Southern California Local MessageBoard.
This Message Board is for local Southern California biking messages.
If you see messages that fall way outside of that subject or use inappropriate language, please click on the alert icon below.
|
Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
We saw the chopper across the canyon over on Sulli Ridge early on but I think because it's relatively tight where he was lying they weren't too keen on trying to land there. They finally did land and did a pretty good job of squeezing in there. I couldn't believe some of the idiots that were out there. One dumbass chick runs right across where the chopper was trying to land with her dog, presumably so she wouldn't be stuck on the upper part of the F/R. I could see the medics just shaking their heads.
I was hearing the same thing from people standing around ( about his condition ) but as that's unofficial wasn't going to mention it.
Posted by Sprocket  on 03/06/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main) 
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
I was there -- my friend is the one who called 911. They took FOREVER to respond (at least it seemed that way). The guy never moved, no pulse or heartbeat when we found him. I think he was gone the minute he hit the ground. but there were some heroic efforts to save him. the medics managed to get a pulse, but no respiration...later my friend heard from the firemen that he didn't make it. His name was Adam Don. he was 36 and lived in santa monica. and the trail mix in his camel back had m&m's in it...
Posted by Outonmybike a 40 year old riding a specialized enduro pro from santa monica on 03/07/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
He crashed on his bike.
Posted by GhostRider a 31 year old on 03/07/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
It was on the right side (going up) off the fireroad about a mile up from the westridge gate where there is a burm or jump off the firebreak (there is a sign there that says "westridge canyon back" or something like that...) - people take the jump both ways. I didn't see the crash, but apparently he came down the fire road at a very high speed and took the jump. his bike was a hardtail with not very good front suspension. the guy who saw it said he went about 20 ft. in the air, did a somersault and landed right on his head. He ended up about 15 feet or so up the fire break beyond the jump off to the left.
Posted by Outonmybike on 03/07/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I’ve found people there twice over the years that I’ve needed to call the ambulance for, “newbie’s” and or people unfamiliar with this trail both times. Really a VERY tame jump, but at speed it can certainly launch you. I sad to hear this and hope “they” won’t bulldoze this, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
Posted by El Salt on 03/07/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Really really sad.
Seems it was just about this time last year we were all meeting in Orange for the Mark Reynolds Memorial.
It is going to be weird to ride past there from now on. It is one of my local rides.
Just a shame when one of goes doing what we love.
Oh Mani Padme Hung= Buddhist prayer.
Posted by CrossMax a 40 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
That single patch of dirt, where the fire breaks meet the road are responsible for TONS of serious injuries. I am very surprised to hear it wasn't the transition facing the other direction where the fire break "looks" to have a smooth tranny onto the road, but in fact has a steep roller into a big ditch. It seems everyone has balled themselves up in that ditch, including myself.
Posted by Dusty Bottoms on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Been there and done that one. I had a cracked helmet, bruised shoulder, dislocated thumb, a huge abdominal bruise (caused by my seat tube and saddle being rammed into my lower gut) and 1 blue-nut from that crash. First time I was riding it, I saw the crest, which lead me to believe that there's more on the other side, I slid back in my saddle in anticipation for another roller and then the ground simply disappeared. That was the freakiest .5 seconds I've experienced. Nothing like the odd feeling of free falling face first and knowing there's nothing you can do about it. I can't believe someone hasn't put up a sign or some deterrent there.
On the bright side, if it was his time to go, what better way to go then doing what he loved (assuming) to do? I know that would hold true for me; well, that and eating shish kebobs and babaganoush.
Posted by JoeTruth on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I was thinking the same thing about the transition facing in the other direction.
Based on his age and the description of his bike, I think I chatted with the guy at the intersection of Mulholland and Sulli Ridge. You don't see a lot of older green GTs with flat bars and bar ends out there, and that's what this guy was riding. He was riding with a woman, though, and I don't see any mention of that here. I saw this couple at the Hub and later on at Mulholland/Sulli. I guess it's conceivable that they started from different points. I wonder if it was the same guy? Weird to think that I may have been one of the last people he ever spoke to.
Gus: Any follow-up from the dentist who was on the scene? No obituary has been posted, but I suppose it's a little early for that.
Posted by JimN on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I'm not sure who 'outonmybike' is - but I have a hunch. I think he/she was trying to make it clear by the use of past tense (his name was & he was 36) that he didn't come back. The fire department usually won't tell you after the fact, that kind of news, unless it's true. I believe I've BS'd with the guy as well in the past. Retro - green GT's and Adam aren't that common. From what my pop told me, I thought it was the collar bone hill off ramp. But outonmybike's description is the "back to the pavement" kicker. Hard to understand any assualt at high speed on a retro rocket. That is where we met Jim; we were talking on top of that kicker. You had some classy ti and I think I was on the red saucy one.
Posted by Chainsaw on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
If I'm picturing this correctly, this is the same place my friend Max balled up ..... and there's a picture of his face plant that pops up in the user photos section every so often. When he went over, I thought he was really gonna hurt himself. And, he was barely moving. Luckily he just tore his shirt and had a nice big bruise from his stomach to his chest. Handle bars are not your friend in that situation..
Posted by CrzyRidr3 a 33 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
"Sanitizing" whines aside, that sounds like a trail feature that should be altered. When "mainstream" riders not looking to score Mountain Dew sponsorship are stacking hard off something that belies its difficulty, it's time to regrade the thing.
Posted by EBasil on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Last thing I want to do is start an argument over something as tragic as this, but with a bit of caution, it's a very easy roller. If you are flying down the fireroad and decide to launch this thing, you're gonna get hurt unless you already have a Mountain Dew sponsorship. I have a feeling this rider was doing something way out of his range. But, I wasn't there...so I don't know.
Just my 2 pennies..
Posted by CrzyRidr3 a 33 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I tend to agree. 2 hours of hand work on those particular ramps would negate about 10 air lifts a year. Might be worth it. I've never been one for sanitization, but the thrill to risk ratio is way off on those features. The fact that they are on one of the most heavily used fire roads in the world doesn't help much either.
Posted by Dusty Bottoms on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Based on what Dusty wrote below, I have a feeling I'm thinking of the wrong place. Disregard my 2 pennies post...
:)
Posted by CrzyRidr3 a 33 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
The description of that dude somersaulting 20 feet in the air makes my gut twitch.
Mountain biking is dangerous. We wear helmets, gloves, pads, body armor, etc, etc.
Sanitization takes the fun out of it for those of us with sense.
It totally sucks that that guy died. That part about the M&M's in his Camelbak... it highlights the frailty and brief duration of life. It reminds me of Lamont Bentley, my customer since the 80's. He came in to pick up some business cards, and three days later he was killed when his SUV rolled off a 405 onramp. As with this biker, speed made a bad situation worse.
Posted by Big Bad Ben a 36 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
While it wouln't hurt to shave off those bumps at the bases of the southbound uphills, the s-bound "offramps" of the firebreak trail are much more tricky and hazardous and deserving of smoothing,IMOP. Still, there do seem to be a high number of injuries[and now fatalities?] at these places. HOWEVER, it is probable that the rider on Sunday did not pre inspect the jump he was about to do...One should never ride any trail at high speed unless you've ridden it before or inspected how the "stunts" come out on the other side.
Posted by Pluton riding a FSRxc on 03/11/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I heard about this in conversation and thought I'd get more info here. If he's still alive I wish him all the strength possible and regardless of the outcome, his family the same. Anyone's voulnerable. I went off the same spot Dusty, Joe and many others have. (posted story a while back). I lucked out with a bruised knee from my stem and just smashed my read wheel after casing the far side of that ditch. Ride safe.
Posted by MB a 30 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
that's the one
wow, is that a softtail?
Posted by Macrider a 38 year old on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Yep, buddy of mine on an Ibis Ti softtail.
He's riding something more appropriate for his riding style these days.
Posted by Black Bart on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Yes, the pic Bart put up is the one the guy crashed off of. It's a fairly simple, slightly uphill launch onto flat. The only thing making it somewhat technical, is you can hit it at warp speed if you are coming down the main F/R. You used to be able to hit it from the opposing S/T line which Dusty mentioned, and which I came down that day, but there is a nasty little ditch preventing that now.
Haven't seen or heard anything on the news but I would be surprised if it wasn't fatal. The guy never moved and the medics would only say it wasn't looking good.
Posted by Sprocket on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Yes. this is the spot. just to reiterate for those of you still speculating, i got confirmation via the fire chief that Adam did not survive the crash.
Posted by Outonmybike on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
This is truly tragic. After hearing the first reports and descriptions I was almost certain the accident had occured at "DDawg Ditch". That is something that really needs to be leveled completely.
To respond to Money, the jump has a really nice lip to it. It really isn't all that steep, but get some speed and that will shoot you straight up, but 20 feet? That must have been some serious speed. One can only imagine what his final thoughts were.
Much like JT said, if there is a way to go, that would be it. RIP Adam.
paz afuera
Posted by Papisimo on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
The witness was a hiker and pretty tore up. I think '20 feet' was just an exclamation, and maybe not necessarily meaning height. I took that kicker with too much speed once and got a little higher than I was comfortable with. That is when I learned what brakes do in the air; I was lucky. If the rear of my bike had gone just a few degrees higher - things would have been much different. I don't know what it is about fear that makes you want to grab a fist-full of brake lever. This may have been what the witness meant by " did a somersault " (the bike turning towards upside-down in the air) and 20 feet of air forward is not hard to perceive.
Posted by Chainsaw riding a red, white and blue - or black one from S&M/Bentwood on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I am no jumper, just ask CrzyRidr3, but can you get 20 feet of air on that thing? Is that possible? The angle doesnt look steep enough. Originally I was thinking it was that really tall "jump" about 1/2 mile past the Nike station on the left of Westridge FR.. Pretty sad story nonetheless.
Posted by The REEL Moneyshot on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
I heard he had a broken neck and a friend that was there said he was dead. Can't back that up but she said some hikers said he had no pulse. If anyone gets more info. so I can let my friend know. She's real shook up.
Posted by Dirtmistress a 40s year old Die-hard Enthusiast on 03/06/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Just an epilogue: Roger, the dentist (CPR), was called as well and told that Adam's death was pronounced not too long after take off in the chopper. Adam's parents called Roger to thank him for his heroic efforts in trying and save their son. The fire chief also said the kicker will be leveled. I enjoy that area more than many, but I would never entertain harming someone to preserve a relatively small pleasure that can be obtained off the beaten path. Simple retro, "out for a ride" iconoclast with M&M's in their packs are all too rare and will be duly missed. My heart felt condolences to his family for their far greater loss. Gus
Posted by Chainsaw on 03/08/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
Thanks for all your kind words. Adam was my bud and am still a bit shaken. He called me Sunday morning to see if I wanted to go for a ride with him. I had to work. I got the word Monday afternon that he had died on that ride and am now piecing things together.
I hiked up to the crash site today -- a place I have jumped for years -- and saw the orange paint from the investigation. It's all so strange to me. I turned Adam on to "Nike" about 4 years ago, his first off-road ride was on Nike, then I took him to Sycamore (my personal favorite). And this past December I showed him Sullivan Cyn. He loved it! He was always a very tame rider. I never saw him jump or wheelie or anything, he was always a cautious rider.
After speaking with several witnesses, I've learned that the impact killed him instantly. I am grateful he did not suffer. It was really nice to find this chat.
My best,
Jeff
Posted by Jefflovell a 44 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight ano silver from Santa Monica on 03/08/05
Jeff Lovell, realtor
Responses: (0) (1) (2) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
Published in the Los Angeles Times from 3/9/2005 - 3/10/2005:
Adam David Don
Beloved son of Robert E. and Charlotte C. Loving brother of Abbe (Eve Harris) and Steve (Amy). Devoted grandson of Abe and the late Rita Cohen and the late Sam and Esther Don. Fond uncle of Payton and Harper Don. Services Friday, 11:00 a.m. at North Shore Cong. Israel, 1185 Sheridan Rd., Glencoe, IL. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Adam Don Memorial Foundation, 3500 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. For further service information, please contact Piser Funeral Service (847) 679-4740 or Malinow and Silverman Mortuary (800) 710-7100.
Posted by JimN on 03/09/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
Adam was one of my best friends and an all-around amazing friend, brother and son. He left us way to early. His generosity, love of life, and friendship over 15 years means more to me than I can fathom. I had dinner with him Saturday night to so I could carbo-load for the LA marathon. He also called me during my run to see how I was doing. He was that kind of guy. I spent many days and nights with him over the last four years as we re-connected after college in California. He was someone who never backed down form a challenge, lived life to the fullest, and made everyone around him a better person just by knowing him. He loved golf, working out, biking, partying, good food, and was a #!&*ing funny guy. You could always expect to laugh and be in a better mood once you talked or went out with Adam. I will be at the funeral along with countless friends from all over the country who feel the same way as me. He will truly be missed. I do hope some of you bike enthusiasts get something done at that sight for all other potential bikers safety. I will try to do what I can to make that place a safer destination with signs or whatever else might be done. Adam was 35. He would have been 36 in May.
Posted by Mslenn a 36 year old from Santa Monica on 03/09/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
I know a road where someone died. Even though I wish I wouldnt, I always think of her when I pass the place where she died and even though I didnt know her, it hurts my heart. Now I know a place on dirt where someone died and even though I wish I wouldnt, I will always think of him when I pass the place where he died and even though I didnt know him, it'll hurt my heart.
My sincerest condolences to all who are affected by this.
REST IN PEACE ADAM
Posted by Dirtmistress a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz sl from L.A. on 03/09/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
same with me
Most of you probably already know this...
a woman died a brutal death on Palisades drive a couple years ago. A woman driving an SUV while talking on her cell phone hit her while going ~50 mph. All that was left of the bike was little shards and peices strewn across the road. It makes me shiver just to think of it....
that bench and tree on Palisades Drive are put there in her memory.
Posted by Holdenmire from LA on 03/10/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I have ridden up Palisades more than once on a bike, and cars get going pretty fast, especially spoiled rich chicks driving their boyfriend/daddy/mommy's car...
Posted by Big Bad Ben a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Raleigh M-20 & an '02 Honda XR250R from Hollywood on 03/10/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
My dad won't allow me to ride up or down Palisades Drive (..because of that incident).
I don't blame him, although it does get annoying to be wating for a ride at Paseo Miramar, when I could simply ride up ~ 4 or 3 miles to my house.
Sunset is already pretty bad though... There's no sidewalk, except for about 6 inches of cement guarded by this fence that separates you from the lunatic drivers speeding up and down the street.
Why doesn't everybody just ride bikes to work ;D
Posted by Holdenmire a 15 year old Cross-Country Rider from LA on 03/10/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I've done the Trailer Cyn/Will Rogers/Sunset/Palisades loop a couple of times, and I know exactly what you're describing regarding the lack of sidewalk along Sunset, especially that corner by the Self-Realization place. Really hairy there.
And on Sunset, too.
Posted by Big Bad Ben a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Raleigh M-20 & an '02 Honda XR250R from Hollywood on 03/10/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Hey Holdenmire, IMO there's a better (safer) way to get from Will Rogers back to the bottom of Palisades Drive than riding Sunset.
Send me an email or ask some of the guys you've talked to, they probably know the route too.
Posted by Black Bart a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Sugar+ and a Schwinn Cruiser Seven from Santa Monica on 03/11/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) (3) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
He's not the only one who could use an alternate route. Kenter is hush-hush, but what's the secret here?
Posted by Big Bad Ben a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Raleigh M-20 & an '02 Honda XR250R from Hollywood on 03/11/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
Not sure of the actual Right of Way status for one.
Two, no motos allowed.
Posted by Black Bart a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Sugar+ from Santa Monica on 03/11/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ..
I found my single-track moto nirvana, and it's not on the west side. I did the above loop twice; once on foot and once on The Raleigh (not much of a bike, but it qualifies). Besides, what's the worst that could happen? "A pirate told me that he thought it might be okay to ride through here."
Posted by Big Bad Ben a 36 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Raleigh M-20 & an '02 Honda XR250R from Hollywood on 03/12/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
MOMENT OF SILENCE -- To celebrate life, and it to its fullest. I plan to be at the site on Sunday, 3/13/05, at 3:30 PM. I will be there just to pay my respects. Nothing formal, no speeches -- just a moment of silence, in memory of Adam.
Posted by SunWorshipper on 03/09/05
Responses: (0) (1) (2) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
Adam was a very close friend of mine all through college. There wasn't much we did without each other. Countless trips and parties we attended together. There was never a dull moment with him. We were seperated geographically after college when he moved to Dallas and later to California. I moved to Montana for a while before returning to Austin, where we went to school. Adam came to visit me in Monatana where we went fly fishing and partied with other friends who made the trip. We got together again in Austin to ring in 2001 at a New Years Eve Party at our friends bar, The Lucky Lounge. All of these times were just as great as the times we shared in college. He was the type of guy you could see once a year and feel like you were just together last week. I am writing this from Chicago, where I will be attending a funeral service for my friend, Adam, tomorrow. Many people have come to be here and support his family and friends. It is sad that the group of people here were only able to come together at such a traggic time. It means a lot to read all the kind words and well wishes from this board. While I will not be able to attend the gathering on Sunday in person, I will be there with you in my heart.
Posted by Utterczar a 36 year old riding a none from austin on 03/10/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
I met Adam right when he moved to So. Cal,.... We were introduced by a mutual friend from Vegas (who passed away about a year ago). We hung out together often enough at holidays and mini vacations, and talked on the phone pretty frequently. I am not surprised his friends on this board have had the same impression of him that I have "Genuine, Warm, Fearless, Hilarious, etc".... All of these were my experience as well. I'd like to add that I felt he was one of those people that had an 'illumination' about him... He was like a big bright star that many of us were attracted to, much like moths finding light in the dark night sky... yet with all of these gifts, he was complelely unaffected. He was just a regular guy, and a good man. I too will be attending the memorial service of my friend and respected colleague tomorrow in Chicago, and hope to find my way back to CA in time for the Sunday 'moment of silence'.... This is the least I can do for someone that enriched my life in so many ways. I and my family will miss him, and I will live my life passing along memories of a fine human being to those who didn't know him as well or at all, so that they too will be enriched by him, and in some small way, live ever longer.
Thanks to this board for being so kind to my friend.
JeffHaseltine
Posted by Jeffhaseltine a 40 year old from So. Cal..... Native! on 03/10/05
Responses: (0) Reply (to this)(main)
|
- Re: Bad crash on Westridge today ( Sunday/6th ) ....
I was there and called 911...it was "BUSY" and I was in shock and certainly frustrated.
My friend (outonabike) and I were the first riders to come down Westridge behind Adam. Two hikers were yelling, "Do you have a cell phone?" Oddly enough, my phone only received reception right next to Adam and no where else in that area - (Angels?) - I felt so helpless standing over an injured, possibly dying fellow biker, and hearing a "we are busy message, please hold" -- like I was calling the bank.
The hikers remarked he was "flying fast", and sailed more 'straight out', not 'up', the approximate 20 feet he landed on the flat section above the jump. They said he was smiling and looked good at first...rear tire close to the ground...the guy said he could tell looking up from a distance he had too much speed. (I have used that area to practice and at "VERY" low speed get air.)
After being transferred around and around...911 didn't know where we were, which seemed so simple for us who ride there often. I was regretful I had not followed advise from a friend who had a similar experience last year, who told me to carry numbers from the local fire departments. (they kept asking ,me for an 'address') ????
Adam had his ID, but no phone, no medical card and no emergency contact numbers, which I learned from another friend when I started biking to always carry. But he was smart for having his license because we knew his name and address. Better than trying to encourage somebody by saying, "hey dude" -- The guys administering the CPR worked diligently to save him...they never stopped breathing life into Adam for a second...THANK YOU !!
we were pleading with him to take a breath. I really thought he was unconscious and would make it, even though we could not find a pulse. I just did not believe he had passed. He had his tube, patch kit, etc...trail mix in a zip lock, which said something about him to me...he was very organized...Adam and, I feel, got to know each other (in spirit) last Sunday as we spent, what seemed like eternity, together. I never stopped praying and begging him to take a breath....Since last Sunday my emotions for Adam have stayed close and I have learned a lot from that experience. I feel everybody there helped Adam to transition over...he knew we were all there with him, loving him, trying to help...he was not alone and he didn't suffer. As we all know (now) they say he probably took two breaths after impact. But if he could have been saved, help was not close by with 911. I will be carrying emergency numbers, an emergency blanket and my cell phone at all times now. I plan to get CPR certified asap! and to keep it current. Thanks to the dentist who is current, he knew exactly what to do and how to do it. The firefighters said we did the right thing and all we could do. (thank you mr. dentist) And the other man who almost passed out from breathing for Adam for so long. Thank you. They both did all that was possible with CPR.
I have learned a little about Adam since last Sunday and he was loved by so many and will be missed.
Personally, I feel that jump should come down. It is very "inviting" and very deceiving when sailing down Westridge. It looks very innocent, unless you have stood there and watched guys with plenty of skills get launched off the lip of it, as I have.
I have personally overcome a terminal illness and by Grace am here today...but I tell you, the feeling for which I have no words to describe,
is still almost paralyzing to me.. Like being stranded and totally helpless. As more people gathered on the scene, still, nothing more could be done. And in this case, when the emergency crew came, they proved to be helpless, too.
My love and prayers go out to his family in Chicago, his girlfriend, his buddies, little pooch, neighbors, and all who knew and loved Adam.
And for me, I have gained a new friendship with Adam, as I am sure to feel his presence every time I ride by there, but I'll try to smile and feel his loving spirit, maybe via a butterfly, who knows. Maybe I can chat with him and keep it as positive as possible. Maybe he can help me pedal up the hill if I give him some water.
And I will quietly thank Adam for changing my life.
**Please join us today for a moment of silence for Adam...I am sure he'll be there too. Thanks for listening. --
Posted by Dirt Kiss a Cross-Country Rider riding a Intense Spider from Santa Monica on 03/13/05
Responses: (0) (1) Reply (to this) |
|
|
