We had another crash this weekend that put Fred Jessee in the emergency room. Diagnosis is a separated shoulder. We are having way to many of these incidents and it leaves me wondering what is going on. When we go on the out of town rides nobody as much gets a scratch. My belief is that when we are in an unfamiliar area our awareness goes up. When we are riding in our own backyard we become complacent, we think that we know the trails so well that we let our guard down. I am guilty of this myself. The reality is the conditions change from week to week. From loose and sandy to ruts appearing where there were none a week before. As we have seen with the Femur Blues these injuries are very serious and not only affect ourselves but those around us. There are some that will say this is risk you take when you decide to ride a mountain biking. I agree there are inherant risks in the sport we choose to participate in. That being said the reason for this post is to bring an awareness to those who ride in the local foothills. It is hard to see those we care for lying in the dirt waiting for help. Then not to see them for the period of time it takes for them to heal. Slow down, enjoy the ride, enjoy those around you. One more injury is one to many. Get back soon, Geoff, Tim, and Jesse. miss you guys

Eddie G

First of all I have to thank all of you that were riding with me as I took that nasty fall. You guys are totally awesome!!! Everyone on the ride was very helpful and comforting immediatley after the accident. My hat goes off to each and everyone of you, you are all special and it is an absolute honor to ride with you. Eddie, you are a great club president and exceptional riding partner. Eddie accompanied me to the ER and stayed with me until my family arrived.

As far as the accident, Eddie is completely right. I did become over complacent here in our own backyard. As you all know, I am fairly new to the club though I've been riding for a few months longer than when I started riding with you all. I have been building my confidence not only in my riding but in my knowledge of the terrain itself. That is where I went wrong. I rode that trail many times before and so I thought I had it mapped out. Well the truth is, I never hit that trail going that fast. I was really pushing the pace trying to catch whomever was in front of me and that dip came up too fast for me to correct my speed and posture, so down I went.

I completely ruptured the AC joint and have about a 1-1 1/2 inch separation of my clavicle. I am awaiting authorization from my insurance to approve the surgery to repair my shoulder. I saw Dr. Brenner as recommended by Sid (thanks Sid, your help is much appreciated). If all goes well with Kaiser, I will have my surgery on 5/21 which means I will miss the BBQ. The recovery should take about 6 weeks with the surgery and about 4 months w/o. I'll keep you all posted as to my progress. It has only been a week and I already miss riding with you guys.

For those who would like to get a hold of me, you may email me at: freddiej@sbbcollege.edu

Thanks again Eddie and the other 10 that were riding on May 1st.

Fred Jessee

Hi Fred - just checking in to see how you are healing. I know people would love an update on the forums if you are so inclined. Let us know if you need anything.

Kari

Wanted to update everyone on my progress. I've been doing physical therapy for my shoulder at G&G and it has helped tremendously. I almost have full range of motion back. I am starting strength training soon at G&G. Dr. Brenner says it's ok to get back on the bike but to take baby steps. I think I'm gonna wait another month because I don't know how to take baby steps. Thanks for all the emails and support. Can't wait to get back out!

Thanks for checking in on me Kari...as far as my progress goes, I think my shoulder is about 85% now.  I have been riding the past couple months at least once a week.  I've tried to link up with the crew a couple of Saturdays but no one was at Thorner (Saturday after Thanksgiving most recent).  I've been to the gym a few times the last couple months trying to build my strength back up but the progress is slow.  I am looking forward to the Rio Bravo Rumble although I am not in as good of shape I had hoped for considering my limitations and recovery.

I hope to be riding with you guys real soon if I can ever link up.  I do have a question however if anyone can answer for me.  Are there still SSFTA jersey's for sale?  If so, where can I buy one?

Freddie Jessee