please find out the facts . Please responed Phil Kuhn

This Brace has to be the best new product to enter the dirtbike scene in many years. This brace should be on the "Must Have" item list. Dress for the worst, hope it never happens. Davids words are so true. Thumbs up to Chad Reed, KW, all the guys who already wear them. Kids do look up to you guys.

Being 41 years i was, am a huge fan of Davids, his injury was a, "could not happen to him" moment. But it does happen.

There is one thing that is a down side to this brace. The price. In the States, USA. It is'nt so bad. But here in Australia it costs $700.00 AU, for the club model. Now that will price it out of most young families reach. It is to much for me to get one. So what hope does a family have with 4 or 5 in that family riding. Outstanding idear/brace. Make it accessable to the wider rider community. Not just the rich. Can anyone tell me "why" this costs so much in Australia compared to the rest of the world. ???

thanks daivid this barce is truly awsome and i am going to wear this barce for the rest of my life. It is so Great. this can save many of people from getting hurt.

Thanks for the message. I'm new to the sport and have a 4 yr old that won his first race yesterday. You will be glad to know that I saw several Leatt Braces on young riders and the word is spreading. I have one on order and will let help spread the word. Good luck

Thanks for the message, I just started racing about a month ago, i hope to be at one of your schools this summer, and you will definentley see me with a brace on, and i will recomend it to anyone i ride with, i would like to see alot of the pros wearing them though, that would encourage a lot of riders to were them, i am ordering one today, thanks a lot

Dear David Bailey,



I want to take this opportunity to save "Thank You" soooooo very much for taking the time to make this video. I literally saved our son, Garet Bolton's life on May 6th, 2007 at Cooperland in Stilwater OK.



We were at Cooperland for the Ponca City Qualifer. It was a two day event. (Sat. & Sun) On Sunday during Garet's 2nd moto for the 85 class on the last lap he was going up the face of a jump. A easy jump. One he had not had trouble with at all the entire weekend. As he hit the face of the jump he hit a hole. The back of his bike flip over the front and power drove him into the ground head first. BECAUSE OF YOUR VIDEO, GARET WAS WEARING A LEATT NECK BRACE. He did break his back but there was NO SPINAL CORD INVOLVEMENT. Mr Bailey as I set here in tears, I have no words that will even start to express how grateful to you I am, Garet's Dad is, Garet's old brother is and most of all how grateful Garet is to you and his Leatt neck brace.



Late one night in Feb 2007, I watched your video and ordered two neck braces that very next morning. I had no idea I was ordering the piece of protective gear that would save my son's life on May 6th 2007 just 90 days later. I can't imagine life with out my little boy. Thank You again!!

I agree, people should look into this brace, i myself would like to have one, but the price is still a little much, 400 bucks? I would think if they really wanted to help the sport and help riders they would make it more affordable, and more riders would buy one, which alone would offset the price markdown.

Thanks David, I'll do what I can to spread the good word about the Leatt-Brace. I have seen way too many guys with spinal injuries over the past 10 years in this industry. Thanks for your courage to do this, it makes a lot of sense.

Thank You David....your words are by far the most important amidst all of the other videos, photos and interviews on and about our sport. Though I would like to say so much, I'm going to keep it simple. Everyone should get there priorities straight and see that our health and lives are far more important then what's cool and or comfortable. So the next time you're about to spend $500 bucks on colored rims, think twice...rims

or your life. David, your the best the sport has ever had. Above and beyond lap times and wins, you are a Champion of life...

Thanks David... For that great video, I think were going to get one and Do you know if it still work if you have a chest protecter?

David, Today I ordered the brace for my daughter.



I just watched and listened to your message.



I called back and ordered one for me as well.



Thank you more than you'll ever know.

.. i really need some help.. i have been riding for many years over here in baja.. and i was planning on buying the leatt brace but some of my buddies and some pro riders like chris blais and some other riders have had their brace on and well they have had injuries in their c7 , c8 .. and are parylized from the waist down .and well i was wondering if the brace protects the neck but affects other parts of the body that may cause you to become parylized or get hurt in some way like some vertebrates, collar bone.. ( wich brace should i get) please email me answering my cuestions im worried about buying the brace and having the same problem as chris blais and some other riders that had on the brace and still became parylized..hi ... i am thankful that someone takes time to make a video like that for safety pruposes.... PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK BECAUSE I AM CONFUSED ABOUT THE BRACE... THANKS
me email is.... acosta.69@hotmail.com