I was fortunate enough to meet Eddie Kidd yesterday. It was during a show at Kelso in the Scottish borders. His two friends, stunt men Jason Finn and Craig Jones were there demonstrating the bikes Eddie used in some of his spectacular record breaking jumps. They were dressed up in the actual leathers that Eddie wore as well. Just a thin leather jacket and a pair of thin leather chaps he wore over his jeans. Absolutely no protection at all if he were to crash. His bike that he used to do the Great wall of China jump was being ridden by Jason. This bike was also unfortunately the one Eddie had his career ending crash on. The bike has now been repaired, all except for the dent in the tank to remind him, and has been valued at £100K. Eddie is still severely disabled, and has difficulty in speaking, but he is still passionate about all things bike related. Jason and Eddie lifted him onto a quad bike. He had to have his hands placed onto the bars. He has slight movement in his right hand, enough to work the throttle. Eddie, always the showman, played to the crowd. He really enjoyed himself. If it wasn't in a low gear he'd have been off over the jump ramp.
Afterwards, in conversation he told me about his plan for next year. He intends to do a two up quad bike wall of fire stunt with Jason Finn on the back.
Eddie is just so brave and strong willed. I'm not ashamed to admit that when he shook my hand at the end of our short conversation, I had a huge lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as I walked away.