A long time internet friend of mine, Bob Bielak aka roadpilot was hit by a cage yesterday.
He lost 1/2 of his left leg in the collision.
He is out of surgery and coherent enough that he posted on FB.
Let's send some thoughts and prayer his way please
Update, the VFR email list got a message from Bob this morning, and I've gotten permission from Bob to post it here:
Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I will need them down the long road to recovery.
Unfortunately, the doctors were unable to save my leg. It had to be amputated just above the knee. While this probably ends my motorcycle riding career, I am fortunate to be alive. Given a choice between riding and my wife and children, I prefer the latter.
I had just pulled off to the side of the expressway (an easy 10 to 12 feet from the roadway, if not more, on I-90E) to check the directions on my GPS. I missed my exit and all the other nearby exists were closed due to construction. I did not want to ride and distract myself, ya know.
Didn't even get a chance to get off the bike. All I remember is the impact from a vehicle traveling at highway speed. The world swirled around me numerous times, and thankfully I ended up on the side of the road and not IN the roadway. Witnesses apparently said the impact sent me 'flying into the air', but didn't specify how high or how long.
The vehicle hit the left side of the bike, demolishing the LH hard luggage case. That's how it all but severed my left leg at the scene.
As I lay there looking down at what used to be my leg, I knew that I had to put a tourniquet on it or I would die. I took my rain jacket off and fashioned one out of it. Doctors said I saved my own life, and could not believe I did it myself. I *had* to - none of the bystanders would do it. I finally got someone to hold it tight after about 4-5 minutes. The guy ended up living only a couple miles from where I live in Howell, MI.
My left clavicle is broken, and my right foot is bruised up pretty good. But no other serious injuries. Haven't seen my helmet yet, so I don't know if there was any impact. No internal injuries. All in all, other than the loss of my leg just above the knee, I am OK - and *alive*.
It was a hit and run. Driver did NOT stop, but many pieces of the vehicle remained on-scene. I believe some of the witnesses gave a description of the vehicle, too, but I have yet to be contacted by law enforcement of any kind. I hope they find the son-of-a-bitch.
Another surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, essentially to put the final touches on what will eventually be what's left of my left leg. No idea yet when I can go home.
I will try to update the list, but it is very strenuous in doing so.
Please be careful out there and have a safe WDGAH 16.
Regards,
Bob
-travis
He lost 1/2 of his left leg in the collision.
He is out of surgery and coherent enough that he posted on FB.
Let's send some thoughts and prayer his way please
Update, the VFR email list got a message from Bob this morning, and I've gotten permission from Bob to post it here:
Quote
All -Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I will need them down the long road to recovery.
Unfortunately, the doctors were unable to save my leg. It had to be amputated just above the knee. While this probably ends my motorcycle riding career, I am fortunate to be alive. Given a choice between riding and my wife and children, I prefer the latter.
I had just pulled off to the side of the expressway (an easy 10 to 12 feet from the roadway, if not more, on I-90E) to check the directions on my GPS. I missed my exit and all the other nearby exists were closed due to construction. I did not want to ride and distract myself, ya know.
Didn't even get a chance to get off the bike. All I remember is the impact from a vehicle traveling at highway speed. The world swirled around me numerous times, and thankfully I ended up on the side of the road and not IN the roadway. Witnesses apparently said the impact sent me 'flying into the air', but didn't specify how high or how long.
The vehicle hit the left side of the bike, demolishing the LH hard luggage case. That's how it all but severed my left leg at the scene.
As I lay there looking down at what used to be my leg, I knew that I had to put a tourniquet on it or I would die. I took my rain jacket off and fashioned one out of it. Doctors said I saved my own life, and could not believe I did it myself. I *had* to - none of the bystanders would do it. I finally got someone to hold it tight after about 4-5 minutes. The guy ended up living only a couple miles from where I live in Howell, MI.
My left clavicle is broken, and my right foot is bruised up pretty good. But no other serious injuries. Haven't seen my helmet yet, so I don't know if there was any impact. No internal injuries. All in all, other than the loss of my leg just above the knee, I am OK - and *alive*.
It was a hit and run. Driver did NOT stop, but many pieces of the vehicle remained on-scene. I believe some of the witnesses gave a description of the vehicle, too, but I have yet to be contacted by law enforcement of any kind. I hope they find the son-of-a-bitch.
Another surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, essentially to put the final touches on what will eventually be what's left of my left leg. No idea yet when I can go home.
I will try to update the list, but it is very strenuous in doing so.
Please be careful out there and have a safe WDGAH 16.
Regards,
Bob
-travis