bgross
Recusant Infidel
I've left out the name of the rider, though the curious can guess. It's not important. What's important is knowing that any of us, even the most seasoned riders, need to stay hydrated and know how to recognize heat exhaustion and dehydration - in ourselves and our fellow riders.
-------------------
He was in more trouble than was apparent at first glance.
When his bike made a rather unsteady left turn into the driveway and came to an equally unsteady halt, it was clear that instinct and luck were to be given the credit: the rider who was astride the saddle was in another dimension.
For the first couple minutes it was difficult get a handle on the problem. The rider had "stalled", along with his bike. He was unable to figure out where the clutch was located, though if he'd found it his hands would have been as useful as feet.
His speech was confused and confusing though he was able answer a question about drinking water: "I finished it a while ago." He seemed to understand that the next important step involved dismounting, but he couldn't recall where the kickstand was nor how to deploy it.
After someone had put his kickstand down and several people had helped him from his bike, it was suggested that he remove his helmet. His arms moved his hands up to the front of his chin, seemed to be fumbling around ineffectively, and finally his brain got his mouth to say "Could somebody find that thing...?" Somebody found that thing, his glasses were removed, and off came the helmet.
The good news was that he was sweating. In other words, "it could be worse" - but it was bad enough. He was assisted to a chair in the shade, removed from his jacket, and handed a bottle of water. When someone warned him as they poured some cold water down his neck, he shuddered and remarked that he should be drinking that water. No problem, here's another bottle - drink up!
After a few minutes he got to try his hand at answering those annoying questions: What's your name? Do you know where you are? Do you know what day of the week it is? Do you know the name of the event you're riding in? Though slowly, he did better than expected. A few minutes later the rally mistress came out and knelt in front of his chair. He recognized her, and said so. Her response was concerned and direct: You are very dehydrated. You are severely dehydrated. You can't let yourself get like that....
He was proud of his performance on the "orientation to person, time, and place" and responded with "I know everybody's name", as though that awareness was evidence that he was right as rain.
He was escorted inside to an air conditioned room to be evaluated by the event medical person. A short time later the bright colored trucks with the pretty flashing lights arrived, and he went for a ride.
----------
Remember the videos of the female triathlete, collapsed and trying to crawl the last yards to the finish line? It was both heroic and pathetic, a reminder that winning often involves pain and perseverance. And that the human body has limits.
Ride. Survive. Ride again.
-------------------
He was in more trouble than was apparent at first glance.
When his bike made a rather unsteady left turn into the driveway and came to an equally unsteady halt, it was clear that instinct and luck were to be given the credit: the rider who was astride the saddle was in another dimension.
For the first couple minutes it was difficult get a handle on the problem. The rider had "stalled", along with his bike. He was unable to figure out where the clutch was located, though if he'd found it his hands would have been as useful as feet.
His speech was confused and confusing though he was able answer a question about drinking water: "I finished it a while ago." He seemed to understand that the next important step involved dismounting, but he couldn't recall where the kickstand was nor how to deploy it.
After someone had put his kickstand down and several people had helped him from his bike, it was suggested that he remove his helmet. His arms moved his hands up to the front of his chin, seemed to be fumbling around ineffectively, and finally his brain got his mouth to say "Could somebody find that thing...?" Somebody found that thing, his glasses were removed, and off came the helmet.
The good news was that he was sweating. In other words, "it could be worse" - but it was bad enough. He was assisted to a chair in the shade, removed from his jacket, and handed a bottle of water. When someone warned him as they poured some cold water down his neck, he shuddered and remarked that he should be drinking that water. No problem, here's another bottle - drink up!
After a few minutes he got to try his hand at answering those annoying questions: What's your name? Do you know where you are? Do you know what day of the week it is? Do you know the name of the event you're riding in? Though slowly, he did better than expected. A few minutes later the rally mistress came out and knelt in front of his chair. He recognized her, and said so. Her response was concerned and direct: You are very dehydrated. You are severely dehydrated. You can't let yourself get like that....
He was proud of his performance on the "orientation to person, time, and place" and responded with "I know everybody's name", as though that awareness was evidence that he was right as rain.
He was escorted inside to an air conditioned room to be evaluated by the event medical person. A short time later the bright colored trucks with the pretty flashing lights arrived, and he went for a ride.
----------
Remember the videos of the female triathlete, collapsed and trying to crawl the last yards to the finish line? It was both heroic and pathetic, a reminder that winning often involves pain and perseverance. And that the human body has limits.
Ride. Survive. Ride again.
