Monday, August 29, 2011

Lauren and Mike Go Boom.

Many of you know already what happened to Lauren and I, but we were involved in a car/bike accident last Sunday.
We came down to Virginia to visit with Lauren's family before cyclocross took over our weekends until Thanksgiving. 
On Sunday morning Lauren and I headed out with no defined route in mind, we just had the simple goal of having a nice relaxing ride before our 5 hour car trip home. We had done field tests the day before and were both tired. Lauren killed her test, I did well on mine... at least we will have baselines for our comebacks...
We were about 40 minutes into the ride when we stopped for a minute to check the smart phone and pick a direction home. We were to hop on RT 46 for a minute before turning off to get on another fun road home.
We never made it off RT 46. Lauren and I were riding single file pretty close to the gutter of the road. Lauren thought she saw my brake rubbing. I peaked back to check and thought it did look funny. I decided to start to pull over to check. 
I started to communicate to Laur that we should stop to check. We were still lined up single file. Mid sentence I heard a crash, a pop, and Lauren yell. A split second later my rear wheel got washed out from under me. I closed my eyes and started to fall left. On the way by I felt the car brush past me as my hip hit the asphalt. I remember tucking up and sliding on my arm and hip. Gravel was flying everywhere. I remember squinting as it hit my face. 
The next thing I knew I was standing, with no idea where my bike was. It wasn't until then I had realized we had been actually hit by a car. I turned to see Lauren laying on the grass under her bike. Her arm was wrapped up in the broken frame. I peaked down the road to see the driver stopping, but some distance away. After making sure Lauren was not going to try and move, and getting the bike out from cutting into her arm, I ran down to the car. The driver had stepped out. I instructed him to call the police and snapped a picture of the plate before running back to Lauren.

Between then and now, hundreds of folks have directly helped us or sent prayers and messages our way.
In no order, 
Both cars that stopped to help us, the couple, and Randy the EMT. The Ambulance staff, The Helicopter crew, The VCU ER team, both mine and Lauren's. The entire staff at VCU. Dr Zuezler, Dr Johnathan, All of Laur's nurses. Lauren's Family. Everyone that sent us and email, facebook, or phone message, we are extremely grateful. 
It doesn't look like either of us will be racing bike any time soon. Lauren has broken vertebrae and ribs, and I have a broken humerus/displaced shoulder that will be operated on next week. 

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Horrible. I wish you two a speedy recovery.

Chris said...

Wow Mike, so sorry to hear this. Here's wishing both of you a quick recovery.

mike said...

My heart goes out to you guys.

Get better - I look forward to seeing you two at Battenkill and Transylvania next year.

Jed said...

Mike,

So glad you and Lauren are alive and recovering. Very, very scary.

Kim said...

wishing you both a speedy recovery...best wishes that you're both up & about soon.

Marten said...

Holy crap. Glad it wasn't worse, and hoping you both have speedy, full recoveries.

matt said...

So glad you two are okay relative to such a horrible incident. But you two are some of the biggest and toughest fighters I know! I am confident you will be kicking ass before too long. Get well.

grezvani said...

I love the picture from the ER, you guys are some tough MFers. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Selene said...

Terrible and terrifying. VERY happy you are both here with us an on the mend.

Unknown said...

Ugh, guys I am so so sorry. You are both young and strong and will heal faster than expected. I can totally relate. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Greg said...

I am shocked to read this and literally my heart dropped. I can not stand hearing about these occurances. Please have a speed recovery you two and your comebacks will be incredibly sweet.

Eganski said...

The picture of the two of you side-by-side is heartbreaking. Get better.

Harlan Price said...

Super bummed for you guys. Such a nightmare. Recover strong and happy.

dicky said...

Looks like a warranty claim.

Heal up.

Eloy said...

my best wishes to both of you. all the best always!! take good care.

Shauna said...

Mike and Lauren,
Biggest hugs to you both, and sending lots of love in your direction. From all of us down here in DC, we're pulling for you. Stay strong and keep getting stronger.
- Shauna, Chuck, Chris, Alex, and Patty

Gursk said...

Keep the faith, heal up and hope to see you on your bikes again soon. My thoughts are with you both.

Bill Showers said...

Mike, So Sorry to hear about this. All the best to you and your wife... Hoping to see you both on the bike again soon.

carmen said...

Mike, all your buds at VWR wish you and your wife a speedy and safe recovery. You guys hang in there. And get your ass back to work soon, I have no one to bs with at 7am

Daniel Sandberg said...

Hey Mike. My dad just told me about your accident. I really hope that you guys are OK. It really hits home because recently I've been commuting a lot in downtown with my bike. Really scary. I hope you get better soon.

Daniel