FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Yesterday, mid-afternoon, Freedom crashed between Kaslo and Nelson, BC, a few clicks south of Ainsworth Hotsprings if you know the area. I was right behind him when, during a low blood sugar diabetic episode, he drifted off to the right into the ditch. His front wheels caught on the rocks and he was catapulted over the handlebars, coming to rest in the middle of the road about 30ft past the bike.
His pelvic bone was fractured and his hip joint, though intact, was shoved up into his abdomen. He has a huge gash in his chin (open face helmet) and a chunk of his lower lip is missing. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Nelson then transferred last night by helicopter to Spokane.
Zmilin and I stopped at the hospital this afternoon but John was in back-to-back surgeries for his face and pelvis. I just got home and talked to him on the phone. Neurologically he is fine. No paralysis, no cognitive issues. He has at least one more surgery to go. He is missing two front teeth.
He was very, very lucky. Lucky that at the rather remote crash site I had cell signal to call for help. The first car to stop had an ER nurse with a big first aid kit. Several Triumph riders attending the Kootenay Raid were in the area, stopped and helped with traffic and such. He didn't hit the rocky cliff face on the right. He didn't go over the rocky cliff drop off to the left. Didn't hit a tree. Another car wasn't coming right when he flew into the middle of the shoulderless two-lane road.
The bike is absolutely totaled. The front end was ripped clean off. The front wheel is a pretzel. It was leaking gas out the cap but when the RCMP officer and I lifted it upright, gas poured out the split bottom of the tank. Not a surface on the thing remained untouched.
I don't have the hospital address but maybe someone could look it up for me. He's in room 425 of Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital in Spokane. He'll be there at least a week if not three.
This was a horrible end to a the worst week of vacation I've ever had. It started with other problems that I will describe in another thread.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
I just got home and spoke to Karen about heading to Spokane next weekend just to visit. Right now it sounds like a plan.
When John and I were at the hopsital this afternoon (Freedom was in surgery as stated above) she did say he was concious and making some jokes. That gave me a huge releif.
Crappy end to the week ... yes. Could have been worse and thank whatever god (or not) that you beleive in that it wasnt worse.
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
bigbill
Loquacious
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 4700
Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada
|
|
Danm it!!!
Keep us posted John.
--------------------
Hostes alienigeni me abduxerunt. Qui annus est?
|
Soren
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 10110
Loc: Beaverton, OR
|
|
Bad news indeed. I was afraid it was Freedom when FJ posted about an accident on FaceBook.
Z, when you see him, give him my best and wishes for a speedy recovery!
--------------------
Triumph Connection
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
OH...btw...HUGE KUDOS to Friar. I know this wasnt easy to watch happen in front of you to one of your long time friends.
You kept your cool! You did everything you could to help him and you kept us as informed as you could at the raid.
Not to take away form the seriousness of the situation for Freedom but really...big kudos to you for "handling it" and keeping a clear head.
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
Bucky
Loquacious
Reged: 05/21/06
Posts: 3534
Loc: NW CT
|
|
Dayum that's some bad news. Give my best to John.
Glad you were there for him.
|
Thundershortz
Adjunct
Reged: 11/08/08
Posts: 244
Loc: Eastern NJ, USA
|
|
Freedom surely had an angel on watch. We'll say a prayer for for his fast and full recovery, and thanks to all of you who were there to help so quickly, and did.
--------------------
University of Da Nang
Class of '68
In the End, the Captain stands alone...
" Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." Dean Wormer
|
roadworthy
Check Pants
Reged: 08/29/07
Posts: 5824
Loc: St Louis MO
|
|
That's terrible news, sounds like a really bad wreck. Tell him we all hope for a speedy recovery.
--------------------
'02 Bonneville America
47 yards a second
Chrome makes it better
|
Chip
Adjunct
Reged: 05/12/08
Posts: 245
Loc: Delaware, U.S.A.
|
|
Sorry to hear the news. It's a good John was there to help or the out come may have been worse.Pass along our reguards
--------------------
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
|
69tri1
Adjunct
Reged: 02/07/05
Posts: 667
Loc: Butler, PA
|
|
Best wishes on a speedie recovery! Friar & Zmilin since you seem to be in contact with him let him know that we are all pulling for him. I know it is ruff watching someone in front of you go down especially when it is a friend. I was in a similar situation when a buddy of mine that I was riding with hit a deer right in front of me. It was as tramatic for me as it was for him. 
|
oregonrider
Adjunct
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 368
Loc: so. Oregon
|
|
i too wish him a SPEEDY recovery! 
|
Celt
Learned Hand
Reged: 07/25/05
Posts: 1704
Loc: Surrey,BC ,Canada.
|
|
really sorry to hear this, but i am glad he had a good mate with him to help out.keep us in the know FJ.
heres the Hospitals info page.
http://www.shmc.org/index.php/page/79
--------------------
Politically correct ,my a r s e.
|
satxron
Loquacious
Reged: 01/16/06
Posts: 2773
Loc: San Antonio, Texas--- 05 TBA
|
|
Wow! that is horrible. Sounds like he is gonna make it OK. Could have been a lost worse.
--------------------
05 Green
06 Black
|
ThomWill
Learned Hand
Reged: 10/01/07
Posts: 1121
Loc: Georgia
|
|
Thanks for the update, FJ. It sounds like in spite of it all he had a lot going for him, starting with the fact that you were there with him and able to call for more help.
--------------------
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Quote:
I just got home and spoke to Karen about heading to Spokane next weekend just to visit. Right now it sounds like a plan.
I'm sure John will appreciate that. He's going to let me know when they think they might discharge him. I imagine if it's in the next week or two he'll need in-home care. I'm going to transport him home from Spokane but I'm sure they'll arrange for a nurse to help him at home. He won't be moving around much for a while. I guess we'll just see how it goes. His goofy sense of humor was in full effect (thankyewmorphine) on the phone and I'm sure the nurses will be ready to send him home soon. 
I hope the two boxes of his stuff I shipped to my house don't take forever to get here. But I don't think those huge brown leather saddlebags of his (they weren't on the America during the crash) will look very good on that white Triumph Tiger he was eying at the Spokane dealer on Tuesday. And he won't be able to wear that fancy Langlitz leather jacket while riding a Tiger, either...
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Thank you John for writing this up, and for your selfless help for our friend. I too want to be kept in the loop as does Rene and others. This is not the place to say other things regarding the weekend so I'll just leave it at that. But thanks, and may Freedom recover quickly and without suffering. My heart goes out to you both.
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
foglefar
Adjunct
Reged: 03/09/05
Posts: 489
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
|
|
I feel connected to you guys even though I don't really know you (way over here in AUS). So my thoughts and prayers are out there for all involved.
--------------------
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Bellmouth, Hagon Nitros, AI removed, O2 disabled, tune 20184 (modified)
|
Sandmann
Oil Expert
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 2327
Loc: Brisbane, QLD, AU
|
|
My best wishes for a speedy recovery for him... he'll be in my thoughts, and my gratitude to you FJ for being there to help him when he needed it.
--------------------
Matt
Electronic mods for TBA/SM!
|
Gooseman
3/4 Throttle
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 925
Loc: Dark forests of south Sweden
|
|
Our thoughts are with John and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Johann & Nilla
--------------------
Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
|
GJS
Adjunct
Reged: 09/26/07
Posts: 406
Loc: cambridgeshire uk
|
|
All the best to him and a full recovery from over the pond.
All The Best geoff
--------------------
2003 black and silver T.B.A A1 removed, long slashed TOR's
|
piper
Oil Expert
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 2079
Loc: Knivsta, Sweden
|
|
Wishing for a speedy recovery.
--------------------
...a Cardinal Red 904 with a mudflap...
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
There's a few times I've wished I could drop below the 49th and this time tops the list.... BIG TIME!!!!!!!! Give my best to John will ya?!!
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
Lonzo
Learned Hand
Reged: 09/16/06
Posts: 1393
Loc: Capital of The Sunshine State
|
|
Terrible news indeed. He's lucky you were with him. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.
--------------------
'05 America Mulberry/Graphite
|
oldroadie
Loquacious
Reged: 05/05/07
Posts: 4759
Loc: Alabama USA
|
|
Hey, John, give Freedom my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Can't keep a cowboy down for long...
--------------------
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
tcv
3/4 Throttle
Reged: 01/13/05
Posts: 996
Loc: Cape Canaveral, FL
|
|
I called scared Heart Memorial Hospital and their address for sending a card or whatever to John is as follows:
Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital
101 West 8th Ave
Attn: John Halpop Rm 425
Spokane, WA 99204
--------------------
In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.
Laurence J. Peter
US educator & writer (1919 - 1988)
|
GinaS
Loquacious
Reged: 10/28/05
Posts: 3441
Loc: Bristol UK.
|
|
I dunno really what to say, other than I hope he gets well soon. x
--------------------
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
|
bennybmn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 12439
Loc: Long Island, NY
|
|
Thanks for the update Friar. Give him my best!!
--------------------
Benny
Black & Silver '02
LINYRats pack leader
|
moe
New Tires
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 7012
Loc: Merritt Island, Fl
|
|
omg John. Terrible news just terrible.
Friar, please let John know that Lynn and I will have him in our thoughts and prayers.
|
Gregger
Learned Hand
Reged: 04/07/07
Posts: 1127
Loc: Timmins, Ontario
|
|
John,
Please pass on my "Best Wishes" to Freedom. Hope the recovery is quick and complete.
Any news on whether he was insured or not? Hate to think that he might have lost his pride and joy also.
--------------------
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
He has insurance but I don't know to what level. I'm assuming he has full coverage because we talked about him calling his insurance company so they can go get the thing.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
jethro666
3/4 Throttle
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 981
Loc: Dundalk Maryland USA
|
|
Holy Moly! That's 5 in my 6 degrees of separation circle in the past 2 months!! NO MORE OKAY FELLAS!! I'll add him to my prayers!!
|
TxSpeedster
Adjunct
Reged: 01/03/09
Posts: 517
Loc: Texas; Deepintheheartof.
|
|
Quote:
John,
Please pass on my "Best Wishes" to Freedom. Hope the recovery is quick and complete.
+1 Get well soon Freedom!
--------------------
COIR - Coalition of Independent Riders
|
Mikey790
3/4 Throttle
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 827
Loc: Boston, MA
|
|
I hated seeing this thread's subject title...
Hated even more having to read its contents.
Sending much love from the East Coast.
|
Kendall
Adjunct
Reged: 07/27/08
Posts: 140
Loc: Richmond, Va
|
|
Wishing Freedom a quick and full recovery and he will be in my prayers.
I always cringe when a here news like this. But it is great what this forum does to create riding friends that you may not have had so they can be there to help when the worst happens.
--------------------
Kendall
"When you drink the water, remember the man who dug the well." Chinese proverb
2008 America Pacific/Aegean blue w/long slash cut TOR's, and stock carbs rejetted.
|
moe
New Tires
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 7012
Loc: Merritt Island, Fl
|
|
A well traveled cowboy.
Here's to a speedy recovery John!
--------------------
I’m riding baby. Just trying to get a place for the night…
|
snows
Adjunct
Reged: 12/31/07
Posts: 617
Loc: Atlanta, GA
|
|
Oh man, I hate to read posts such as this one. Get well soon freedom!
--------------------
Guns don't kill people, Chuck Norris kills people
My Flickr gallery
|
odatbob
Adjunct
Reged: 05/08/07
Posts: 405
Loc: Kent(east hill),Washington
|
|
Heres to a quik and healthy recovery..Not much to say under the circumstances..looking forward already to next year and Freedoms new tiger..white on white!!May join "Z" and Karen on Spokane journey to visit Freedom!!
--------------------
life is good..retired.fixed income now the R3T and have become an honorary member of this site!!Always have an American in my heart!
|
Bedouin
Oil Expert
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 2204
Loc: Athens, Greece.
|
|
You know, all the years on this site I have always dreaded that one day I'd see the title "Rider down" on a thread.
FJ or Zmilin, please also give John my best for a speedy recovery.
Dwight also happens to be here in Athens and he also sends his best.
TCV - thanks for posting the hospital address details.
--------------------
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
mikemm03
Oil Expert
Reged: 01/13/05
Posts: 2057
Loc: Tennessee by the grace of god
|
|
Oh man I hate to here this.
I met Freedom in Ga a couple of years back. Seems like a good guy and a tall one at that.
Gods speed to our friend and to a fast recovery.
Mike
--------------------
Red Devil and Hornet
Oh my,my.Oh he11 yes honey put on that party dress
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aowSGxim_O8
|
BCarnage
Adjunct
Reged: 11/03/07
Posts: 460
Loc: Portland, Oregon
|
|
A speedy recovery to you Freedom. We'll keep you in our thoughts.
~Brent
--------------------
"We didn't come here to fight monster's, we're not equipped for it!" ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
|
unclecharlie
Loquacious
Reged: 02/17/06
Posts: 2656
Loc: USA-CT-NORWALK
|
|
Get well soon!
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Beard came off the morning of or the morning before the accident, if I recall correctly...
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
DunnSpeed
Learned Hand
Reged: 10/27/08
Posts: 1589
Loc: St. Louis, MO
|
|
I am so sorry to here this. Give Freedom all of our best wishes.
--------------------
Chris '03 Speedy.
|
LKR
Adjunct
Reged: 01/14/05
Posts: 111
Loc: Alberta, Canada
|
|
Good Friar, would you please tell that tall lanky son of a gun that he needs to make a quick recovery. I'm getting to old to try and find another reliable source for parts when I'm broken down 50 miles outside of Nelson in 100 degree heat on a Saturday afternoon 500 miles from home. If it wasn't for his ability to make a clutch cable magically appear out of those big saddle bags and offer me it's use I would have had a very unpleasant ride home. Give him my Best.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
When I was packing up his stuff, guess what I found in one of those saddlebags? A spare clutch cable.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
LKR
Adjunct
Reged: 01/14/05
Posts: 111
Loc: Alberta, Canada
|
|
Who in this day and age of the modern motorcyle carries a spare clutch cable for a cruiser bike. Only one that I know of.
|
DollarBill
Adjunct
Reged: 09/02/07
Posts: 326
Loc: Wollongong Australia
|
|
Hi John
Sorry to hear about this misfortune, please pass on to John the thoughts of his fellow riders from "downunda".
We wish him a speedy recovery.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Only one of your friends...
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
panman60
Adjunct
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 670
Loc: Satellite Beach, Fl.
|
|
Speedy recovery....
later, Tom.
--------------------
But, what do I know?
|
LKR
Adjunct
Reged: 01/14/05
Posts: 111
Loc: Alberta, Canada
|
|
You are so right, and thank God a very generous friend.
|
The_Dog33
Should be Riding
Reged: 02/02/07
Posts: 12705
Loc: NE PA USA
|
|
Wow, really sorry to hear this and hope he is OK in the end. From what I read above seems he will be fine and am thankful for that. Too bad about his bike, now I understand the "only bike you will get for $500 is Freedoms" joke in the other thread. I have been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to read many of the threads lately. Wish him my best please.
--------------------
Don't join dangerous cults,practice safe sects
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
some shots of our bikes
|
wojo
Loquacious
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 3849
Loc: Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada
|
|
I googled the hospital with the address that Tom provided and found a link on their site for sending an email to a patient.
Hopefully it works, here's the link.
--------------------
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Quote:
Email
Your friends and family
can email you at
sacredheartpr@providence.org.
Messages are delivered one
to two times a day, Monday
through Friday.
I was just suggesting to Zmilin in a PM that one of us should print this thread off and take it to him next time we visit.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Shutterbug
Adjunct
Reged: 01/15/05
Posts: 494
Loc: London, Ontario, Canada
|
|
We've never met Freedom....but rest assured that my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
--------------------
"You're a long time underground!"
|
JOECOOL
Member
Reged: 04/30/08
Posts: 77
Loc: New Jersey
|
|
Terrible news..our thoughts and prayers are with him.
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Email
Your friends and family
can email you at
[Email]sacredheartpr@providence.org.[/Email]
Messages are delivered one
to two times a day, Monday
through Friday.
I was just suggesting to Zmilin in a PM that one of us should print this thread off and take it to him next time we visit.
Maybe a brochure for the new Tiger as well?
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
That's just cruel. Or maybe it's just what he needs to heal up.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
tmax
Adjunct
Reged: 01/15/05
Posts: 583
Loc: Cumby, Texas
|
|
Hey Freedom, Sorry to here about your accident. Sending prayers your way! Get Well soon! Sounds like John took good care of you while waiting for EMS.
--------------------
"Will Ride or Fly for food"
|
Matt
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1384
Loc: SW CT
|
|
Heal up quick!  You have a good friend in FJ!
--------------------
Matt
'08 Tiger ABS-Fully Farkled
|
clanrickarde
Oil Expert
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 2467
Loc: Tucson , Az
|
|
It was so depressing to hear of this. My best thoughts go out to Freedom.
Seems so many are falling victim lately. You thank God when you realize how lucky you are to be alive. The cards rolled in freedom's favor.
Best healing fortune to Freedom and kudos to FJ and all the folks who were on scene to help.
--------------------
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
RobBA05
Loquacious
Reged: 01/23/06
Posts: 3496
Loc: NH
|
|
John,
That SU(KS!!
Sorry (and glad) you had to witness it...
Freedom and I spent breakfasts together in GA...Send him my best when you see him...and as has been said already Kudos to you for you actions!
I know when you go down, there is a great deal of comfort in seeing your friends close by...glad John had that with you guys!
--------------------
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
KaiserSoze
Learned Hand
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 1392
Loc: Lake County, IL
|
|
Bad news indeed. Freedom, I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery. Hopefully you'll be back on two wheels before you know it.
--------------------
One Life, Live it.
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Quote:
I googled the hospital with the address that Tom provided and found a link on their site for sending an email to a patient.
Hopefully it works, here's the link.
Thanks for that link John. Tried it out and it seems to work.
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Quote:
I was just suggesting to Zmilin in a PM that one of us should print this thread off and take it to him next time we visit.
That is a super idea!
Hi John!! How ya doing man?
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to ride, a time to heal!
Get well soon!!!
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
Bluehot
Adjunct
Reged: 07/13/08
Posts: 102
Loc: California
|
|
Ah, not good. I wish you well. Truly pleased you will be fine.
--------------------
Ridin' and playin' 'til I can't.
|
BlueNose
Adjunct
Reged: 04/21/08
Posts: 510
Loc: United Kingdom
|
|
Sounds horriffic!
Freedom hope you mends well and quickly!
Thanks for the posts John
Ivan
--------------------
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
|
woodley74
Adjunct
Reged: 01/07/09
Posts: 167
Loc: Ackley Iowa
|
|
Get well soon Freedom. Friar, Thanks for lookin out for our brother.
Brandon and Julie
--------------------
http://s711.photobucket.com/albums/ww111/woodley74/
|
LanceD
Adjunct
Reged: 04/04/09
Posts: 141
Loc: Beervana
|
|
Wow... horrible news! Let's hope for a fast recovery...
--------------------
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, long TORs, NH Peg relocation,
|
tcv
3/4 Throttle
Reged: 01/13/05
Posts: 996
Loc: Cape Canaveral, FL
|
|
Wojo thanks for the e-mail link. I sent a e-mail to John, and will be sending a card.
Freedom and I meet each other during the 2005 GA Rally. Later that year, about a week after my wife passed away I received a really nice sympathy card from him. You just don't realize how important something like a card is until something tragic happens to you.
Freedom, hang in there, and get well soon.
Tom
--------------------
In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.
Laurence J. Peter
US educator & writer (1919 - 1988)
Edited by tcv (07/21/09 09:50 AM)
|
Willthethrill
Adjunct
Reged: 08/24/05
Posts: 375
Loc: Greensboro, NC
|
|
Man! I'm sorry to read about this; best wishes for a speedy recovery to John. Thanks to you guys for helping and supporting him during this time too.
Will
|
ModelMaker
Adjunct
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 314
Loc: Evansdale, IA (N.E.)
|
|
It's not been a good year for a lot of us....
Best wishes coming from Iowa. I'd like to give the medical proffesinals props for jumping in and helping. The first car on scene when I hit the school bus this spring was a ER nurse and she was on my head in seconds, which could well have saved me from being a cripple, because I'm pretty sure sure when that driver said "I didn't see you" I would have tried to get up and kick his ******.
They usually don't get the spotlight like they should, so give 'em a nice thought now.
ModelMaker
--------------------
Your not the boss of me!!
|
bjhube
Adjunct
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 111
Loc: Colorado
|
|
John.
I just got back to CO. was a bit unnerving to read this post. I had just met you, Freedom and Z in Nelson.I am relived to hear he will pull through with no long term problems.
It sounds like you did a good job on this. Would be hard to watch that unfold in front of you.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
--------------------
Black 04 sm freak AI removed TORs 152 jets
|
lardie
Adjunct
Reged: 03/25/09
Posts: 110
Loc: leighton buzzard, UK
|
|
such bad news to read, heres hoping for a fast recovery never met freedom dont know if i ever will but he has obviously touched those who have had the pleasure.
tone
--------------------
06 America
Tone
|
neight
Adjunct
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 230
Loc: San Diego, CA
|
|
Very bad news. Get well soon.
--------------------
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
|
Defaoite
Adjunct
Reged: 01/13/09
Posts: 142
Loc: Ireland
|
|
Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Freedom from Derek in Ireland
--------------------
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows your dead
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Okay it looks like I'm going to make a run over to Spokane on Sunday, and swing by Thompson Falls to check on his house (and get my chaps back ). The boxes of his stuff are just getting shipped today from the hotel in Nelson so I'll take those up to T-Falls in a few weeks.
I'm getting my spare laptop back from my mother and I'll let Freedom use it as long as he's convalescing/languishing in the hospital. But I'll check with him first, hopefully tonight. I know from recent experience, and as many of you do, how painfully boring a long hospital stay can be with nothing but daytime TV to keep you occupied. 
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
nuthin
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1481
Loc: Rockwall, Texas
|
|
What are your buttless chaps doing at his house anyway?
Just how close are you guys.... 
--------------------
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
Edited by nuthin (07/21/09 05:53 PM)
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
First of all, how dare you sir.  Just because Freedom's favorite movie is Brokeback Mountain...  
Second, all chaps are "buttless." If they're not, they're called PANTS.  
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
nuthin
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1481
Loc: Rockwall, Texas
|
|
Quote:
Second, all chaps are "buttless." If they're not, they're called PANTS.
So you are saying freedom wears the pants in your relationsship? 
You really need to get that computer to freedom so he can defend himself...
--------------------
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Or just have Phil delete your account. 
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
ThomWill
Learned Hand
Reged: 10/01/07
Posts: 1121
Loc: Georgia
|
|
Quote:
Or just have Phil delete your account.
Power corrupts,... you know the rest.
--------------------
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
|
DanCorrigan
Adjunct
Reged: 07/25/08
Posts: 184
Loc: Las Vegas, NV USA
|
|
Friar John please let Freedom know that he is going to be in my prayers for the next 6 months for a speedy and complete recovery and then will continue to be prayed for his continual protection when on the road.
The only good thing I can take from this is that at least a cager was not the cause of the mishap and that he had a helmet on to save his noggin. Kudos to you and the other people who arrived on the scene to protect and help him out.
--------------------
07 Speedmstr, Long Tors, bags, sissy bar and rack, windshield, engine bars, 2 ww lights, 2 fast eddy stickers and a .45 ACP.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
No worries. Phil would never delete someone just for teasing me. In fact, he'd probably encourage them...
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Picasso736
Adjunct
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 437
Loc: Anderson, SC
|
|
Best of luck and a Speedy Recovery!!!
--------------------
George
Freelance Observer
07 BA with 605's, engine dresser bars, and cheap saddle bags.
|
nuthin
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1481
Loc: Rockwall, Texas
|
|
Quote:
Or just have Phil delete your account.
Doh! 
--------------------
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
|
mike57
Learned Hand
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 1014
Loc: southern wisconsin
|
|
That sounds like a horrible situation. The accident took seconds but the trauma lasts a long time. Heal fast Freedom and Kudos to John and the medical folks.
mike
--------------------
2006 neon blue speedmaster
|
NJSpeedmaster
Greenhorn
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 48
Loc: Hewitt, NJ
|
|
Hope your back on your feet and riding again soon
|
Fishercat
Loquacious
Reged: 01/26/05
Posts: 2954
Loc: Wakefield, NH, USA
|
|
That's horrible news and I wish him a speedy recovery. Glad you and Z were there to assist during this unfortunate situation.
--------------------
Live Free or Die
Hazel
Edited by Fishercat (07/22/09 07:22 AM)
|
RonL
Adjunct
Reged: 06/27/08
Posts: 129
Loc: 48150
|
|
Even as a noob around here, I can tell how this has affected everyone. This speaks well of Freedom and the kind of man he is. Wishing a speedy recovery.
|
blackdog
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1016
Loc: Illinois
|
|
Good luck on your recovery Freedom.
--------------------
"WOW... What a Ride!"
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
I talked to Freedom last night and he sounds good. High spirits (probably the morphine ). Thinks he might be sent home this weekend but we'll just see about that. Another surgery today to put screws in the back of his pelvic bone. I guess they put some in the front on Sunday. I don't know if that's the last surgery for a while. I'll keep you posted. He's received the email(s) people have sent via the hospital and gotten a few calls from members. I think those help more than you know.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Thanks for keeping us in the loop John. Really means a lot to me (us). Hope it's true that he gets to go home soon.
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
bigbill
Loquacious
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 4700
Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada
|
|
Quote:
Another surgery today to put screws in the back of his pelvic bone
Metric or SAE?
--------------------
Hostes alienigeni me abduxerunt. Qui annus est?
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
It broke in Canada so I'm gonna go with metric.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
Quote:
It broke in Canada so I'm gonna go with metric.
true but the repair shop is in the states...
wouldnt it blow if they mixed sae and metric...
or even worse...if they stripped one and had to helicoil it...
I bored myself
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
It broke in Canada so I'm gonna go with metric.
true but the repair shop is in the states...
wouldnt it blow if they mixed sae and metric...
or even worse...if they stripped one and had to helicoil it...
I bored myself
Naw. Too easy.
Are you going to Spokane this weekend? I'm 99% for Sunday.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
Were about 99% for a Sat day trip.
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
clanrickarde
Oil Expert
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 2467
Loc: Tucson , Az
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It broke in Canada so I'm gonna go with metric.
true but the repair shop is in the states...
wouldnt it blow if they mixed sae and metric...
or even worse...if they stripped one and had to helicoil it...
I bored myself
Naw. Too easy.
Are you going to Spokane this weekend? I'm 99% for Sunday.
SAE or Metric....you get to feel thems pesky screws, pins and or plates many months and I presume years after the fact. I have screws and pins in the front of the pelvis and in the back and a horizontal plate inserted south of the belly button.
Seven months after accident my pelvis is 99.999 percent pain free but at night I can feel the steel while sleeping and have to roll over for better comfort.
They placed an external fixator to the entire pelvis/via two long threaded screws/pins with a network of hardware attached to that too keep the stuff from floating around during the initial three month healing period. During surgery they simply screw those two fixators straight into each of the two wide lateral bones each side of the pelvis. When I was OK to have the fixator removed the doctor pulled out an electric drill inserted the correct socket hit reverse and drew them out. No anestheasia but it only took seconds to remove so the discomfort was minimal. I trust and hope Freedom's pelvic injury was not so bad as to require that.
--------------------
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
Edited by clanrickarde (07/23/09 08:46 AM)
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
I don't think he was spared that. Yesterday he said he couldn't move around because he was in traction.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
thriftmaster
Greenhorn
Reged: 07/17/07
Posts: 44
Loc: The Colony, Texas
|
|
This topic has probably affected each of us a little differently but I for one needed the graffic reminder as I have a tendency to let my mind wander on my daily commute.
I've been more focused since first reading this topic than I have in a long time. Thanks for sharing John and rest assured that a lot of us may benefit from this tragedy.
--------------------
'05 Speedmaster, Corbin Solo Seat, removed psgr. pegs, idiot lights converted to led, AI removed, left mirror removed, long slashcut exhaust with baffles removed.
|
ArGee
Adjunct
Reged: 09/06/08
Posts: 163
Loc: Kenosha, WI
|
|
Very sorry to hear of the accident, while I've never met Freedom, this is the sort of thing that binds all of us who ride... Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.
Rich
--------------------
ArGee
08 America
|
unclecharlie
Loquacious
Reged: 02/17/06
Posts: 2656
Loc: USA-CT-NORWALK
|
|
We should all probably slow down a little.
Maybe smell the roses more before we're
pushing up daisies.
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Quote:
We should all probably slow down a little.
Maybe smell the roses more before we're
pushing up daisies.
+1
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
RobBA05
Loquacious
Reged: 01/23/06
Posts: 3496
Loc: NH
|
|
Just spoke with John, He is in HIgh spirits and (under the circumstances) sounds VERY good...has another surgery tomorrow, but is still hoping to escape early in the week...he is attempting to get a laptop to the hospital so he can re-connect. He says he is humbled by the outpouring of support from here (and his other friends) and claims that since he had to put up with Friars bike issues for 2 solid days, that he feels that perhaps now after all of John's help for him, they may be "even" "clean slate" he says...he also says he has no thoughts of giving up riding (despite some urgings from others to consider it) says the thought hasn't even crossed his mind...
Again he sounds real good (especially under the circumstances)
--------------------
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
You pretty much recapped our discussion, too. LOL
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
This thread has been printed up to this point and will be delivered to John today.
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
John called me (EARLY DAMMIT!) this morning. He's done with surgeries and he's not in traction anymore. Next is PT for 3-4 months. No word one when he will be discharged or where he will go after that (home or some sort of rehab/assisted living). I'm going to Thompson Falls tomorrow to check on his house and pick up a laptop from a co-worker, so hopefully he'll be online before the weekend is out. I should be in Spokane early afternoon.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
Edited by FriarJohn (07/25/09 12:44 PM)
|
clanrickarde
Oil Expert
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 2467
Loc: Tucson , Az
|
|
Promising information Friar. The PT .....if it begins immediately to some degree is great. Less time laying around and more moving and healing sooner.
--------------------
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
freedom
Loquacious
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 4448
Loc: NW, MT
|
|
Thank you for the many kind thouhts people. I am truly humbled. I think Friar-John is stopping by later, I owe a lot of people...................
jh
]]]
--------------------
"The coyote is a survivor, reckon he's got to be. He lives in the snow at 40 below or Malibu by the sea" ~Ian Tyson
|
Soren
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 10110
Loc: Beaverton, OR
|
|
Heal up quick Freedom!
Soren
--------------------
Triumph Connection
|
arstaren
Oil Expert
Reged: 07/23/07
Posts: 2269
Loc: Southeast ,Iowa, USA
|
|
Quote:
Thank you for the many kind thouhts people. I am truly humbled. I think Friar-John is stopping by later, I owe a lot of people...................
jh
]]]
He's baaaaaack!!!  And now he's gonna have lots more time to watch our P's and Q's, so watch it , folks! 
--------------------
Fidelis et Fortis
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Dude! Does this mean you don't need the laptop anymore? Call me. I'm leaving around 8am your time.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Freedom!! YOU'RE ALIVE!!!!! I glad but that's weird 'cause John's been asking us to send him money to help cover funeral costs. Huh?!?!?
How ya doing man? Anyway get well cowboy!!! 
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
John, It was good to see you yesterday. Thanks for keeping your eyes open as long as you did while we were there.
For everyone else, John is in good spirits as usual. He had a couple of cute nurses in there for some physical therapy, he was more than awake for them (duh!).
I have to say...Ive met John a few times and have to point out that I admire the fact that he is always looking at the positive side of everything.
John, Keep it up buddy! Youll be on those feet in no time and riding that Tiger shortly thereafter.
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
clanrickarde
Oil Expert
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 2467
Loc: Tucson , Az
|
|
Freedom......I'm happy your prognosis is looking up. Keep the faith and keep fighting the good fight. PT can be painful but the payoff is a quick heal.
--------------------
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
Bill
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1589
Loc: Ottawa Ontario Canada
|
|
geez, I'm glad I came late to this thread so I see you're back online John. The accident sounded positively horrifying. The physio and recovery will be a bunch of no-fun too.
Remember though, there's no shame in riding a truck when it's as big and brawny as yours. 
--------------------
2004 America - Starship Touring Edition
|
Gregger
Learned Hand
Reged: 04/07/07
Posts: 1127
Loc: Timmins, Ontario
|
|
Hey John,
Good to see you are on the mend. Man you gave us all a start when that post came up. Something all of us hate to think about but we know it can happen. Hope this isn't going to slow you down too much.
What would we all do if you weren't around to "moderate" the Friar?
Get well soon.
--------------------
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Just rolled in from Spokane at 11:30PM MST. What a long day. Saw John, but due to a late start and his friends in Thompson Falls talking my ears off, I couldn't stay long. Definitely in good spirits and looking better. Well his face is still beat up and his leg looks like he||, but for John that's an improvement.
Hey John, don't forget to call your insurance company.
I found out that John is just as well-liked and respected in Thompson Falls and Sanders County as he is here. Sounds like the whole town is concerned. He even made the front page of the local paper when they found out about his accident. He's a small town hero.
Hey John, don't forget to call your insurance company.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Thanks John for that update. I am relieved that Freedom John is doing as well as he is and I can rest easier tonight knowing that you were there for him. I'm sure that means a lot to our brother John on his road to recovery.
Btw... any idea when he can return to home?
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
freedom
Loquacious
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 4448
Loc: NW, MT
|
|
Quote:
Just rolled in from Spokane at 11:30PM MST. What a long day. Saw John, but due to a late start and his friends in Thompson Falls talking my ears off,
Yep, I should have given you a bit more warning there. The rest of you folks are right, Ole FJ is a first class riding buddy
I'll be caling the insurance co. todsy. Man this hospitol has my sleep schedule completely whacked out
jh
--------------------
"The coyote is a survivor, reckon he's got to be. He lives in the snow at 40 below or Malibu by the sea" ~Ian Tyson
|
freedom
Loquacious
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 4448
Loc: NW, MT
|
|
Well kiddos,
A quick update. I was moved to St. Lukes Wednesday afternoon. This is a rehab facility. It's amazing how such simple movements when overlain with a fractured pelic bone, become pheats of endurance.
I will be here at least through next weekend at which time I will hopefully be in shape to get back to T. Falls. My mother plans on travelling out to take care of her most considerate son.
.Big Thanks to Moe and Rob for the phone calls. If I am missing any calls, I apolozize, but will place fault at the farmocueticals. Roadie, Z man & Karen stopped by..
Cheers People.
--------------------
"The coyote is a survivor, reckon he's got to be. He lives in the snow at 40 below or Malibu by the sea" ~Ian Tyson
|
mountainman
Loquacious
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 4710
Loc: BC, Canada
|
|
Cheers to you too John!
--------------------
Live to love, love to live.
|
roadie
Adjunct
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 349
Loc: North Idaho
|
|
Freedom - Great seeing you Tuesday! How are you liken St.Luke's? I bet its nice to know they're done carvin on you, eh?
DK if you've mentioned it to everyone else, but John's talking about either a Thunderbird or a Tigger to replace his ride. Either way, I think I'm jealous!
later bro...
--------------------
04 Black America Tbike pipes, 440 progressives, boards, bags, et al
|
Zmilin
Loquacious
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
|
|
John, good to know your out of the hospital and into rehab...keep it up...looking forward to seeing you again next year at Nelson.
--------------------
07 Black BA, AI gone, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, FREAK w/ 150 / 45s, Hard Bags and 440s.
|
FriarJohn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12323
Loc: East Helena, Montana
|
|
Excellent news! Keep us posted. I'm still coming your way on the 13th of August. I'll give you a ring sometime on Saturday or Sunday.
--------------------
Blog|Biz|Facebook|Twitter
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
