The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => General Announcements => Topic started by: Chris_in_BC on July 29, 2008, 08:28:34 PM
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Sad news to report, especially as she only stayed with us on Saturday night. Her partner just phoned to let me know she crashed in a single vehicle accident near Outlook, Saskatchewan. She has heavy concussion, broken clavicle and 3 broken ribs. The road at that point was a gravel section, and it is thought she got too close to the shoulder and maybe loose stuff.
Her new F650 twin is a writeoff as it had flipped as well as caught fire, also destroying half her luggage.
This is as much as I know.
Be careful out there.
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Holy hell.
Thanks for the word Chris, bad as it is, do you know any particulars as to where she is, if family is with her, etc., any way to contact her or hospital, etc???
sonofab*tch... :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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OH NO!!! :'( Was Sue traveling alone or do you know? Looks like she's still a long way from home. She's one brave woman traveling by herself as she does so often. When these things happen is when you really don't want to be alone! I guess Sue has some healing to do before she'll be back riding again...
Thanks for letting us know about this Chris. Always hate to hear these stories, though.
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Chris,
Thanks for the news, even though it's not good.
Sue is one tough hombre, and I'm sure she will get through this, and be telling stories about it around campfires for years to come !!!
This reminds me of an article in the BMW MOA Owners News recently, about an air ambulance service, that will fly you back home, no matter where on the planet you have an 'incident' on a motorcycle.
Can't remember the particulars, but it was dirt cheap, for what you would get in case of a mishap.
I'll do a search, and see if I come with some useful info on this.
A vivid reminder that our chosen recreational activity is a quite dangerous one.
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Please keep Sue in your thoughts and prayers, whatever your beliefs may be.
This sounds pretty serious, and (no offense, Sue, if you see this!) but she ain't quite as resilient as a 20 y.o. crash victim, and this sounds like a hard one.
As anyone gains more information, please keep the rest of us posted, ok?
Thanks much.
Steve
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OMG ! :'(
I am very very sorry to hear of her accident - I do hope for the best and a speedy recovery for Sue.
Please keep us posted if you hear or see anything. I have Sue's cell # and home phone # somewhere,
but don't know if that will suffice. Perhaps her friend Stewart will know more if we can contact him or he
calls back.
If she is strong and stable enough for an air ambulance service, I am willing to donate $$ to help her get back to
her familiar cozy home if it will help her.
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OMG ! :'(
If she is strong and stable enough for an air ambulance service, I am willing to donate $$ to help her get back to
her familiar cozy home if it will help her.
Me too Mike, whatever it'll take to keep Sue on the mend and relatively pain free at this point is what needs to be done.
If you talk to Stewart, or even Ms. F650GS herself, please let the rest of us know asap, alright?
I know you're one of Sue's primary US contacts, so please keep us updated as you hear anything about her condition, and let her know that lots of folks are pulling for her. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Thanks a lot.
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Here's the website for the air ambulance service, you have to be a BMW MOA member to get the coverage.
www.medjet.com/bmwmoa
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Serious news for certain. The trivialities of my bad day have gone out the window. I'll have her in my prayers this evening.
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OMG! :( The concussion is the worst part. The bones will heal. And the rest is just stuff.
I am so very sorry to hear this. If anyone finds out where she is, please let us know. I will do what I can. I have her home phone and her address, but that doesn't do much good as she's probably in the hospital getting some much needed rest and healing. At least we can hope.
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This is what I understood from her partner, Derek.
They have to observe her concussion for a bit. Because of this he was told that flying home isn't recommended at the moment, as the brain doesn't like changes in pressure. He will therefore consider driving out to Saskatchewan, but at the moment is holding off until more word from the medical staff. I understand she was taken to Saskatoon for a brain scan today, and then returned to the hospital in Outlook.
Her cell phone is not working for some reason and there aren't phones in individual rooms in this facility. Naturally, she isn't up and able to go to a phone.
I understand she was riding alone, another motorist came upon the burning motorcycle and found her unconscious and contacted emergency services. The response was quite fast even though she was 50 miles from Outlook. This is a prairie farming area... lots of not much!
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Thanks for the heads-up, Steve.
Poor Sue... I wonder what Derek will have to say about her gallivanting ways, now! That RV with a trailer Sue talked about may get moved from the long list to the short list, now.
I sure hope her head is o.k.... :-/
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Gosh, I just got the news this morning. It brings back bad memories from two years ago when I got the phone call that my wife had been in a motorcycle accident. I hope and pray that Sue will pull through with flying colors in record time. I'd be in favor of doing something for Sue as a group to show our support for her as she mends. (Like maybe sending the "official" R65 banner to be hung on the wall in her room to remind her of our best wishes for a warp-speed recovery!) Just a thought.... Wish there was something we could do.... :-/
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Terrible news. I am always sorry to hear of any two wheel pilots being injured.
More so when I know them. That goes for those I only know through like interests & associations, as in here.
I will gladly donate what I can to any effort pursued by this group.
Looking forward to meeting each and all of you in the future. So stay safe.
PS. Did a bit of looking at the Medjet info. Not necessary to be BMWMOA member, get a discount if you are though.
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Crap! :o It sounds like Sue is relatively stable if they are dragging her back and forth between hospitals for testing. Here's hope she will be home soon and properly mending.
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Terrible news indeed. If well wishes and prayers can help, then Sue is in luck because I know whe is in all of our thoughts as she heals.
Let's all be safe and hope for a speedy recovery,
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I agree with Melena - the concussion is the worst part. You just never know with those head injuries. Even with a good helmet, you can have some pretty severe consequences. I figured they would be keeping Sue for observation if nothing else.
I was having these terrible images in my mind of Sue being all alone and unconscious with the bike burning in the background until someone stumbled upon her...unfortunately this was the reality of her moment. It's hard to hear the details sometimes.
I agree with the thoughts about somehow showing group support. I will be glad to send the flag off - maybe once she returns home and they have a better feel about her healing time frame. Melena, if you could share her address, we could send cards - the more the merrier as they say. Sometimes just knowing that others are thinking and praying for you can make a huge difference.
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PS. Did a bit of looking at the Medjet info. Not necessary to be BMWMOA member, get a discount if you are though.[/quote]
If you go through the BMW MOA, a motorcycle return service is available for North America only, if you have an illness or sickness, not related to a motorcycle mishap.
The cost for one person is under $200 a year, if you do any long distance riding, may be something to look into.
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Thanks so much for the update Chris.
Sue is a survivor. She'll be okay. It might take awhile, but she will heal. I've had a broken clavicle and concussion before. The collar bone hurts like hell and the concussion makes your brain work weird. :o
If there is anything I can do, let me know. If someone wants to start a donation thing of some sort, I do have her home address. Although I wouldn't put it out on the open forum, if anyone wants it, send me a PM.
I will be sending a card to her home and she will eventually get it. Maybe we can inundate her with cards. That's a beginning anyway.
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I agree with Melena and Aida - we should all plan to at least send Sue some cards and get well wishes, and since she met many
folks for the first time on her big journeys this summer and many have signed the flag, it would be very nice to send that to her, too.
Melena, perhaps if you don't mind PM'ing us with Sue's snail mailing address we could at least send cards there for when she returns home.
I hate posting personal phone #s or mail address on the wild wild web so that people aren't blindsided by tons of spammers, scammers, etc.
who "cruise" for easy info from websites.
We'll all be praying for Sue. I'm so glad that she is one of those "wear all the gear" types and that she had decent protective gear - I'd hate to think of what might have happened to someone not so safety-minded.
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Hi,
I managed to get through to Sue in the hospital. Amazing what a day can do. She sounded very chipper, although she still has no memory of what happened. She says she has been sleeping a lot and still feels a bit woosy at times, but assume that is after affects of concussion. Her arm is in a sling to try and stop the clavicle moving around. Ribs and clavicle, damage all on right side, plus she says helmet is damaged on right face.
But she is up and moving (as I remember from a time I broke my clavicle, the worst part is lying down and then getting up again!) She said no damage to legs or lower body.
Her partner is heading off tomorrow with another riding buddy to drive to Saskachewan to bring her back in their van. She doesn't know if bike can be brought back as well. So she will stay in the hospital until the weekend, but this is probably the ideal place to rest.
She sends her thanks to all who have been thinking about her.
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That is great news!
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Poor old Sue.
I hate gravel with a passion - it scrares the c**p out of me when I see it on the road having had a similar but much less serious "off" due to it many years ago.
Great the hear she's well enough to go home.
Our best wishes go to her from here "across the pond".
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Just heard!!! :'( :'( :'(
Please keep us posted on what we can do in addition to praying.
Ed
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Best news I've heard all day, Chris!
Thanks a lot for keeping us posted, and please try to give updates as they become available. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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Thanks very much, Chris - that IS the best news I've heard all day, too !
Sue is like a sister to many here, am very glad that she's doing better. :) :)
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Oh dear. I had no sooner read the start of this thread when for some reason I could no longer access the forum (yeah, I was at work....). By the time I can type this, I'm glad to see that she seems as OK as she could be with what happened to her. Melena, pm me with her address if you could, please.
Prayers from me, too.
Ed
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Hi all,
I just PM'd Sue's address to all those who PM'd me, plus the others that have posted here. I know I've missed some people, but I think they haven't seen this thread yet. I'll wait to send out the address until I hear from them. I'd rather they hear about it here rather than from me.
So, if you don't have Sue's address and want it, please PM me. We want to get as many cards to Sue as possible. She'll be swimming in them. ;D Can't think of anything more fun for her right now.
And Aida is sending the signed flag to her. We'll get her well just from all the good wishes we are sending her way. 8-)
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Will we be notified somehow when Sue is finally back home? I was going to hang on until I know she is back before mailing off a get well card.
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I AM SO GLAD she is OKAY! I mean, as far as injuries go. WOW!
THANK YOU Chris and everyone for the alert and updates!
Melena, please PM the GET WELL SOON addy! I would really appreciate it.
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Anyone sending a card to Sue from the US, the postage rate to Canada is more than the standard rate in the US, it was 71 cents from Phoenix.
Just so you don't put a 42 cent stamp on it, and then get it back again in a few days.
Or have it delivered with postage due. [smiley=embarassed.gif]
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Will we be notified somehow when Sue is finally back home? I was going to hang on until I know she is back before mailing off a get well card.
Sounds like Derek is getting it together to get her home as soon as they let her out of the hospital. So I'll bet she's home Monday or Tuesday. If you send a card now I'll bet it won't show up until she's home anyway. I'm sending mine today. Well, one of them. I found 2. ::) So I'll send one next week too. ;D
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It's in the mail!
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Hi,
Last writeup before I head off for the Nez Perce off-road rally in Idaho tomorrow (actually in Oregon's Wallowas this year). Lots of gravel..yee ha!
Anyway , just talked with Sue. She says she is still kind of groggy, but is sleeping a lot, which is good. The bones are still sore, but that is too be expected. She likes Tylenol 3's :-*
Her partner is expected to arrive Sunday/ Monday as he is having to drive the 1700kms alone. So she expects to be home, probably Thursday/ Friday. Might have to take it easy on the drive home as sitting in a vehicle with broken bones all day will get tiring fast, I would think.
But she is very upbeat, just wishes she could remember what happened.
If anyone is sending a card, postal time US/ Canada is generally a week to 10 days.
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Thanks Chris! So glad to hear that's she's doing well and will get home okay. She'll be so glad to get into her own bed in familiar surroundings. But then, she won't have the nice nurses to take care of her every need. :-/
Have fun in the Wallowas! Beautiful country there!
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So what's up with Susie Q, any new news? Is she home yet?
Chris, Melena, Aida, anyone...? :-?
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I haven't heard anything new...the flag has been sent with the group's wishes for a swift recovery!
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I know she will probably cry when she sees the flag!
No doubt she will get a posting to us, one way or the other, when she does!
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If I remember, I'm going to try to call her in the morning. Let's see, 3 hours difference? :-? I can't remember. But it won't be too early. I don't want to wake her up.
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I called her. No answer. Just the answer machine with probably Derek's voice.
It was 8:30 am here, so probably 11:30 am there. They may be staying somewhere else until she can take care of herself. :question
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Sorry to hear about the accident.
Hopefully she will be back on the road soon.
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I saw Sue was online here this morning, about 8:30 am local time here.
So it looks like she may be at home finally !!!
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I'm here!!!!! Home i hope it is 'cause it looks like home so it can't be heaven. All i need and want to do right now is to weep at all the good wishes and concern for my being alive from all my forum buds!!! It is more than i can say how much the cards and many hopeful words have meant to me in this blurrrrr of a world i call home in my mind. I'm getting worried cause my brain is still wooly and i get dizzy when i change planes from upright to lying down to just trying to move too fast. it's been 2 wks. and a night now...when do things get ok again.
I was sure right about how great you guys are...gentlemen all!!! And women of course too. Just for sure wanted you all to know that there isn't one oh @$#! moment that i can bring to mind and i have been trying to remember. Derek says i remember what i was thinking about things enroute right up to the last moment and i do so wonder how do i account for instantly falling asleep on the bike or when i came upon gravel not saying $#@% then turning around as there were options in what way to go. I have a bent con rod that somehow got through the engine casings in a hole rather than any bolts busting open. Does this figure? All metal on the bike looks like it melted as it looks like it flowed! Lost 3/4 of all the things I caiired on the bike which were of course all favourite things to travel with. The right saddlebag survived (is busted but not melted to nothing) as did the things in it which were in a liner bag. Must have come off first like me!
Gotta go now..took 2 more tylenol as arm is a pain and is right side so typing with 1 finger on left. Should be ambidexterous soon! Just needed despertaely to touch base with all of you! You are very important to me!
One-wing, thank god it wasn't LRB! Sue
I will read all my PM's very soon in next session!
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Glad to have you back, Sue! Rest up, heal up, ride again... later. Monte
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Good to hear from you Sue !!!
Looks like you've got some recovering still to do, things will get better, just going to take some time.
The blanking out of your memory of the incident, reminds me of the first I went down on my first bike a Yamaha XS 400, I was braking quite hard to make a missed turnoff, and hit a patch of fine material like sand, the next thing I can remember, is just sliding to a stop on my right side, still on the bike, no memory of the 5-6 seconds of losing control, and hitting the pavement !!!
On your bent connecting rod, I wonder if somehow the throttle was opened by the impact(s), and the engine self destructed from high rpm's, and possibly no oil pressure.
Great to have you back here again !!
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Hi Sue,
Glad to hear you made it home OK. Worrying time for Derek too, I am sure. I kind of thought having the right side out of commission would have impacted your writing ability. I know I would have a tough time typing just with my right hand (being a lefty)
Bob's comment re engine over-revving and destructing is a good one, highly feasible. But I might still want to check to see if there was any way to verify that the seized engine (conrod through the case) didn't happen seconds before the accident, thus causing the crash. A mechanic might be able to see any damage to the inside of the head. Unlikely, but who knows.
So just take it easy and mend.. we know you are home and safe now.
Cheers,
Chris
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Welcome back, Sue! Glad you could make it!!! :)
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Oh, Sue! I'm so glad to hear from you! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] You have put my mind at ease. I know you are home and okay.
Take it easy now. It takes awhile to heal. I had similar injuries on a bicycle once - a car made my bicycle stop very suddenly. I am sending healing thoughts your way.
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Sue, Pattimarie and I are SO glad you are finally back home safe and sound! Now that you are back in your familiar surroundings, I know you will recover and rehab so much more quickly. Really sorry that your new bike went up in flames, too. But I'm sure another Beemer will probably soon grace your shed for your rides! ;)
Please keep us all up to date on your recovery/rehab process, OK? We're all rooting for you to be back on a Beemer in record time! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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Sue, glad you are home where you can recover and be surrounded by things that are familiar to you. I have not been able to find a suitably smart-a$$y card yet, but we are still trying. All so far have been sappy or mushy and just not me! :D Oh, and my musings on your incident closely parallel Chris' wonderings...
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Happy to see yer up and continuing to convalesce. Sorry to hear you lost stuff in the accident but hey, It's just stuff.
rich
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(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi91.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk316%2Ffifisallies%2Fsmiley%2Fwelcomehome.gif&hash=d3cdfcd5c9f0dd5b5226eaa6030fe460ab06e83f) Yea!! Sue's home! So good to hear from you!!! I know you must be SO GLAD to have you own comfortable space around you. I hear it can take some time for your head to recover from a hit like you had. I remember how painful the moving around was for Graham when he broke his clavicle, so take it easy and let your body heal up.
Your accident does sound strange and my first thought was that an engine problem may have even caused the mishap. Give it time and just maybe the moments will come back to you as your head heals. Please keep us up to date on how you feel and we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
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[size=20]WELCOME HOME, SUE !!!!![/size]
:)
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(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi91.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk316%2Ffifisallies%2Fsmiley%2Fwelcomehome.gif&hash=d3cdfcd5c9f0dd5b5226eaa6030fe460ab06e83f) <snippy> I remember how painful the moving around was for Graham when he broke his clavicle, so take it easy and let your body heal up.......................................<snip>...........................
Give it time and just maybe the moments will come back to you as your head heals. <snip>
Yes, on the clavicle. I just cracked mine and I couldn't move a little finger without it hurting. It amazed me how it's all so connected. But I was much younger then.
As far as the memory of the accident, it may not have been imprinted into long term memory. With that kind of injury, the short term memory doesn't get into long term memory and is lost. This is probably a survival thing. At least that's my theory and I think I've even read that somewhere. And it happened to me 2 times. Can't remember anything about the accidents that resulted in concussions. :-/ But it's okay. I don't really want to remember.
Sue, you may want to know why, but not the actual memory. It may be that these folks here have some insight into this. Get that engine checked out and you may find out for sure.
I'm keeping you in my thoughts and sending healing out to you.
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Just read about your accident today (must remember to check pages 2- for unread postings)
I am very glad to hear that you are home and mending. Keep your head still and do not try to solve the problems of the world.
Melenas theory on the relation between the short time memory and the long time memory is probably right: I fell down the stairs a couple of years ago and landed on my head - the last thing I remember is my foot slipping on the step and then I woke up 20 minutes later with a slight headache.
I hope you will get well and on wheels again very soon.
greetings from a partly sunny north
trolle
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Sue, very glad to hear that you are safely home in familiar surroundings and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
As to the loss of memory concerning the accident - it is not unusual. My fiance went off the bike on an exit ramp close to home. She did not look bruised although the bike was bent so we doubled on mine to get home. Once we were there I realised that she had a mild concussion and called in the medics. Although that was over a year ago she still has no recollection of how we got home or why I called 911.
My personal attitude is not to be concerned about the loss of the bike - these are material things and can be replaced; we are much more concerned about you!
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Still very wooly headed which worries me. I got knocked out for sure and never did have a headache for some reason...rarely do I get them. Sent Chris BC, at least Derek, did pics of what was left of the bike! Like Steve Erckle used to say "did I do that!?" We are working through all the forms for insurance now..thank god for Derek and I have been compiling a list of things lost.
The clavicle drags my arm down and starts to hurt whether it's in a sling or not. Now though I can start typing with fingers on the right side which at first I couldn't do. People seem to find me better than they expected but I feel like I'm retarded and I walk so slowly. I better start balance exercises cause I sure wouldn't trust myself on any bike yet. I like the short term memory theory Melena..I don't think I want to know or feel the accident..a blank is good but I still break into tears when it comes to me what a cock-up has occurred..evry am. I have to wake up to this reality but still must count my blessings. I worry about Pattimarie and Bill's family.
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Welcome back Sue! Glad to have you gracing the forums again.
We're all still thinking of you, and wishing you the speediest of recoveries.
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Gee, it's great to hear from you Sue! Really worried about the bashing you took dumping your new scooter. Like above, the scooter can be replaced. You, on the other hand, are unique.
Please take your time getting back together. The bones heal slowly at our age, but the mind has to get back to normal at an even more unpredictable pace after a concussion.
A friend of mine was "Rear-Ended" in his Hyundai cage and thought his physical pain was the biggest part of his recovery. Those of us around him kept mentioning his reduced mental abilities that were apparent to us and took much longer to return to normal. He wasn't "way out", but from our viewpoint, just wasn't hitting on all cylinders.
Listen to Derek, and move cautiously through your stages of recovery. Tomorrow is still out there to enjoy when you're ready for it. Don't rush it.
Very best,
NSF Ed
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I will take all the advice I can get..thanks all! Melena called so we had a good chat..had a really good day and I think Melena found me pretty good sounding. What a thrill.. a call from Melena. Yes and we both spoke of all the wonderful members on this forum..everyone of you all!!
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Yes, I did call Sue and we had a very nice chat. It was so good to talk with her. She sounds good. Maybe a wee bit medicated. ;) ::) ;D But that goes without saying, considering the broken clavicle. Ouch.
We came up with another idea about the accident. It's possible a deer bounded out and caught the back of her bike. She wouldn't even know what hit her. But it's all just speculation at this point.
I sure wish we could have talked longer, but I was afraid of the phone bill to Canada. :o I'll have to look into a different kind of call plan that includes Canada.
Here's to a quick recovery, Sue! [smiley=beerchug.gif]
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Hi Sue
Glad to see you are alive and OK, and I am wishing you a speedy recovery.
Fortunately the sun will always shine again.
Regards
Danie
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Hi Sue!
It's great to hear from you! I'm sure you will have reactions to what has happened to you for awhile. I know even after many years (OK, I WON'T tell how many decades ago) my first really bad accident comes back to me at the strangest moments. Mostly I don't think about it, but it will always be there in my memory- and I remember every second of it. I think it helps keep me in check sometimes.
You're really lucky to have Derek to help you with all the aftermath details. It's bad enough just healing up, but all the other details can be a real headache! You hang in there and get plenty of rest and soak up all those healing thoughts coming your way.
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I remember Graham telling us down in NC about a nasty accident Aïda when there was gravel on the road? Just how does this type of experience affect one's attitiude to getting back on. I don't want to be a wimp and if I don't remember anything how can I be afraid of nothing? Well, the pictures tell me something went terribly wrong. I sure can wreck thngs. Is it fair to Derek? Not one incident with a car happened on the trip...not one occasion when I got that rush of adrenalin or a oops moment. Go figure..I do it all to myself??
I would be very worried for the bike! Chris has pics if you want to get that sick feeling!
The flag is not here yet but we don't get mail on the weekends so it could be here later today! Wow..me..the flag...what an honour! And a call from Melena..sure hope it didn't cost you too mcuh cause ya need the $ for your bike!
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The accident on the gravel was actually fairly minor. I picked myself up, got back on the bike and rode it home. Just a little damage to the bike, but not much. I do still cringe when I see gravel in the road...
My bad accident came when I was young and in college, I wasn't driving so I think that helps my mental state. It was 7 years before I got back on a bike, though (it was a REALLY bad crash - a fatality of the driver). It only haunts me now and then and it doesn't stop me from riding. I will admit that if things are not just right, then I won't take the risk. I think it'll be better for you because you don't have those vivid memories to recall. Sometimes things happen that are just not our fault. Yours seems to be a bit of a mystery, though. Maybe one lesson learned would be about riding alone. I know you don't always have someone else around that you can ride with and that can make things difficult. I'm lucky that both Graham and I ride and so we are always together. I figure as long as you manage your own risk (WATGATT) and drive smart, looking out for yourself and any obstacles that may come your way, you should continue to do those things that you enjoy doing. You've heard the saying, "I stepped lightly though life only to arrive at death's door safely."? I'd rather get out there and DO things - knowedgeably and safely with managed risk. Afterall, you never know what's around the next corner for you. (Airhead Bill for example...)
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I was doing a search for something, and I came across this picture (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t138/nhmaf/9June/9June08_02.jpg). It made me feel better, seeing Sue's great smile!
Here's thinking of you, kid! ;)
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I sure wish we could have talked longer, but I was afraid of the phone bill to Canada. :o I'll have to look into a different kind of call plan that includes Canada.
Here's to a quick recovery, Sue! [smiley=beerchug.gif]
a wish for a quick recovery from me as well.
On the subject of phone bills, Melena, have you ever heard about Skype - an internetphone making it possible to call any phone on the earth at a very low cost? see www.skype.com.
On the subject of gravel on roads and gravel roads: At an advanced drivers course last year, I involuntarily left the racing course in a curve because I got scared. My speed when I left the course was appr. 40 mph and the bike went straight ahead in the deep sand/gravel pit until the speed went below 20 mph at which point the deep sand/gravel caught my front wheel and forced me to leave the bike in an unauthorized way. The point is that the bike will keep a straight course and keep upright as long as you do not try to alter the equilibrium by braking or pulling the handles.
An interesting exercise: Place a streak of sand appr. two inches deep and 15 inches wide in a place where there is enough space to make a 90 degree turn. Drive through the sand while making the turn with maximum angle and as much speed as you dare. The first time you try this you will feel that the bike disappears beneath you which of course is not the case but it does move in an unfamiliar way. Try a couple of times more to get acquainted with the feel. !do not do this if your tires are worn or cold! The point is that as soon the tires hit the tarmac after going through the gravel they get their grip back and the bike continues on the designated course and that if you know how it feels you do not panic.
Sue this has of course nothing to do with your accident and I apologize if it sounds arrogant. My point is that to drive your bike safely you have to know how it behaves in extreme situations and as you are a very experienced driver you have probably been in situations from which you have learned a lot about your bikes and your self.
This makes your accident rather inexplicable and Melena's and your hypothesis of a deer hitting your rear or the hypothesis of a sticking engine blocking the rear wheel are probably sound.
An acquaintance of mine lost control of his bike leaving a roundabout: the weather was cold, 45 F, and his tires were cold. No gravel, no oil on the road and his speed did not exceed 20 mph. I fear cold tires more than gravel because they can be very treacherous!
greetings from a grey, showery but rather pleasant north
trolle
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OMG... hope Sue is okay.... she will be in our prayers
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Wow! I go away for a bit and the world goes Haywire. :-/ Thank God you are still with us Sue. I am in *shock*. If there is anything to be done from afar you have but to ask.
Does anybody have a Lat/Long of the crash? I need perspective (of a map) as I'm heading that way next July.
Please be careful Y'all. The world would be greatly diminished by the disapearence of even one of you.
Healing payers for Sue. XO
:'(
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I just used Google Maps to search for Outlook, Saskatchewan to see where it was. She was a LONG way from home!