episodic

My son and I toured from South Arkansas to near Bastrop, LA, down to Dayville, LA, crossed the Natchez Bridge into Mississippi. We rode a portion of the trace parkway to the Natchez Trace campgrounds. We rode down US 61 to Jackson, LA - then we spent a few great days in Baton Rouge (all of these stops courtesy of 'warm showers' hosts). We then went back up crossed the new Audobon Bridge across the Mississippi, continued across the middle of Louisiana. If you read my earlier posts we had high hopes of doing Florida or the bottom of Louisiana. We decided that we had done good to get to Baton Rouge and it was time to turn around.

We were having a great time despite the heat. We were averaging 70 - 100 miles a day (well only 1 100 mile day).

Sadly, we were struck by a vehicle the next day. We were on a shoulder in clear view on a highway and a distracted driver hit us rear end and unexpectedly at hwy speed. My son and I's bikes were thrown around 100 feet and totaled. He was in the rear and was hit the hardest. I was hit next. We of course were thrown that far, too. We each have our own broken bone (mine in my back, his in his hand) and road rash. My son had it worse as he was knocked unconscious and I managed to get to him to clear his airway as he was vomiting. I thought he was seriously injured (more than he was) when I was attending to him. It was pure agony for me.

Thankfully, he regained consciousness and his head injuries 'seem' to be limited to a concussion. We had an MRI today done to make sure, we'll know the results from that in the morning.

We spent 2 days in the hospital and we've been home a week now. Just trying to straighten everything out and heal.

I really did have the time of my life until . . .

We were wearing helmets, and mine was cracked in several places all the way through. My son's was badly scuffed. The rear triangle of his frame was collapsed inward. His rear rim snapped into a 'heart shape' - quite dramatic - a testament to the 'whap' he took. Our Burley trailer I was pulling was flattened.

Be careful out there, because life really is random.

danguskhan

Wow, thats pretty crazy.

I wish you guys both a speedy recovery.

This will definitely be in my thoughts as im touring next month.

Cyclebum

Darn man, what a bummer. You're both lucky to be alive. Can only imagine the mental anguish you endured over your son. Wishes for a full and uneventul recovery.

Did the 'distraction' involve a cell phone?

indyfabz

Wow! How terrible. The fact that it simply did not have to happen makes my blood boil.

I am leaving for Montana tomorrow to start a nine day tour. I try not to worry but, as always, be alert.

dengidog

Wow, I'm really sorry to hear about you and your son's accident. I hope that you both have a very speedy recovery.

msviolin57

Wow, I'm sorry this happened, but I'm glad you're both okay and healing.

What happened with the driver? Any citations? I hope it wasn't hit and run.

episodic

Driver stopped. Issued a very minor citation (Improper Lane Use). Not even anything about the 3 foot law in the state. The driver was distracted by items in his vehicle (not cellphone, at least not admitted) - but admittedly distracted on the accident report. Evidently didn't see us on 3/4 to a mile of clear approach he had before they hit us.

rogerstg

Your lawyer will subpoena his cell phone records to determine if he was texting while driving. Hope you and your son fully recover.

episodic

Looks like my son recovered fully (thank god). I on the other hand have an L1 Transverse Process fracture and some L3 region disc slippage. Gotta see a neurosurgeon soon. Hopefully, they can fix it w/o surgery, etc. Supposed to be 'minor'. Hope they are right. Still riding 2-3 times a week for just a few miles. Riding my old Aquila Gary Fisher for the minute. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back on it for next season. One thing that sucks is that I had lost 130lbs - and now I've got to be super careful with my eating as I'm just mainly walking for cardio now. Long distance biking was a godsend for calorie killing.

Yan 

Driver's insurance is covering the medical treatment? Did you encounter any problems with getting your money?

B.Alive

I hope you're healing process is quick and full!

gerv 

Amazing... That's a pretty lengthy distraction. And a pretty insignificant citation.

Hope you have a good lawyer.

Also... hope you both will be OK. Since he was travelling pretty fast, I guess you know you were both lucky the injuries weren't worse.