Hey all,
I just saw Rod's accident report, i am so sorry to hear about the spill, but very happy he is going to be ok after some recovery time. This weekend was also very unlucky for Ryan, as some of you may already know.
Friday and Saturday Ryan was up at the track at Summit Point getting some practice in for his first CCS race scheduled for yesterday and today. Saturday he drove my car to and from the track to his apartment. When he got home he left my car at his place and then took me on my bike to a parking lot in Bethesda where we met Zoom and Lisa who all help me get in some practice time. Afterwards we got some dinner and then Ryan and I headed our own way, me of course on the back again.
We stopped at his apartment so i could switch to my car, and Ryan went on ahead with my bike to my apartment 1 mile down the road on Wisconsin Ave. I was only a few cars behind, but while stopped at a light, in a blink of an eye I looked up and 100 feet in front of me Ryan was lying on the pavement.
A lady had been parked on the right hand side of the 4 lane street in the metered parallel spots, and was edging out of her space, theorectically like any normal person to pull into the lane closest to her and go straight. But even though Ryan had seen this and wisely moved as far over in the left hand lane as he could, all of the sudden she gases it and pulls clear across the 4 lanes trying to make an illegal u turn. Ryan has no time to stop and even though he tries, slams into her rear fender flipping him over the car and the rolling on the ground.
On impact with the car he shattered his left hip and broke his right femur. I was there for it all which was pretty traumatizing, but I am glad I was there. He could have been killed. Thankfully- much like Rods post, he was saved by wearing all his gear (minus leather pants) but leather armored jacket, gloves, helmet a*'s boots. Thank GOD! Otherwise he could be dead, or at least have sustained serious head, neck and ankle injuries.
He was rushed to GW hospital, and Zoom and Lisa came back out to drive me there as well and help Ryan and I through it. (Thank you both!!!) He had emergency surgery yesterday morning on both the leg and the hip, and while all initial results look good we are still waiting to see if everything is going to take in the long run.
He has a long painful recovery ahead of him, but hopefully he will heal 100% and be ready for next season. (I can't even tell you how bummed and frustrated he is that he didn't get to race, and that hes lost this whole season.) He also keeps apologizing about my bike (as if thats what I am worried about) but it does mean that I am at least temporarily bikeless. It faired better than expected but I am not sure if it will be salvaged or not. Just wish I had gotten to ride it a bit more! :)
Everybody on the scene was super nice and helpful, the witnesses, police men and the EMTs. The only exception was the awful pregnant dog who hit him, who didn't even look at him or ask if he was ok, didn't care at all and was only worried about the broken fender on her piece-of-shit 1980's BMW. She was cold and completely rude, and was totally at fault. She got a ticket....and won't be so happy when she hears from Ryans lawyer.
I am hoping within 2-3 weeks he will be ready to make an appearance on crutches at Rhodeside!!!
But everyone - its only May and we already have two of our own down. WEAR YOUR GEAR ALWAYS AND BE SAFE!!!!!!
Ryan is at GW hospital in room 454 if anyone would like to say hi, as he will be there for at least another 2-4 days minimum.
Erin
Sorry to hear about this. It has been a rough weekend. We had a rider helicoptered out on a ride I did Saturday, and a 13 year old racer was killed at Summit Point today. :'(
Heal up Ryan. Hopefully, I will get to meet the 2 of you when I visit DC sometime.
Oh my god, thats just terrible. I just heard about a fatality at Summit, but I had no idea the rider was 13. That is so unfortunate.
Thanks for the wishes for Ryan, I will pass them along.
I give thanks he is still alive. MAn it was a weekend :-\ dc
Quote from: mdubya on May 26, 2008, 07:42:36 PM
Sorry to hear about this. It has been a rough weekend. We had a rider helicoptered out on a ride I did Saturday, and a 13 year old racer was killed at Summit Point today. :'(
Heal up Ryan. Hopefully, I will get to meet the 2 of you when I visit DC sometime.
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32537
The rider who was killed was ejected from his 125 during Race 4 and subsequently cartwheeled down the racetrack. The cornerworkers were in the process of calling in an incident in Turn 4 when this crash happened so only the standing yellow was displayed. Two other riders running nose to tail crested the hill in Turn 3. The lead rider spotted the unconscious rider laying in the middle of the track and quickly dove to the left. The following rider was suddenly left with a body to his front and nowhere else to go. He hit Alex and was ejected from his bike as well.
I accompanied the second rider in the ambulance as he was taken back to the scene so he could give his statement. Whenever a death occurs they call the State Police who do an accident investigation. Please keep the second rider in your thoughts as he is not taking this well. He's one of the best people I know and someone I'm proud to call a friend.
RIP Alex.
Erin I've got all of Ryan's stuff including bike, stands, and warmers. It can stay here as long as necessary. I'll try to go visit him tomorrow at lunch.
-Stillie
Erin and Ryan, I'm so sorry about all of this. It's such a horrible thing to have happen. Ryan, I wish you a speedy recovery so you can get out there and race a successful season, even if it is next year. Don't rush things. Be patient. I know it's going to be hard, but it will help you in the long run. I wish I could go visit, but I'm in Austin with my family this week. We have your bike and stuff from Summit and will hang onto it as long as you need. Just let us know if you need anything from it or if there's anything else we can do to lend a hand.
I'm so sorry for the incident. :( I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery Ryan. I am also very sorry to hear about the rider who passed away this weekend.
Please, let's all be as safe as possible.
-Carlo
Okay, was that bish drunk or what?
Here's to a speedy recovery! I'm glad he wore his gear even to go around the corner, which some might assume to be safe territory.
Ryan,
Hope you make a speedy recovery!
RB
Erin,
You know I'm thinking about you both. You have all my contact information; If there is anything else that I can do let me know.
What a dousy of a weekend! I just heard the GW Parkway was closed this morning because of another motorcycle fatality.
Have a speedy recovery, Josh. Maybe we can trade drugs sometime :)
Heal well Ryan - I hear Rhodeside has healing beers!
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=72081&catid=158
link to the wreck on the GW. Couldn't find the body? Oh my.... :'(
Quote from: mcgalinmd on May 27, 2008, 07:07:24 AM
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=72081&catid=158
link to the wreck on the GW. Couldn't find the body? Oh my.... :'(
They found the rider this morning.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/27/AR2008052700714.html?hpid=topnews
My prayers and thoughts are with you all...
Ryan, I hope your new hardware takes and a smooth healing process takes place! It was good to hear that Erin was there and able to give support!
Stillie, I will also keep your friend in my thoughts...it has to be hard and hopefully, he is not putting all of the blame on himself...
Be safe all!
God be with Alex and his family
Ryan and Erin,
I've been off email and the DMF since before Tim's ride on Saturday until earlier today and to read about the young man at Summit Point and about Ryan's episode. It was a horrible motorcyclists weekend to be sure.
I'm sorry about what happened to you and like the others, I wish you a speedy, and more importantly, a full recovery.
Best Regards,
Tony
Ryan and Erin,
Holy crap! I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. Sounds very very painful. Hang in there and let me know what you guys need. A beer I.V. from Rhodeside?
Stille et al.,
Thoughts and prayers for Alex's family and friends.
Ride safe all,
Diane
Thank you all for all the well wishes....Ryan and I both appreciate it.
I am hoping its not too long before Ryan makes a Rhodeside appearance on crutches! :)
I found a couple of magazines today that I'm going to drop off tomorrow. Last month's issue of Motorcyclist and a Roadracing World. That should help him pass the time a bit.
I have a care package being delivered tomorrow...
Hey Ryan and Erin,
Sorry to hear your news,my heart goes ou to both of you. Sounds like Ryan never had a chance of avoiding this totally reckless driver, really seems unfair and so very unlucky, but even though you are down you are not out. You will be back and you will be whole again, and most importantly you have great friends who care about you.
I hope all your surgery went or will go well, and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Scott
I've been a little off the radar the last few months, so I haven't had the chance to meet you guys in person. But you have my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
After the body heals and you two looking towards healing the bike - don't hesitate to ask for a hand. There's a few semi-proficient wrench turners (myself included) who are happy to lend a hand for projects - especially ones with a good cause.
Again, a speedy and easy recovery to you Ryan.
many blessings & speedy healing!
the way this went down is just a reminder
that anything can happen at any time. keep
the gear on even if you're headed out for a
short ride.
~ empress ~
Ryan is still in the hospital - but he was moved just down the hall to the rehab center to room 461 which is a good step i think!
He is doing well for the most part - staying in good spirits except when he gets frustrated with the nurses there (i generally don't make comments about medical staff because I know nothing of it and have much respect for what they do) but care in my opinion leaves something to be desired.
His right leg is now in a brace to help him gain stability since that is the leg he is supposed to be starting to put weight on, however they did conclude today that he has a torn tendon (i think thats what it is) in his knee which on top of the pain from the femur break and surgery, has been causing severe pain in his knee and continued swelling.
All details aside though, he is slowly making progress each day...but my guess right now would be that he still has several more days at the hospital, and may not be on crutches as soon as we had hoped but more likely will have to start in a wheelchair.
Thank you all for your thoughts and the cards to both of us....everyone has been so great. I just ask that you keep thinking about him!!! :)
Hahaha........ Well I have to say, Being witness to this accident and knowing what lies ahead for both of us in terms of the recovery process has made me wonder a bit more if this is something I wanna do (ride that is) since i was already rather apprehensive before all this....but Ryan on the other hand hasn't skipped a beat. All he wants is to be back on the bike! lol.....
I told him maybe, MAYBE we could think about the October MAD days. MAYYYYYBBBEEE.
If he's still in the hospital on Tuesday, I'll try to get up there with Stillie. I get back from Austin on Sunday and we immediately book down to VIR for Monday's track day. Stillie will be the one riding.
Here's some contact info for a PT once Ryan gets out. My friend (who is very picky about docs - i.e. she doesn't like 'em :)) recommended. I tend towards sports-medicine places like this because the focus is on rehabbing to resume participation in whatever sport you're into. Some rehab is more about returning functionality for daily living, as opposed to high performance. Of course there's Dr. Ting - but flights to Cali are expensive.
Terry Sneed
Elite Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
202-965-8901
http://eliteptandwellness.com
I'm in Salt Lake City now - just back from Mexico, and logged in to see the news of the tragety at Summit Pt and Ryan's encounter with yet another idiot in a cage. Is it something in the water?
Ryan - I wish you a speedy and complete recovery and can probably say with some credibility that I feel your pain (although obviously not as much...)
Update:
Ryan is still in the hospital, after a week and 3 days, but is doing much better! He was able to start getting up and moving around with the help of a walker yesterday and is happy to be gaining back mobility. He still will have a few more days at least at the hospital and is happy to have visitors, but I wanted to let you all know that he is making great progress and can't wait to be out of there!!
Thanks for you all your thoughts and messages!!
Erin
Would it be okay for Stillie and me to drop by sometime shortly after 1800 or so?
LOL he'll definitely be at the hospital so I am sure he would be happy to see you both. I wont' be there but hopefully I will be able to stop by Rhodeside tomorrow night!
I just wanted to post and say thank you very much to everyone for their kind words and sympathies. And also a big thanks to everyone who stopped by the hospital; it certainly helped the time pass a little more pleasantly :)
It is good to be out of the hospital and residing on Erin's couch rather than a hospital bed, although my mobility is still rather limited. I am making progress however and pushing every day to try and get better, bit by bit. Still very frustrated by the whole situation and hoping to get back out soon so I don't lose all of the rest of the season!
And a big +1 to wearing your gear; I myself have certainly been guilty of wearing less than full gear at times and as the weather gets hot I am sure the temptation increases. But as bad as my injuries are, it is certainly far better than dealing with broken foot/ankles, road rash, and who knows what else to my hands/arms/chest.
i hope everyone stays safe and that I'll be back out on 2 (legs and wheels) soon!
can't wait to help with decoration of your current forms of mobility!
Awesome. Glad you made it out of the hospital. Let me know if you need another gimp to sit around and be gimpy with. I just finished outfitting my bathroom with handicapped accessories. I highly recommend the bathtub bench. It might even become a permanent addition.
Ryan, glad you've been set free!
Any time to deal with the driver? Hope you take her for all she deserves. >:(
Hey Ryan,
Let me know if you need any decals for your crutches. I have plenty. :-D
Ryan,
glad to hear you're somewhat up and about. We definitely need to add some carbon to your get-arounds.
Quote from: Duc and Cover on June 09, 2008, 01:28:31 PM
Awesome. Glad you made it out of the hospital. Let me know if you need another gimp to sit around and be gimpy with. I just finished outfitting my bathroom with handicapped accessories. I highly recommend the bathtub bench. It might even become a permanent addition.
Haha how long are you laid up? Definitely starting to be a drag sitting on the couch all day. And we got a shower stool since the tub is a bit small. Not as nice as the bathtub bench but it does the job ok.
And I definitely need to get some stickers for the wheelchair. Don't think any would fit on the crutches but the wheelchair certainly has plenty of space. Anyone got some spare vortex, woodcraft, arai, etc stickers? [cheeky]
Tim- I'll talk to Erin about what she wants to do. I think we have to see when the insurance adjuster will be coming out to look at it to know when we can take it somewhere (I know at least with my bike last year that the adjuster had to look at the bike before I could take it to a shop for an estimate)
Quote from: rhouck on June 10, 2008, 06:47:17 PM
I think we have to see when the insurance adjuster will be coming out to look at it to know when we can take it somewhere (I know at least with my bike last year that the adjuster had to look at the bike before I could take it to a shop for an estimate)
it is easier in many instances for an adjuster to make time during business hours to visit a 3rd party place (like a shop) to assess a bike's damages without the shop's input as to what they've estimated and do their own report/damage assessment to determine course of action options from there...and often times, the insurance company will usually cover any "storage" charges incurred if that should occur....ping "coolasice" Ben from here whom is greatly familar with the process from a dealership perspective for some feedback/insight in regards to it all....
When my 916 got backed into, the adjuster wanted to inspect at a shop. This meant Battleys wrote up a work-order for the repairs and the insurance guy "inspected" that and said OK. When I got clipped on my 900SS (and no, the beyotch did not stop) the adjuster came by my place to inspect and actually had a price list. Depends upon the agency.
Quote from: rhouck on June 10, 2008, 06:47:17 PM
Haha how long are you laid up? Definitely starting to be a drag sitting on the couch all day. And we got a shower stool since the tub is a bit small. Not as nice as the bathtub bench but it does the job ok.
I'm looking at about mid-August.
Get this bench. My tub is as small as they come and it fits. I was using a chair until I almost violated myself in the worst kind of way when the chair flipped over as I tried to sit on it. http://www.carepathways.com/estore-cat-Bath.cfm?CID=CEXB21786-EA
I went with some Guitar Hero stickers for flare. My only mod so far is this hacksawed Gatorade bottle that I screwed to the crutch as a cup holder. It also works for collecting change on the corner of 14th and Rhode Island.
(http://www.1322vermont.com-a.googlepages.com/crutch.JPG)
I can't this week, but I'm already hittin' up Jen for a ride next week.
Quote from: Duc and Cover on June 11, 2008, 12:31:33 PM
I'm looking at about mid-August.
Get this bench. My tub is as small as they come and it fits. I was using a chair until I almost violated myself in the worst kind of way when the chair flipped over as I tried to sit on it. http://www.carepathways.com/estore-cat-Bath.cfm?CID=CEXB21786-EA
I went with some Guitar Hero stickers for flare. My only mod so far is this hacksawed Gatorade bottle that I screwed to the crutch as a cup holder. It also works for collecting change on the corner of 14th and Rhode Island.
(http://www.1322vermont.com-a.googlepages.com/crutch.JPG)
Can you put some LED some that?
Quote from: Duc and Cover on June 11, 2008, 12:31:33 PM
I was using a chair until I almost violated myself in the worst kind of way when the chair flipped over as I tried to sit on it.
...
It also works for collecting change on the corner of 14th and Rhode Island.
I think you chose the right neighborhood. Do you want to ride pillion for Dykes on Bikes this Saturday? We can't make the next two Wednesdays cuz we'll be at SF Pride, kind of not on purpose. Other Wednesdays, errands, or game nights are open.