Thanks Swampy, for the great headline & introduction.....
So,
whilst we were heading South on Tallanalla Road, I got into some deep "snotty stuff" on the nearside of a long sweeping right hander, and in trying to get back onto the harder stuff, it all went quickly wrong and was "bucked off" over the bars and landed on my back (I think). Digger was first to arrive as I fought to fill my lungs with life saving air, saw that I was "OK" then started to check the bike which was several metres away to the centre of the track, others arrived to lend assistance. Some "Testing" of the bike by Digger, and all seemed well enough to get us out. No front brake though, as the master cylinder had been wiped out.
After sitting me on a rock and trying to get my breath back, I heard "it looks like you've done some ribs there lad ".....
An assortment of various pieces of parts from the GS were collected and put into a pile, like a small shrine to others who came after us warning of the danger..
Best way to get me out was the discussion, so it was agreed. Nige was to crack on to catch up with Chris G, Digger went ahead to scout & mark corners, Jamie was to lead, and Robbo to follow. " Anything faster than walking pace will get us there, so take your time" was the advice from Jamie.Harvey hospital was the destination.
Somehow I managed to mount the bike and get going, every gear change generated the response F@#&!. Some 20-30 kays and we reach road.
We made it to the hospital and with some help was able to get off the bike, and into a wheelchair! Gear off slowly and onto the trolley. The boys were able to get the bike out of sight from the road and relaxed with a cup of tea and sandwiches. SANDWICHES ! eh WTF??
My back hurt like hell and I was having difficulty drawing breath, but they would not give me the juice until after the Doctor arrived.. Hurry up Doc, I'm dyin' here
The boys bade their farewell after doing everything they could and we said our farewells, (take care boys) I thought as they saddled up. A quick call to my son with the news.This was quickly followed by a call from the younger one. Where's that bloody Doctor?
About two hours later the Doc's checking me over " BP's up, O2 is low" and with some discussion in the other room, the nurse is giving me "the good oil"
.
"We will get you into Bunbury as we cant x-ray you here, could be ribs, or then maybe spinal". SPINAL?
At the mention of the word, I'm surround by staff wrapping a collar around my neck, and sliding various things under me causing several sharp intakes of painful breath! I might add
Strapped and trusted up like a thanksgiving turkey, I was wheeled into the awaiting ambulance and "conveyed"
to Bunbury Regional. On arrival it sounded like half of Perth were there!
Long story short, x-rays of ribs & spine came up all good, "only" soft tissue damage
Hurts like shit.." and some blood in the urine, possibly kidney bruising, (tell me about it..
)
Eldest son picked me up and home by around seven that night, having stopped for a puke on the way home. Now very sore, even though I'd been given and taken enough gear to make a pimp jealous
Sunday morning and somehow made breakfast at Cats, to the surprise (thought you were with the dirt boys?) told the story.
A quick call to Goldie thanking him for going to Harvey Hospital, unloading my gear off the bike and putting into storage, and the bike around into a courtyard.
Called Bully for some advise on what happens from here and the offer to trailer the bike from Harvey Hospital to his place was gratefully accepted. Later that day, the bike was on it's way to Bully's and my gears in the back of my car going home. Dropped into Swampy's for a cup of tea and update.
Monday 'arvo now & just called Shanons and all is underway.
My sincere thanks to:
Chris G,
Nige,
Digger (Steve B),
Jamie,
Robbie,
Goldie'
Swampy (my publicist
)
and Bully.
The nurses & staff at Harvey and Bunbury Hospitals
The big guy upstairs, and my riding gear that did it's job and saved me from further serious injury.
Looking forward to: breathing properly, seeing what colour these bruises will be, laughing without it hurting,
and getting back on the bike when it's repaired
spend all weekend watching DVD's instead and resting the foot.