Sunday  on the Martha's Grove Trail, one of TSD's own had a little spill but luckily we weren't so far away from cell service that we couldn't call in some aid.  Wow. Now we know how to do helicopter rescue.  Pretty cool only if it's practice and not the real deal like it was Sunday  Larry is at Sharp's Hospital for a few days, but we understand that while he'll be laid up for a bit, it's not dire at last report.  

Message:  do not move a fallen rider, no matter what. Ask them to wiggle fingers and toes, ask them date, location, age, name.   No food, water or advil.  Keep a space blanket handy just in case.  Remember there will be rotor wash when the helicopter gets lower to drop down the EMT, so be sure to shield the rider's face  cuz there will be some big dirt and pebbles flyin' about.  Be sure to get the spouse's cell phone off the rider's cell phone if there is a spouse or partner so that person can be notified.  Organize extraction of personal belongings, bikes and cars.  Do what the nice man who came down out of the sky with the litter says to do.  He's trained in this sort of thing

If asked by the dispatcher what you're wearing-- well seriously folks, we're wearing geeky bike clothes in colors that do not occur in nature.  Which means wear something bright, shocking and unnatural while mountain biking.  Blending in is that last thing you want to do if you need to be found.

Keep cell phones fully charged and always carry one with you.  Helmets.  We call people without helmets organ doners.  No organ doners allowed.

And this is very important. If you land on your head, and you think  you can walk out, there is a good chance that you are ok, but then there is a chance your're not and you'll make matters worse.  Unless you can pretty much leap back to your feet --- don't tempt fate. Lay there.  Block the trail.  Other riders and hikers will get over it.  It's better to risk the overall aggravation of being carried out, then wind up in surgery with a halo for 6 months.  It could happen to any of us at any time, so no member of the group is the least bit put out by having to stay by a downed rider etc.  

So send out good thoughts to Larry and we are confident we'll see him on the trails again soon.  

 My first ride with the Spokies. Sorry Deb and I missed the start. But the Tour was on (that's our roadie blood talking there).
Great meeting you guys. I guess there was a reason for me to forget my camelback. Sorry about the unfortunate accident. We'll do it again soon. Only this time without the helicopter ride for one of us. Although that looked pretty cool too.
Lou...

It did look cool to see Larry flying through the air, although Larry said all he could see was blue sky.  This was Kathy's first ride with the group too.  Spokies aren't usually this dangerous, but like I said, we just get banged around and don't have to deal with cars and angry drivers and stuff.  Just angry rocks and dirt.  *note to Lou*:  now you know why you should have your cell phone with you!!!!!

I talked to Larry earlier today and he is grateful for everybody's help. 

Heck, this was my first ride in a few years with the group myself.  So it was just as interesting for me as it was for you!

Hey Larry,

I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune and hope to see you back on the trails soon.

Here's to a speedy recovery.

James
The other Lefty

    Larry update (via Paul Russo) 

Larry will ride again!

However he will have to go through some surgery to remove some bone fragments etc.  This will all be a "bad memory"  according to Paul.

I was thinkiing about this.  Can you imagine what someone who is NOT in good shape would be going through?  Despite all this drama, I expect that Larry's fitness level kept his injuries from being way way worse. 

However, we are not bullet proof and I know we all tend to think that because we grin and spin we are invincible. I know I do.

And by the way:  when I biffed at Sycamore some years ago and was carted out, Larry performed the greatest service that one Spokey can for another:  he stood between me and the sun to keep the sun out of my face.

   Larry may be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.  Ain't that good news!!!