RECENT RIDERS DOWN

Billy T. - Went Down August 4th, 2010 between Montrose and Gunnison.

2010-08-16T12:58:16Z

Billy T. from Texas went down when a truck with flatbed trailer hauling offroad vehicles was stopped in his lane of traffic as he rounded a curve. He was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he has been in ICU ever since. He has many broken bones on his left side as well as a punchered lung.

Their currents needs are being met as they are staying in St. Mary's Rose Hill. However, they may from time-to-time need local transportation.

8/19/10 -- Billy T. went in for more surgery. Their current needs are still being met.

8/23/10 -- Billy T. was discharged and returned to Texas.

Malcolm W - Went Down August 2, 2010 just West of Grand Junction

2010-08-06T17:11:04Z

Malcolm W, from Kansas City, MO went down just west of Grand Junction. He was riding through Grand Junction with a riding group on their way home. No one knows for sure what happened except that he slumped over his bike and went down. He has extreme spinal cord injuries.

His wife and son flew in from Kansas City. They contacted Rider Down after seeing the Rider Down brochure at the hospital. Since Malcom will probably be in St. Mary's Hospital for several weeks, the Rider Down Network obtained a vehicle for their use during his stay and a place for them to stay once they have to leave the St. Mary's Rose Hill motel. Note: They can stay in Rose Hill as long as he is in ICU, afterwhich they will need to move.

Network volunteers picked up a daughter and other relatives from the airport upon their arrival.

The network also retrieved his bike from the tow yard and is currently storing it until other arrangements can be made.

There will probably be other needs, but at this time all their current/known needs have been met.

8/24/10 -- Malcolm W. was discharged and returned to his home area. He will be in a rehab center for some time.

Lance K - Went Down July 10 at 15 MPH

2010-08-06T17:00:54Z

Lance K from Phoenix, AZ went down outside o Montrose CO on July 10, 2010. He was only going 15 MPH and hit a curb and went down. His only injury was hitting his head. He was not wearing a helmet, which resulted in an extreme head injury. He spent 3.5 weeks in St. Mary's Hospital before being flown home to Phoenix.

His wife drove up from Phoenix after the accident, but after getting here her car would not start.

The Rider Down Network rallied volunteers to get her car running. The network volunteers also picked up his bike from the tow yard in Montrose and is temporarily store it until she is able to make arrangements for transport back to Phoenix.

7/28/10 -- Lance K was discharged from the hospital and was flown back home. Last report from home is that he is doing much better. Thank you everyone who visited him in the hospital and who provided assistance to his wife.

Steve J. - Went down the week of April 12th

2010-04-23T16:08:39Z

Steve went down outside of Grand Junction the week of April 12 and suffered a broken log. He lives in Cahone, CO and must make three or more trips back and forth to Grand Junction for followup appointments. He is unable to drive and is short on funds to pay for gas.

The Rider Down Assistance Network (RDAN) as agreed to pay for his gas if he can obtain the transportation from a friend or relative. Still waiting for final word from Steve.

His bike was towed by a towing company in GJ and has been sitting in the tow yard racking up $30 a day fees plus towing charges. The towing company will not release his bike until it is paid in full, but continues to charge the $30 per day. They have served him notice that they have started abandondment proceedings to take ownership. A legal firm partnered with The RDAN is checking into the status and will provide at least initial advice/assistance.

REMINDER: The RDAN has trailers and pickup services available at no cost to the downed rider. If you have insurance we will not pickup the bike until released by the insurance company (who should cover any towing to a yard). If you do not have insurance, call us to get bike as soon as it is released by the police.

Rusty H. - Went down in March 2010

2010-04-23T15:49:23Z

UPDATE: Rusty is home after spending three months in a Denver, CO hospital. He will off-and-on need Rider Down Network assistance in providing rides to/from his doctor appointments and rehab. If you wish to be added to the pool of available transporters please let us know.

Not a lot is known at this point. But, Rusty went down in March outside of Grand Junction. He was air lifted to Denver Health West and has been in intensive care. More will be posted when available.

Two collection support funds have been established. One at the Triple Tree Tavern, 201 2nd st., Clifton CO and the second at the Eagles Aerie (Lodge) 1674 US Hwy 50, Grand Junction, CO.

Larry - Downed Rider Assistance Provided

2009-08-24T14:00:00Z

Downed Rider NEEDS Assistance. Larry went down 7/29/09 coming home from Gateway and ran into a swarm of bees as he rounded a curve.

Immediate Needs prior to arriving home from Rehab on or about 9/1

1) Build a wheelchair ramp with railing (about 8 feet in length).

Need: material and someone to build it. COMPLETED

2) Install several hand railings in the bathroom.

Need: someone to install railings. Material will be provided by VA. COMPLETED

3) Obtain a good sturdy recliner (new roughly +/- $600 or used). COMPLETED

Secondary Needs - Financial: COMPLETED