SOB rider Ernie Atlas on the mend (courtesy Steve Griego)
Ernie is doing very well, sitting up, chatting, smiling, and in good spirits. Monday he hopes to be transferred to rehabilitation for a couple weeks, and afterward depending on progress home.
Riding alone on Old Santa Fe Trail heading to Eldorado at speeds of plus twenty mph, he went down and he does not remember why. The paramedic said there was a small piece of firewood/road hazard quite near the scene.
Damage: Two fractured cervical vertebrae, which will heal without surgery, seven broken ribs in pieces, which badly bruised his lung causing blood and other leaking fluid. Two tubes were inserted to relieve pressure and drain lung fluids. Ribs had to be pinned to stabilize and promote mending. Rib plates and screws will be left in after healing. One lung drain tube has already been removed and the second tube will be removed hopefully today. Broken clavicle has been pinned. Scapula has several fractures, and head of humerus is fractured. Because all the muscles are intact in the upper arm and shoulder area, only a sling is needed while the humerus mends.
Ernie has had three bike accidents, this one being the worst, in the past few years. Sadly, at 76 years old, he has made the decision to cease bike riding. But he does hope to remain an honorary member of the Seniors on Bikes, and maybe help with some administrative or board work if a fit can be arranged. Told him I would pass this information to the gang.
He said to mention that he will be selling his custom medium size Parlee. He is 5' 8", so I estimate the frame is in the 52 to 53 centimeter range. He paid 10K, three years ago, and this is the one spill on the Parlee. Only damage he believes is torn handlebar tape and saddle.
I asked him if he liked mysteries in case someone wants to take him some reading material. He is happy to receive visitors. I dropped off a couple esoteric bike serials, Bicycle Quarterly and Cyclocross and he brightened up even more.
Rubber side down everyone.
Steve
Riding alone on Old Santa Fe Trail heading to Eldorado at speeds of plus twenty mph, he went down and he does not remember why. The paramedic said there was a small piece of firewood/road hazard quite near the scene.
Damage: Two fractured cervical vertebrae, which will heal without surgery, seven broken ribs in pieces, which badly bruised his lung causing blood and other leaking fluid. Two tubes were inserted to relieve pressure and drain lung fluids. Ribs had to be pinned to stabilize and promote mending. Rib plates and screws will be left in after healing. One lung drain tube has already been removed and the second tube will be removed hopefully today. Broken clavicle has been pinned. Scapula has several fractures, and head of humerus is fractured. Because all the muscles are intact in the upper arm and shoulder area, only a sling is needed while the humerus mends.
Ernie has had three bike accidents, this one being the worst, in the past few years. Sadly, at 76 years old, he has made the decision to cease bike riding. But he does hope to remain an honorary member of the Seniors on Bikes, and maybe help with some administrative or board work if a fit can be arranged. Told him I would pass this information to the gang.
He said to mention that he will be selling his custom medium size Parlee. He is 5' 8", so I estimate the frame is in the 52 to 53 centimeter range. He paid 10K, three years ago, and this is the one spill on the Parlee. Only damage he believes is torn handlebar tape and saddle.
I asked him if he liked mysteries in case someone wants to take him some reading material. He is happy to receive visitors. I dropped off a couple esoteric bike serials, Bicycle Quarterly and Cyclocross and he brightened up even more.
Rubber side down everyone.
Steve
This is about the only recent info I can find on Ernie. Can not get him on the phone.
He is an old buddy of many years.
Anybody know whats up?
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