Ethan, Very sorry to hear about the accident... believe me I really know (perhaps better than anyone else) what's your dad's going through right now. I did a 70 ft header off of the Strawberry Peak trail several years back at 63 and wound up with just about the same injuries as your dad and rode the helicopter out to the hospital. Re-inflating the lung and leaving the tube in overnight is probably the most painful thing.... and although you joke with everybody about the crash... it reminds you of your own mortality and how quickly life can change... it will change your dad in small ways you may or may not see. Be sensitive to this. It took me far longer to get over the mental repercusions of that crash than the physical. But I know the character of your dad and he will come out of this more strengthened than ever... I know your dad believes like I do that we pursue a highly dangerous sport and that it's not if we are going to crash... it's only a matter of when... and any crash you walk away from (especially at our ages) are good ones. He's in our prayers [-o-] and he will walk away from this one as well and climb back on the bike. Looking forward to riding with your dad on the 29ers. OMR
a thanks to all- the vibes have been felt! good news: surgery not required! heck, my dad was able to call my mom this AM and let her know himself! apparently he's in a world of pain today- the shock has worn off. hopefully the drugs at the hospital kick in. my dad made the register?!?! hmm. need to find that. it'll make him laugh
WTF - this stuff is contagious. #-oFirst u and now the big guy. Mad healing vibes to your pops. Sound like he is a trooper. As you know, been there done that so let me know if I can offer any assistance. Stay strong!
Old Man Riding- Thank you again for your words of wisdom. We are most fortunate. SlowSSer- My prayer's are with your Father for a speedy recovery. Thank you for starting the thread. From my nearly "baaaad" fall this weekend, to heat exhaustion, a friend's injury and now the story of your Father- let's just say the "message" (regarding how fragile life is) has resonated loud and clear. Thank you! Again, my prayers are with your Father for a speedy recovery.....
found the article... Helicopter lifts injured biker Man in his 50s was mountain biking in remote part of Caspers Wilderness Park when he fell, authorities say. By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ The Orange County Register CASPERS WILDERNESS PARK – An injured mountain biker was airlifted to a local hospital after falling on a bike trail this morning, authorities said. Orange County Fire Authority used a helicopter to reach the rider in a remote portion of the park, about 2.5 miles from the Bell Canyon Trail entrance, said Larry Beesley, a park attendant. The mountain biker, described to be a man in his 50s, suffered multiple moderate injuries from the fall, said Fire Authority Capt. Stephen Miller. A Fire Authority helicopter was used to reach the injured man and take him to be treated at a hospital. Helicopters are used in similar rescues when it is not possible to get an ambulance to respond to remote areas such as trails, Miller said. The man was found by two horseback riders at about 10:25 a.m., Beesley said. He was in stable condition when he was airlifted out of the park. Article - News - Helicopter lifts injured biker
"E", tell your Dad that he's supposed to leave the crashing to ME![-X Tell him to get well soon, and I'll do enough crashing for the both of us!\\/
dont we all know those facts! heck, he'll be back up in no time- likely on the seven, so the big rocks will be just a touch smaller with the bigger wheels.
I just want wish your dad a full and speedy recovery. That is quite the impressive injury list! The OCFA does excellent rescue work.
thanks for the pic! I havent seen that one!!! this was right before he ended his counting coup- half way with a wicked cold is still amazing.
I'm very sorry to hear about your father. Super Speedy recovery. Make sure he sticks to all his physical therapy too, it really makes a difference, especially as you get older.
My friends father had a crash at Aliso a few months ago. (Riding a huge 29er) and went OTB on the fire road at the bottom of Lynx. He had EXACTLY the same list of injuries. He wasn't so lucky as to avoid surgery and had to get 3 of his vertebra fused together with titanium rods. He was in that hospital for around 3 weeks. Now he's doing well but still can't really ride a bike or his motorcycle. I spent the hours with my friend at Mission hospital hearing the news piece by piece, each piece worse than the last. It wasn't my father, but I have empathy for what you went through. I'm glad he will be ok, and I wish you both the best.