Be safe out there!

If you're like me, any time you hear of someone who has been in a bike accident, something in your gut seizes up.    We all know it could be ANY OF US, at any moment.   Like veterans of the same war, we cyclists are all out there together.   Even when we don't know the person, we are connected to their story because it really could be us, at any moment. 

The fact is, for any of us who choose to get on our bikes to head out for a ride, it's only a matter of time before we crash.  It isn't IF we will crash, it is WHEN.   Either due to your mistake, or someone else's. 

Not everyone will crash, but odds are likely you will.  At some point.

Those are tough words to read.  Mostly because we know they're true.  It isn't if.  It's when.

Not every crash results in something serious (Thank GOD).  Sometimes it is just road rash.  (ouch.)  Sometimes you'll just break one bone.  Other times you'll break more than one.    And.... once in a while, there will be one of our own who endures something much more significant.

Last weekend, your friend and mine in Atlanta, Scott Whitney, was getting in some miles on Columns Drive.  Like hundreds of folks in Atlanta do, day in and day out.  Like Scott has done for  years.  Like I did.  He was there riding with Jim Burt --- Scott pulled for a few laps, then it was Jim's turn.  With Jim out in front, he didn't see the crash behind him.  

Scott was initially unconscious after the accident. The paramedics arrived and he was rushed to Kennestone Hospital's trauma unit.

The doctors immediately did a cat scan and determined there was bleeding on his brain; they needed to perform surgery to alleviate the pressure that was building from the swelling.

The neurosurgeon removed part of his skull to alleviate the pressure (left side above the ear). During this surgery, the doctor said he had a subdural hematoma (larger than expected) and he had more bruising on the brain than expected too. 

As of yesterday, Scott's condition has stayed the same, which is good because it hasn't worsened. Today the doctors put Scott on a mild paralysis medicine. This is to help reduce the swelling in his brain.

The overall plan stays the same. Scott will remain heavily sedated through this weekend to continue the healing. If all continues well, they plan to remove the breathing tube on Monday.   Scott is a tough fighter (!!), as this situation has more than demonstrated.

Please keep Scott, and his terrified beautiful wife, Tiffany, in your thoughts and prayers ........ and be careful out there, my friends!!!    Although no area is completely safe, please choose areas that are as safe as possible.  It just isn't worth it....