Chopper, fire truck, ambulances...the cavalry

Rider down in aliso last night. Canvased by the setting sun and dim lite sky, flashing red and white lights peeked through the brush and trees along the west ridge in aliso. Ambulances, a fire truck and one helicopter raced to a fallen mountain biker.

It was around 3:45. The adventure started at the park on canyon vistas (milf park). Our route, up cholla, fire road to mathis, down mathis then out wood canyon. The ride was fun, exhillarating due to the cool chill of the oncoming night but we ride. At the top of mathis we arrive. We drop our seats. Clicks of shock and fork levers opening to full fill the night air.

I lead then by brother followed by Ryan (fallen rider). Its not long into our decent that a cry/plea for help was echoed. I drop my bike, race up the hill and found a fallen friend. Ryan had crashed- man down!

Its his shoulder, he thinks its dislocated. He sits up. Removes his helmet, full faced, and composes himself. We aid him to his feet and remove his pack. He's dizzy, seering shoulder pain and he might throw up, but he doesn't. We lay him back down so he can try to get his bearings. Several minutes pass then I make the call-911. The cavalry is on their way by land and air.

He's taken to Mission Hospital for futher examination. He's dicharged with a broken right hurmeral head and unsightly road rash well dirt rash. He's broken and busted but in good spirits and on vicadin- out for 4 to 6 weeks.

Thanks to all the emergency fire and medical teams that rush to our aid without prejudice. And thanks to those that stopped to help, if you are reading this.
And those that were worried, his bike is OK!

Have fun and be safe.

 

Thanks for the CR (Crash Report)....

I am glad to hear Ryan's injuries did not involve his back or neck... :beer:
How did the crash occur?
Washed out the front tire? Lost control? Ruts? Trail erosion?
Just wondering...

 

He thinks the front tire washed out in a rut.

 

healin vibes, i always tell people mathis is gnarly

 

Thanks for the update and I'm glad he'll be ok.

 

Joking comparisons to Telonics aside, Mathis is much more rutted and has a lot more exposed rock than last year or even earlier in the season. You can't just cruise down without paying attention.

Sorry to hear about the injury, but glad it wasn't more serious. Also glad they got to you guys fairly quickly: I was leaving as the EMT's rolled up, and they were unsure of where the injured rider was. I felt bad that the best I could offer was that I'd just ridden Rock-It, Lynx, and Cholla and was pretty sure they were clear.

 

Whoa, broken humeral head and he's only out 4 to 6 weeks? Glad he's more or less safe. Healing vibes.

 

Wow! I can't belive my post was removed! I'll say it differently then. I know quite a few people who have been hurt on Mathis. It is a popular climb and I don't know why people ride down it. They build up way to much speed and put others in danger.

Other trails in the park, be them historic or not are better options.

 

thats actually a common fracture on the humerus.. i'm guessing it fractured a little ways down from the actual head of the humerus where it tapers in diameter. some refer to it as the "surgical neck" of the humerus

 

Glad to hear the outcome was not too bad and "No one was left behind." Mathis is a thrill and a half in broad daylight. Could happen to anyone. Get well soon!

 

Wow Nam I did not know you were a doctor

 

healing vibes being sent his way.

 

Well the same can be said about San Juan, Rock It, Meadows and Holy Jim. there are enough threads about closures already. I deleted your post because I thought it was another attempt at being funny. Your last post is constructive, so it stays. :wave:

Back on topic. Riders will go down. I got hurt on the Luge last night. No ones fault but my own. I was going too fast for night and slid out when I hit a loose rock and did the splits. Now I can't bend my knee. I shouldn't have been going that fast. I would have seen it during the day or just at slower speed.

 

True Dat!
Cold not believe how much Mathis differed from last year.
More friendly for climbing tho'

 

I was just making it short. I do think T is safer then Mathis though.

You really need to quit crashing! :beer:

 

And what do you mean attempt! I'm damn funny!!! :lol:

 

Good thing he was prepared for Mathis and had a full face on, get well soon!

 

I've done it myself on my left shoulder. Despite it being common, I was not back in 4-6 weeks because my shoulder had dislocated and was quite jacked up. It was followed by surgery.

 

Enjoy the vicodin. I'm glad he was not seriously injured.. be careful on mathis!

 

sounds painful! i'm sure many beers were enjoyed after that :beer: