ANOTHER Rider Down!!!

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by KeepsWhatHappens

Yeah that's bummer. Hope you heal up fast.

We came around the corner and saw the chopper on Ladera Ridge and I knew someone was in trouble. I think he may have attempted that big jump that is not good for jumping - not sure. I got some pics and will post them when I get home.

he mentioned he was going down a fast "S" where it was bermed and the front wheel over shot the bern that set the chain of events.

So i wonder if the paramedics hauled him back up the trail so that the chopper can airlift him

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Originally Posted by foofighter

he mentioned he was going down a fast "S" where it was bermed and the front wheel over shot the bern that set the chain of events.

So i wonder if the paramedics hauled him back up the trail so that the chopper can airlift him

OK that makes sense. We were wondering why he was on the uphill side of the berm. They probably moved him over there to avoid the rotor wash. I always warn everyone I ride with on that trail to not attempt that jump. I have seen many people almost endo over it but nothing like this. Be careful out there folks!

[northshore]

Thanks everyone for all the words of encouragement and healing vibes. I talked to both Dino and Duan offline when I was at the hospital. The pictures that KeepWhatHappens took is the exact spot I took the spill. I rode that trail once before and I totally miss timed that berm. There is 'no way' I was trying to huck it but I did carry more speed than usual which got me in trouble (my fault). By then it was too late. I endo over the bars and landed on my left side. My left hip took about 85% of the hit and the rest was my rib cage and left elbow. I was riding with two other buddies as well. Mike was right behind me and pretty much saw everything.

The pain I felt hitting the ground was something else. I've been through a number of sports related injuries but nothing as bad as this. I couldn't move anything on my left side. The medics didn't want to hike the rest of the trail in fear of injuring more so instead they airlifted me over to Mission Viejo hospital. After a pile of X-rays, CT scans, MRI, needles, spending the night and a ton of drugs I was discharged this afternoon. According to the trauma doctor, he said I'm the luckiest person ever to go through the trauma area. He did say they get a number of mountain bike related injuries and most are due to not wearing a helmet (yes I was wearing mine). The final tally? Left elbow looks like hamburger, my rib cage is bruised and scraped up, and I have a hair line fracture in my pelvic bone. According to the doctor it's not enough to warrant surgery. Time? A max of six weeks for the pain to clear, 6-8weeks for the bone to heal. I have to see the doctor in 2 weeks and then go to physical therapy after that. My boss is cool enough to let me telecommute on the temp basis.

Thanks to everyone on the trail that was helping me when I was down. STR members, hikers (especially Marty), EMT's, medics, etc.


Someone asked how the Horse is. According to Dino, the bike is not broken. It has a self humbling feature that kicks off any mafia member that gets in way over their head.

Ken

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

This just in.....
Kenny "SUCCESSFULLY" made the grueling journey from his hospital bed to the restroom!

I'm telling you- the guy is tough!

A humbling experience that's for sure.

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Heal up Kenny! Don't be too brave - take the pain meds when you need them.

Oh, and man do I know how it feels to land on your hip (Friday night at Orange). Although probably not as bad as your injury, I feel your pain.

Oh no Lee!! You ok?

[RustyIron]

Glad to hear you'll be recovered before too long. A doc once told me, "Humans have been healing up since prehistoric times. We just make the process go faster, with better results."

[1FG rider]

Ken, it's really good to hear that it wasn't as serious as we all thought it might be. Looks like you'll be up and about with nothing too permanent.

Take it easy and don't rush the healing process, we'll see you riding again soon.

[Pugz]

Ken, sorry to hear that brother, get well soon.

[Blue Rat]

Ken, again ... heal well and I'm glad to hear that your trauma doctor thinks you're lucky.

[OMR]

It's not a matter of if.... only when.... most of us have been there and feel your pain... some more than others.... and, like you, don't like hospitals very much.... until they're needed. (Don't you just love those gowns!!!)

Heal quickly bro....

[bighit8]

Glad to hear you are ok.Pale Ale time.

[Rockinthecasbah]

get well soon (show up at roscoes)

[jayman_29]

Dang Ken.......that is NOT the way to get a helicopter ride! Get well soon!

[kentonn]

Hey Ken, I am sorry to hear about your crash and injuries. Keep the pain at bay and get well soon.

[Waldo]

Ken, you are my neighbor I've never met. When you're healed up we definitely need to connect for a ride. Hope the healing is quick and complete.

And I smiled when I read the bit about making it to the bathroom under your own power, but anyone who's been there knows that that's no laughing matter. Nothing like laying there wondering "Which will hurt worse: Getting up to go, or holding it for 6-8 weeks?"


Get well soon amigo.

[Julia12]

Sorry to hear about your crash get well soon.

[schleppp]

Ken, very sorry to hear about your spill! I hope you heal quickly and completly!!

God bless.

kevin

[live_in_hilo@yahoo.com]

best of healing man. that sucks. maybe after you heal youll go back and give that berm a piece back.

[sdyeti]

awww...feel better soon Ken!

I have taken a digger on the hip (and did it again to the same spot about 3 months later) and I know how much it hurts. I saw stars and pretty much felt like puking. I probably did some damage, though I wasn't smart enough to go get checked out.

Healing vibes~~~~

[houseofmusic]

get well soon ken