Arizona and The Crash

Coaching week in Arizona was Awesome. Fred Matheny is not only one of the most knowledgeable cycling guru's around, he is also a great guy, being able to learn from Fred was a great experience.

Cycling was good as well. Sunday found us heading uphill and against the wind with a ride from Tucson to Sierra Vista. The winds were estimated at 37-45 mph from the south. We were headed straight into them and uphill! Great Training! Most the riders made the entire trip without a sag.

Most of the rest of the week was uneventful, with great loop rides based out of Sierra Vista. Rides to Coronado National Monument, Bisbee, Tombstone and through Fort Huachuca. Great Cycling, Great Fun, Great Friends.

Friday was the day to ride back to Tucson from Sierra Vista. Well, about 23 miles into the ride ( and only three miles past the first rest stop) I managed to take a pretty severe spill onto the highway. 6 of us were in a pace line to help battle the wind ( it had turned and now was in our face again) and i caught the wheel of the rider in front of me and went down. I hit the asphalt pretty hard, landing mostly on my head and my left shoulder.

As luck would have it, one of the riders in the paceline was an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr. Nick quickly did triage and discovered that I had separated my left shoulder. I hadn't even felt it yet as i was more worried about my head at the time. There is no question in my mind that my helmet kept the results of the accident from being far, far worse.

I have been nothing but Thankful since the accident.

Thankful for the PacTour Crew on the scene, Esp. Barb and Vicki

Thankful for those i was riding with at the time and their concern: Dr. Nick, Susan, Joann, Susyn, Gordon and Dan.

Thankful that I was in a paceline with an Orthopaedic Surgeon

Thankful for Susan Nortoangelo for taking to Laurie back home and assuring her i was going to be fine.

I am thankful for the Help i received back in Tucson, Esp to Pat C. for carting me all over town trying to find a sling.

I am Thankful that PacTour is a quality organization. You can always tell how someone or some business is put together when things go wrong. Susan Nortoangelo, Lon Haldeman and PacTour are first class.

As for me? I am going to be fine. I have alot of physical therapy ahead of me, and will be off the bike for 8 weeks. I must post pone my great Epic ride in August for a year, but that is a very very small price to pay considering how hard i went down.

Always Always wear a helmet when cycling. I may not be here to write about this had i not been wearing one.

For Now,

Craig

(a feeling very blessed Craig)