Beamer Reamer and Mrs. hit a forest rat

[Barabus]

Glad too "see" you back on the forum. Get better and let me know when the weather is going to change- you know- my bum elbow says it is going to rain

 

[Silver Penguin]

Great to hear from you, in person. Four years ago, Andy went through something similar at the hands of a careless driver. Thankfully, he didn't have it as bad as you did, since I wasn't hurt too (although he insisted that the CHP look for me, since he thought that I was riding behind him, for a few of the first dazed minutes).

With regard to airport travel, the hardware surprisingly does not set off the security alarms, at least at LAX. The wheel chair did set off the alarm at London Heathrow. (Wondered when the attendant guy was going to figure that one out).

The best piece of advice that was given to us during the whole nightmare was simply to take one day at a time. Unfortunately, there are some dark days ahead for you and Colleen, and maybe an hour at a time will be all you can do. But keep doing it, and the healing happens.

Like Barry said, you'll be able to forecast rain with ease now.

Best regards to both of you, for swift and efficient healing.

 

[chivvalry]

Ow... ow... ow.. ow.... I was cringing reading that injury list. Have to agree with an earlier post... either those pain meds are incredible or you have one helluva resilient personality. Hope it is the latter as that will last much longer than the drugs. Also looking forward to your report on the "event".

Best wishes on a speedy and full recovery to you both.

 

[Beamer Reamer]

Thanks for the oohs and ahhs and messages of hope, they all help. Drugs are pretty much down to advil, unless it's been a lousy night - so maybe it is false bravado leaking through.

1. Injury count: Post #1 in this topic

2. Heroism and Group Riding: Post #23 in this topic

3. The deer strike story: Post #36 in this topic

4. Gear review: Post #61 in this topic

5. Insurance: Post #83 in this topic

A blend of heroic effort and the merits of riding w good folks

So let’s be crystal clear. I probably wouldn’t be alive now if I had been riding alone. Regardless of the fact that we may or may not have been found that week or the next, I may well have drowned in short order. If the drowning didn't get me, the cold of that snow melt/glacial water would have got me. My crew was there for me each doing their part. I can’t tell you the details, I wasn’t much there. Bryan – young, strong, and an action oriented guy, Navy man, safety trained, experienced motorcycle man, experienced with injuries, did what was needed. He saved my ATGATT laden body from the lake, stood by me until help came, and went to the hospital with my wife. David Black – equal man of action checked and got Colleen sorted out, helped Bryan get me sorted out, used his "black" humor to keep me in the moment, gave me assurances as needed, went to the hospital with me, stayed extra days, communicated to folks, spoke with me a lot, dealt with bike stuff, left money for intangibles. Kevin, the poor guy in the lead. Had to get turned around, come back, assess. The man has a big voice and he put it to use. He scouted routes down the cliff/hill for the rescue crews (needed two routes), directed traffic, anchored lines for the EMT guys. Kevin is a big guy with a bigger heart and he always leads with his heart. He texted us throughout the ordeal, visited us – hard to find a better man. Marissa – Marissa rocks cause she found the all needed 6’ circle where only one of 4 cell phones would work. A calm and collected professional that works in the medical field. She made the 9-1-1 call, found the mysterious ethereal cowboy, and whispered good ideas to people as they needed them. You can't underestimate the power of a soft spoken voice. Also accompanied Colleen to the hospital

Thanks guys. Really. AuburnFJR and Mrs., Panman, and Niehart.

So I know there is a lot of debate on group riding vs. solo riding. And if Group riding, how big a group. Being a social animal, I like to do everything in small groups, just how I am. I think a rolling road block of Hardley's is idiocy. Groups of 8 are too big in city and suburban settings. But 2 bikes up to 5 is perfect in my mind. Riding styles still need to be considered, but a compatible group of riders in the 3- 5 bike range is a beautiful thing. Share the sites, discuss the last set of twisties, brief on the next set, share lunch, tell jokes, make fun of Old Michael - stuff like that. Professionals in good groups are spaced properly, always staggered, riding their own pace, and everyone knows the route and muster points. There is more to it than that, but you get the gist.

Last, if you get a flat - you got friends. Your Gen1 POS ticker blows up, you got friends. Your rain cover from your tail bag achieves freedom on a high speed sweeper, at least someone knows which cliff it went over. And if you should drive off the road, get a deer, catch a rock mid corner, you got friends when you really need them. I will still take my own trips. My preference will be riding with compadres. I have heard about 5 stories this past year where someone is missing but no one knows where. 3 of these were bikes, 2 were cages. Nothing like surviving some epic crash just to realize that you’re the only one knows where you are. Too scary. If you aren't with buddies, you need a tracker. That is really all I have to say about that...

 

[Mount Rainier]

That is really all I have to say about that...

+1

Enough Said! :clapping:

Welcome Home.........

Keep Going!

 

[Auburn]

BR, it was good to see you and Colleen last night. :yahoo: :clapping:

Don't forget John B. and John K. They are invaulable to the rest of us for getting information to all us and relaying information back to you and Colleen so we didn't overwhelm you two.

I look forward to many fireside discussions that are sure to come from this. B)

And it was cool to meet both your parents.

 

[rogdeb]

Thanks for the oohs and ahhs and messages of hope, they all help. Drugs are pretty much down to advil, unless it's been a lousy night - so maybe it is false bravado leaking through.


#2 Topic – A blend of heroic effort and the merits of riding w good folks

So let’s be crystal clear. I probably wouldn’t be alive now if I had been riding alone. Regardless of the fact that we may or may not have been found that week or the next, I may well have drowned in short order. If the drowning didn't get me, the cold of that snow melt/glacial water would have got me. My crew was there for me each doing their part. I can’t tell you the details, I wasn’t much there. Bryan – young, strong, and an action oriented guy, Navy man, safety trained, experienced motorcycle man, experienced with injuries, did what was needed. He saved my ATGATT laden body from the lake, stood by me until help came, and went to the hospital with my wife. David Black – equal man of action checked and got Colleen sorted out, helped Bryan get me sorted out, used his "black" humor to keep me in the moment, gave me assurances as needed, went to the hospital with me, stayed extra days, communicated to folks, spoke with me a lot, dealt with bike stuff, left money for intangibles. Kevin, the poor guy in the lead. Had to get turned around, come back, assess. The man has a big voice and he put it to use. He scouted routes down the cliff/hill for the rescue crews (needed two routes), directed traffic, anchored lines for the EMT guys. Kevin is a big guy with a bigger heart and he always leads with his heart. He texted us throughout the ordeal, visited us – hard to find a better man. Marissa – Marissa rocks cause she found the all needed 6’ circle where only one of 4 cell phones would work. A calm and collected professional that works in the medical field. She made the 9-1-1 call, found the mysterious ethereal cowboy, and whispered good ideas to people as they needed them. You can't underestimate the power of a soft spoken voice. Also accompanied Colleen to the hospital

Thanks guys. Really. AuburnFJR and Mrs., Panman, and Niehart.

So I know there is a lot of debate on group riding vs. solo riding. And if Group riding, how big a group. Being a social animal, I like to do everything in small groups, just how I am. I think a rolling road block of Hardley's is idiocy. Groups of 8 are too big in city and suburban settings. But 2 bikes up to 5 is perfect in my mind. Riding styles still need to be considered, but a compatible group of riders in the 3- 5 bike range is a beautiful thing. Share the sites, discuss the last set of twisties, brief on the next set, share lunch, tell jokes, make fun of Old Michael - stuff like that. Professionals in good groups are spaced properly, always staggered, riding their own pace, and everyone knows the route and muster points. There is more to it than that, but you get the gist.

Last, if you get a flat - you got friends. Your Gen1 POS ticker blows up, you got friends. Your rain cover from your tail bag achieves freedom on a high speed sweeper, at least someone knows which cliff it went over. And if you should drive off the road, get a deer, catch a rock mid corner, you got friends when you really need them. I will still take my own trips. My preference will be riding with compadres. I have heard about 5 stories this past year where someone is missing but no one knows where. 3 of these were bikes, 2 were cages. Nothing like surviving some epic crash just to realize that you’re the only one knows where you are. Too scary. If you aren't with buddies, you need a tracker. That is really all I have to say about that...

ALL ... excellent words and points, especially the "group riding".

Made us cringe just to read your 1st post --- Oooowwwww !! So, so glad you guys are pulling through this. You'll be in our thoughts.

Rog n Deb

 

[Tyler]

Hey David and Colleen, when we get to meet, maybe we can compare scars!! We're probably the only ones who could stomach them!

Sending continued thoughts and healing energy your way! B)

 

[ShowMeMo]

#1
First off, if you set off 500+ miles just to be run over by a deer, and then careen down a cliff/hill thing, through trees and brush and who knows what all copulating within, only to launch/crash/endo land into what I will call a "rocky" lake - I think being able to enumerate the list of injuries is a must. If Colleen and I have to feel this lousy, we want to brag about why. (kind of like wiping out on a skate board - it is all about the scars)

The totals so far:

David – right lower leg broke in two places, one a compound fracture that came up through the front of the leg. Broken right pelvis. Broken left scapula. 7 broken ribs, all in the back. T10 vertebrae grenaded in a big way. The leg now has a new titanium rod and a few screws. The pelvis has a screw, the scapula and ribs get nothing. The T10 vertebrae is now “fused” to the two vertebrae above and the two below with titanium rods on each side. A set of five all tied together now. I got a cool scar down the center or the back, maybe 8 or 10 inches long - can't wait for the next shirts against skins pickup game.

Colleen: Right knee shattered. Left lower leg bone in many pieces. Right shoulder a disaster area of mushed bone. She had the knee reconstructed with like 15 screws and a new cable to support the main tendon. The right leg has a miracle of 3 plates and 19 screws. The right shoulder has much the same, an intricate network of plates and screws. She has a couple of super cool scars that she says won't hurt her vanity one bit. One down the front of the leg and one from her shoulder down the front of her arm.

Not even gonna list off the bruises and puncture wounds from trees and such. What I will say is that we received ZERO abrasions or road rash. We had on full gear (yes Tyler, our bottoms zipped to our tops) and that had to have taken some abuse. I haven't seen mine since the helicopter folks chopped it off but someone might have it. Looking for helmet as well.

David

(future posts in this topic from me will include our own version of the ride report, gear thoughts and reviews, thoughts on riding with groups, the life saving actions of my peers, and the mysterious ethereal cowboy)

How come so many injuries on the 'Right'? It's a another political conspiracy by the 'Left', I bet! :yahoo: :yahoo:

Haven't met - hope to - glad you all survived to ride another day!

show

 

[cota95]

Hope you mend well and quick.

 

[Harald]

Thanks for the update, David. Wow, I can't believe a forest rat can cause so much damage! I pray for a speedy recovery for you and Coleen!

I've decided that I'm not telling my wife about your incident - I think she'd just freak out everytime we went for a ride otherwise.

 

[SacramentoMike]

Great posts, David, and great to know you're healing, in good spirits, and planning future rides. I know I'll meet you at a WFO. Some year. Sorry it won't be next month, though. It's also great that with everything you and your wife have gone through, and will go through, you can take the time to appreciate and express your thanks like this to the good friends and good strangers who helped you. Hang in there, and way to go.

David and Colleen, will be head up to finish off that road Thursday, "unfinished business" if you know what I mean.

Bring a gun. <_<

 

[dcarver]

Hey David and Colleen, when we get to meet, maybe we can compare scars!! We're probably the only ones who could stomach them!

Oooh, can I play too!

(a little sick humor to help make it through the day!)

 

[Tyler]

Hey David and Colleen, when we get to meet, maybe we can compare scars!! We're probably the only ones who could stomach them!

Oooh, can I play too!

(a little sick humor to help make it through the day!)

Connect the dots?

 

[Auburn]

Hey David and Colleen, when we get to meet, maybe we can compare scars!! We're probably the only ones who could stomach them!

Oooh, can I play too!

(a little sick humor to help make it through the day!)

Connect the dots?

Maybe a show and tell at Barb's ride in this Fall

 

[cruppelt]

Dave,

Thanks so much for the updates!

It is truly great to read you moving forward and making jokes about the scars. Heal well and soon!

I've decided that I'm not telling my wife about your incident - I think she'd just freak out everytime we went for a ride otherwise.

I've told my wife about your accident after the initial post by Bryan, but I really should not have.... needless to say she is even more freaked about my weekend rides then she was before.

 

[Beamer Reamer]

1. Injury count: Post #1 in this topic

2. Heroism and Group Riding: Post #23 in this topic

3. The deer strike story: Post #36 in this topic

4. Gear review: Post #61 in this topic

5. Insurance: Post #83 in this topic

David and Colleen"s version of the deer strike.

What an epic day we were having!! Kevin (Panman) had a great route planned, the weather was beautiful, and we had great sized group of 4 bikes. The day has been somewhat chronicled here already, so I will only say once again it was an awesome day. I loved the company, the roads, - everything. Colleen and I had a blast.

So it comes down to the deer. Having come to this point with my history in the dirt, taking the MSF course, spending time on this forum, finding awesome ride buddies, and having logged about 20k on the FJR, it came down to the deer moment. The rat *******. I will tell you now that the deer was on its own agenda and pursuing its own life issues. My group didn’t startle it from the side of the road, this rascal came from elsewhere. It came from way down the hill, far to our right, well in the trees and below sight line. Maybe a tiger was chasing it, maybe the flies were annoying, maybe I shot her daddy last year, maybe she felt the need to let the legs out, but she was doing her own thing. And that thing had her tear assing across the road right when our small armada was rolling through. I never saw the deer and that was a simple matter of angles and sight lines. I was ride #2 in the group and I tend to look at the road well ahead of the #1 slot. It was a blind hit and it was a solid lick. Colleen, who is animal spotter extraordinaire, says she saw it about the time it met the bike. From the driver’s point of view, I can tell you at one point everything was hunky dory and the next moment it was game on. For all I knew a tire could have blown or anything. The bikes behind me had the best view and a better rendition, but to me the Bike pitched immediately to the right and over the side of a hill we went. All I saw and reacted to were some large trees coming up quick. I now know that those large trees were down the 70’ drop (45 degree+ angle) or whatever it was, and my last remembered thought was to miss the trees (don’t fixate) then take on the next obstacle. That’s it, bike went right, image of trees and the instant death they offered, made an adjustment, and then someone pulled the plug on my brains event recorder and it didn’t come back on until I was laying at the edge of the lake with AuburnFJR and Niehart standing over me.

Colleen: She came to with her face in the water (how scary is that) and knew she needed to get to the shore NOW. One shoulder was out, one leg was out, and she was using her other leg to shove. Almost immediately something in her “good knee” snapped and she made it the rest of the way with one arm. It wasn’t far to water shallow enough to sit in, a few feet, and from there she looked for me. She saw me a ways off floating in the lake and moving away in the current. She saw the activity around dragging me in, spent time with the mysterious ethereal cowboy, took a boat ride, and caught the whambulance.

David: I woke up in pain and as cold as I can remember. I recognized Bryan and David Black right away and they were holding me a float trying all the tricks to keep me awake. I felt like I asked about Colleen a dozen times, but couldn’t seem to grasp the answer. They remember I was very insistent about my level of discomfort which I recall as well. I laid in the water for what seemed to be an eternity, but it was maybe 20 minutes. I eventually heard the sirens, felt the backboard go under, and then got loaded on a good citizens boat to take a lake cruise to the helicopter. I was in that “aware but not with it” state during all of this time. I remember being loaded onto a helicopter, got zero view at all out of the deal, and heard the chopper crew discussing my core temperature (85) and chopping off my riding apparel. Even chopped the boots which seems excessive but it was all appreciated in the end.

 

[dcarver]

freaking goose bumps after reading that..

.and this is a 'forever' quote

"and then someone pulled the plug on my brains event recorder and it didn’t come back on until I was laying at the edge of the lake"

 

[MCRIDER007]

Wow, what a story, thanks for the update. I am still amazed that Bryan was able to get you to shore all by himself...and if your temperature dropped to 85 in that short of time you wouldn't have lasted very long in the river even if you could have floated for miles.

Do you still want to do a Canadian ride to Watson Lake?

 

[Niehart]

Don't know DC, I think "The rat *******" sumed up my feelings...