Have you practiced emergency braking and do you wear any ID while on trips?

[Lion_Lady]

Okay. I'm at a loss here. Hurting and feeling a bit helpless. Reaching out to you all, in the hopes I won't soon read another story like hers.

A friend, fellow rider, Joanne Westerman was seriously injured when she made an unfortunate choice while riding in the Beast in the East multi-day rally. She moved to pass a slow moving truck on a blind hill, on a multi-lane state highway, and was unable to avoid hitting another vehicle legally stopped, waiting to make a left turn. She is now in a hospital in PA fighting for her life. A "perfect storm" of assistance helped get her alive to the hospital. That in itself, I've learned, is a bit of a miracle.

The bike Joanne was riding was relatively new to her (not quite 2 months), and much heavier than her previous ride. Joanne is an avid long distance rider - she's been all OVER the country on motorcycle trips. She was one of the "fab seven" staying in the same condo in Keystone, CO for the AMA Women's Conference.

Joanne always travels with her Spot tracker, and her friends keep an eye on her travels, especially during a rally. The folks seeing her Spot track remain in one place for an extended period were the first to raise the alarm, but since Joanne did not have any identification on her, she was logged in to the hospital as a Jane Doe for 10 hours, until family/friends could get to her to make identification.

I can't help but wonder if Joanne might have avoided hitting that vehicle if she had spent time practicing emergency stopping and swerving on that new to her beast. Maybe she did practice. I really have no idea, but I know that even I rarely practice that sort of thing. And I should know better as an MSF instructor. I'd rather ride than practice that sort of thing.

Please, ladies (and gents), the next time you head out on your bike. Take 10 minutes and practice hard braking on your machine. Practice serving as well. Do it at least once a month, so the response becomes automatic. Those techniques are part of the MSF's Advanced Riders Course, if you have a chance to take that, DO SO!! It is fun and quite an eye opener.

Get (and wear!!) some sort of ID every time you ride I've got an original Road ID, but I'm seriously thinking about upgrading to the interactive version, now available. http://www.roadid.com/Common/Default.aspx

Another friend has set up a caringbridge blog: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joannewesterman/journal (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joannewesterman/journal)

This sucks so bad. I keep thinking about Joanne. I saw her over Memorial Day weekend, at the finish for the MD 20/20 rally, in Hagerstown, MD. She'd done pretty well, was tired but her usual chipper self. I managed to get her a hot shower before she headed back home to Towson, MD (she didn't have a hotel room, since Towson is just over an hour from Hagerstown).

On her blog, Joanne has the link to her Spotwalla page. Her most recent Spot track is still there, with a handful of little orange trackpoint dots in the intersection where she crashed. Really brings it home. Her most recent blog posts include preparations for the BiTE rally. She was excited and ready to give it her all against some of the 'big dogs' of LD rallying.

Ya'll keep safe, okay?

[Unforgiven]

It's hard to say LL, and unfortunately something you will never know the answer to. It sounds like she had the skill and experience to know how to brake and swerve already. Perhaps her instincts in doing that on a different bike didn't work on this bike for some reason and caused it to react differently. Sometimes when we are on a collision course with something, the laws of physics dictate the results and nothing we do can prevent it. Passing on the blind hill probably had more to do with it than anything and when you pass, you tend to twist the wrist to get around.

Unfortunately, in this hobby if you do it long enough, you are going to have close friends that get seriously injured or worse. Hope she pulls through ok. And yes, I always have I.D. on me when I ride.

[Follow]

OMG!!!!!OMG!!!! I just got serious goosebumps.......My heart and prayers going out to JW, I had not known but no wonder I haven't heard from her.
JW was an excellent rider, in a split second much can happen and if she was passing she perhaps was gasing a bit, too many things going on, to fast, what to do, etc?
Yes it is true you should know what your bike is going to do when you hit the brakes, but each situation is different and all the factors that go with it, I do hear you in controlling ones bike is part of riding but so much happens in a split second.
Flight or fight situations is different in everyone.

As for ID, I am surprised she didn't, she is the type to have it with her, perhaps it was on the bike and not on her.....so with that said, just laminate information on a card and stick it in all your pockets..i.e. coat pocket, overpants pocket, your mesh just put the I.C.E information in each item you have so they are always in each item you may grab and want to wear that day, better yet dog tags but the first is free. Also Hospitals and clinics use computers these days if you have a mini flash drive on your person and info downloaded this is great, they could use any information they can get.

Right now I'm just wishing her a healthy recovery and please keep us posted if you can. Thank you Pam for letting us know this.

[ridingAK]

I am very sorry to hear of her accident. :(: I don't know her, but she's still one of us.

I do practice emergency stops often since I think they are kind of fun. I had to use the skill just the other day. I was close to home and let my mind wander for a moment as I looked at something on the side of the road. My attention came back just in time to see that the car in front of me was stopped waiting to turn left. I had to hit my brakes hard. It wasn't really close, but had I not regained focus when I did, it could have been ugly and it would have been 100% my fault. I will echo LL and say please practice no matter how many years or miles of experience you have! This was also a reminder that even a moment's inattention can have serious consequences.

I haven't moved my ID from my old helmet to my new one. I'm going to do that right now, and put an ICE card in my jacket pocket.

[zukilady]

:hug2: to LL and to all those that know this lady. Let us know how she's doing.

I'll be doing some drills in a parking lot hopefully soon; I'll be sure to add swerving and emergency braking to the to-do list.

I do carry my wallet, although it's in my tail bag. Of course my wallet has my license, learner's permit, current health insurance information, credit cards, etc. Follow, that is a great idea to get several wallet-size cards with all the pertinent info on one and put one in every bag/jacket/pant you use so that it will always be on you.

[Cyclone67]

Prayers to Joanne and her family and friends.

I think a lot of people will be updating their ICE cards and practicing over the next few days.

[Lion_Lady]

I'm pretty sure that Joanne has a Road ID. I do as wel. But I have more than once realized that I'd forgotten to put in on... after I was miles down the road.

Joanne must have had her wallet in a tail- or tankbag, not on her, in a jacket pocket. My wallet is either in a jacket pocket, or my tankbag on longer trips. Easier to get at the cash/gas card when I stop.

I was glad that my husband went and located HIS Road ID after I told him about Joanne.

We've all probably done what Joanne did (passed in a less than ideal situation) and gotten away with it more than a few times as well. But it only takes once. The Road ID is a neat little item. I like the wrist band. It fits like a watch. Your critical contact /medical info is right there. They've got dog tags, and shoe tags (for runners/ bicyclists) as well. The new interactive feature looks way cool! I'm about to upgrade mine and hubby's Road ID to those, today.

[tarzan77]

Used to use Road ID when I trained for mt. biking on the road. Now I have a dog tag that I ordered from Ebay and also a Medical ID pouch stuck to my helmet. Sorry about your friend.

[ImaSoftT]

Thoughts and prayers for Joanne's recovery, and :hug2: for all those that are close to her.

[zee]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend's crash, LL. Many good well wishes and prayers sent her way.

I have an ID pouch stuck to my helmet, a gift from a new friend when I first started riding... before I even had a helmet. I filled out the information and stuck it on before I ever went out to ride. Sometimes my license is in my backpack, other times in my jacket pocket (generally when I don't take the backpack). I think I'll keep it in my jacket from now on.

Thank you for the reminder ... for the ID and the practice. I planned on getting out and practicing cornering techniques later today; I'll work on the emergency stops as well.

[Cyclone67]

I am definitely going to invest in a Road ID (and one for the dogs too). Thanks for the information and a sad reminder to us all. It sounds like she is a fighter.

[indianscout]

It's hard to say LL, and unfortunately something you will never know the answer to. It sounds like she had the skill and experience to know how to brake and swerve already. Perhaps her instincts in doing that on a different bike didn't work on this bike for some reason and caused it to react differently. Sometimes when we are on a collision course with something, the laws of physics dictate the results and nothing we do can prevent it. Passing on the blind hill probably had more to do with it than anything and when you pass, you tend to twist the wrist to get around.

Unfortunately, in this hobby if you do it long enough, you are going to have close friends that get seriously injured or worse. Hope she pulls through ok. And yes, I always have I.D. on me when I ride.


I agree with Unforgiven and would like to add things like overconfidence, dehydration or simple impatients can cause us to make a bad decision and sooner or later it will all catch up to us. (Pilots are well aware of this potential situation). Accidents do happen and regardless of how many wheels you have under you, it is not a matter of "if" but "when". Every spring I go to a parking lot and practice my maneuvers and quick stops to help me prepare for such a time as to when I will need it. But even though this will help give me an edge there is no guarantee of the out-come. My state requires me to all ways carry my license and insurance with me at all times. I have it in my pants pocket and don't leave home without it. Another reason I prefer carry it on me vs. with me as to an accident that happened locally a few years ago involving two motorcycles. Both where thrown from the bikes and since their ID was on the bikes vs on them, confusion with the paramedics caused problems and delayed medical help. This would have all been avoided had they simply had their ID in there pocket, a dog tag or medical tag of some sort. Hope she pulls through and heals quickly.

[zukilady]

That is a very good point, IS. I will be sure to find a way to have my ID on ME, not just my bike.

[Pawprint2104]

This is a poignant thread and an excellent reminder to "plan for the best but prepare for the worst". I carry my ID usually in my jacket pocket, but I plan on getting one of those RoadID tags for my person, too.

LL, I hope your friend has a full recovery.

[Astir]

:hug2: (I got serious chills reading this too) :zen: for a full recovery.

I will practice, promise. Have to admit, I ride so often, just don't take the parking lot time sometimes. Will also order some RoadID tags. Keep meaning to order one for my son who rides 22 miles a day on his bicycle to and from school. Going to order right now.

[phoenix63]

LL - I'm so sorry about your friend, Joanne. My prayers are with her and her family... and with you as well.

[Luna Tique]

I am sorry to hear about your friend.
:shrug:I do not know why she made the decision to pass on that blind hill could be fatigue, over confidence or just not paying attention.The result was a terrible perhaps life changing get off.I hope she has a full recovery.

Those of us that have been riding for many years know each time we mount up the cards are shuffled and every mile we put under out belt as we gain confidence we tend to put further to the back of our minds how fragile our bodies really are.

Please remember the most important piece of gear you have is your head. Stay in the game, be focused and prepared for the unexpected.

I wear a Med tag ID on my helmet carry my wallet in my jacket and keep ID on the bike. MORE is better.

[Lion_Lady]

Thanks so much, everyone! This site really is wonderful!

P

[LiLiBug]

LL: I am so sorry about your friend, Joanne. :hug2: I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers as well as for you.

Thank you for reminding to practice the emergency stop and swerve. I remember when I took the 2nd MSF course telling the instructor "that move is someday going to save my life." I still do not know why I said that. Thank you for reminding us that we should take the time to practice, especially on a new bike. Next time I am on it, I am going go practice.

Sending healing thoughts Joanne's way :zen:

[eastofthesunset]

Lion_Lady,
I am very sorry to hear about your friend. Knowing the danger does not make it any easier to understand when it happens. Yes, I agree with Unforgiven....long enough in this sport and things like this seem to occur. I will be hoping for the best for her, and a continued recovery as well.
I have a background in rescue so here are some thoughts: ALWAYS carry ID including name, persons to notify (with actual numbers to do it), known allergies, medical conditions, and current medications.
I carry these in my zippered pocket and a duplicate on my bike. I have seen many wallets get lost in crashes....so I guess I am over the top because of this....never can be too safe though. Tarzan77 has good practices in my opinion.
Dog tags are good as they don't get ripped away as easily under clothing and will be easy to spot on a primary survey when your wallet may be in timbukto. I like the Id pouch on the helmet, too, zee (good tip).
Practicing as many maneuvers as possible will keep us, hopefully, skilled enough to react with the right one at the right time.

Stay safe out there, my friends,

East

[demenshea]

LL and I have discussed this accident on facebook where I was very sorry to discover it had happened. Joanne is certainly a well versed rider and had a ton of experience, but each time we go out, it's a crap shoot. We can think we are ready for anything but all it takes is one wrong move either on our part or another driver or rider and we are down. This is the sort of sport a split second decision can make the difference between on rubber or off.

I am sure as Joanne fights to heal, she will also be dissecting what happened, as that is the kind of person she is, analytical and caring.

I send her lots of positive healing purple light. All that energy worked for Tyler, and I hope it works for Joanne as well. She is a kind hearted person with a big spirit one that is needed on this planet. HEAL UP JOANNE.

As for practice. I don't do it enough and this is a grim reminder to practice and then do it again. Hard braking is a definite skill, one taught at Streetmasters (http://www.streetmasters.info/), my yearly place to gain my necessary skills. I need to practice it more often than that one class, doing it monthly like LL suggested.

I have a luggage tag on my bike with my emergency info. But I guess I too need to supply it on my person. My license is always in my purse which is in my luggage. Like Pawprint2104 said..."plan for the best but prepare for the worst".

[ImaSoftT]

I think it is important for all our new riders to know that what has been said here is all true, but it is also true that there are a great number of riders that have ridden for 40, 50 or more years without ever having a serious accident. With the proper gear many people walk away from what would otherwise have been a devastating accident often with no more than a few bruises and a little soreness here and there. We have only to read Unforgiven's account of his track spill, it will certainly make you rethink your gear options.

So I guess what I am trying to say here is please don't get the idea that everyone that rides a motorcycle will sooner or later end up in the hospital. Everyday is a new day and our chances are renewed everyday, we are not given a set number of chances that must be budgeted and we can't use them all up and then ride around with no chance at all.

But we have to do a few things to get our new supply of daily chances, we must

1. Make sure we have the training and skills required to ride the way we want to ride. And never ride above our skill level.

2. Wear the proper gear no matter what style of riding we want to do.

3. Be alert and conscience of all that we are doing and all that is around us. and never assume that other riders or cage drivers are going to anything that you think they will. Always be prepared for them to do right the opposite.

and above all

4. Do not do anything to impair our judgement or reflexes. If we want a beer take a six pack home. There we can drink all 6 of them, once the bikes are parked.

So prepare yourself for the ride and then go and have fun.

[ridingAK]

and above all

4. Do not do anything to impair our judgement or reflexes. If we want a beer take a six pack home. There we can drink all 6 of them, once the bikes are parked.

So prepare yourself for the ride and then go and have fun.

I couldn't agree more! I love wine, and Nut and I enjoy wine tasting. But NEVER, not even one, if we are riding! I used to be a DUI attorney, and have been on both the prosecution side and on the defense side. I have heard way too many accounts of people's judgment changing for the worse after only one drink to ever take that chance. Please don't drink and ride, and remember that even over the counter allergy medicine can impact your level of awareness. If you are taking any medication, don't risk riding unless you know exactly how the meds impact you!

[zukilady]

What a great thread.

[Cyclone67]

I view riding to be very similiar to military training. We train constantly so that emergency responses become automatic (we call it muscle memory). Then when the *&)$% hit the fan -- you just react and because you have practiced so often your nerves don't get in the way. Wear your gear -- we do the same. I have seen many soldiers that regret taking off the ballistic glasses or gloves and pay the price. Same for our gear -- wear it (all of it)!

I have been in numerous vehicles hit by IEDs and a few times (but not always) when we reviewed the incident there was something done that caused the incident or led us to make a nice fat target. The same goes for riding -- maybe you have neglected on some maintenance, maybe you are tired, sick, angry, or just not in the groove. Train and practice, wear your gear, and don't drive impaired (and I'm not just talking alcohol/drugs; I never drive when I'm sick, really pissed, overly tired, ect. Don't set yourself up to end up in an accident.

I actually had ordered my first motorcycle in 2005 when I was in Iraq but had to delay it until 2009:eek:. I ended up on anti-convulsant meds for 3 1/2 years and it was just not the medicine to be on and try riding. As much as I wanted to learn to ride, I knew I had to wait. It was worth the wait!! So if you have to take time off for whatever reason -- do it. The bike will be waiting for you.

[KansasKawboy]

Healing thoughts for Joanne. I rechecked my info on my helmet and updated it, I added an info card to my wallet and am looking into dog tags.

An addition to what ImaSofT and Cyclone67 said, if it doesn't feel right when you get on the bike, get off and take the car.

[Tractor]

Wouldn't you have your drivers license and insurance papers, at all times? Sorry to hear about your friends accident. I hope she recovers quickly!!

[ridingAK]

Wouldn't you have your drivers license and insurance papers, at all times? Sorry to hear about your friends accident. I hope she recovers quickly!!

I think the concern is being separated from the bike. I keep my DL in my tank bag. If I were thrown from the bike, an emergency responder may or may not find it in a tank bag on a bike on the other side of the road...

[GeoNorskie]

Amen to what everyone has said. IST, you hit the nail on the head. I'll be getting a RoadID; I always have ID, insurance papers, etc., but never considered putting my id on my person.

Here's hoping for Joann's speedy recovery. :hug2:

[phoenix63]

I have info in my tank bag, but I'm going to get a helmet pouch and dog tags, too. Thanks to all of you for all the great advice!

[Lion_Lady]

I think the concern is being separated from the bike. I keep my DL in my tank bag. If I were thrown from the bike, an emergency responder may or may not find it in a tank bag on a bike on the other side of the road...

Exactly.

First responders are going to check airway/breathing first, which is when they'll likely find the dog tags. They'll sort that out first, then go on the check extremities (wrist band, etc)... Key information such as medical issues or allergies need to be communicated ASAP if you are unable to do so. Your tank bag could very well end up destroyed/soaked in gasoline (worst case scenario), a fanny pack might end up off in a ditch.

In a car, there's pretty much a single "standard" place for key information to be kept: the glove compartment. On a motorcycle, there are dozens of places a rider might have put their registration/insurance card. Or, they might even be riding someone else's bike. First responders aren't going to search beyond your person. They'll just deal with your injuries in the way they are trained, and let the authorities figure out who to notify.

P

[phoenix63]

Exactly.
First responders aren't going to search beyond your person. They'll just deal with your injuries in the way they are trained, and let the authorities figure out who to notify.

P

Agreed. The responders to my ditch incident didn't even look in my tank bag for information. They were checking my pockets. Then again, I was conscious and able to tell them where all my information was and who to call.

[Tractor]

My DL is in my pocket, or wallet. There are also plates on the bike that the police would immediately run I would think. If you are the owner it should come up. Hard to fathom it taking so long to identify her. Seems odd?

[zukilady]

LL, have you heard any news about your friend lately?

[chienjouet]

I've been checking their blog re: her condition daily.

There's a link to it, in the first post of this thread.

We're praying her recovery is quick and complete.

LL, have you heard any news about your friend lately?

[Lion_Lady]

My DL is in my pocket, or wallet. There are also plates on the bike that the police would immediately run I would think. If you are the owner it should come up. Hard to fathom it taking so long to identify her. Seems odd?

I've heard of other incidents particularly with motorcyclists, it seems.

Her bike was destroyed. I've seen the photos. Tank bag went one way, saddle bags the other. Stuff was strewn about the road. If her wallet was in her tank bag, and she wasn't wearing any ID, that would explain the delay. Not sure of protocols, but she was so badly injured that the focus was on getting Joanne cared for and to the hospital.

It probably took time for those on the scene to locate her information and convey it forward. In the meantime, friends had been alerted to a problem when her Spot track remained unmoving for an extended period, and were taking steps to find out what had happened.

P

[Dualsport Chic]

LL -

So very sorry to hear of your friend's accident. Sending out healing energy to restore her to health.

:zen:


Thank you also for the reminder on the importance of carrying ID on our person as well as ensuring we keep our evasive maneuver skills fresh. So much can happen in a split second - we need to react so very quickly that our actions have to be automatic - only constant repetition can get us to this 'autopilot' state.

Please keep us posted on our friend's recovery. :hug2:

[albqsusieq]

LL, I am soooo sorry to hear of your friend's accident.

Lots of good tips here.

I have a RV. I attended a Good Sam Rally held in Albuquerque and attended a safety session. We were told that the emergency folks cannot go into your purse so we should keep info. in a plastic bag in the freezer and that is where they will go look. They had a m/c tag (don't know what else to call it). It holds your contact info. and velcros on to something. I velcroed mine on to the handle of my tank bag. My tank bag is one that fastens on to my bike and I never ride w/o it. I didn't get the magnetic, although would be easier for on/off, because if I get into a wreck, I want the tank bag to stay with SheBike. I have a credit card in my jacket pocket for my gas stops, which has my name on it. I then have a smaller wallet used only for riding, that is in the inside jacket pocket. I also keep my cell phone in my jacket pocket so if I get separated from my SheBike during a wreck and am unable to get to her, I will have it with me to make a call.

It is definitely a good idea to take the advanced MSF course and to practice. I had a very close call on my AK trip. It just wasn't my time to go. There were three of us at this point and I was bringing up the rear. Drivers in Canada are very good about pulling over to the side some to let other vehicles pass. The two m/c in front of me had already passed two cars that seemed to know they were there and pulled over. It was my turn. I know how dangerous it is to pass more than one car at once. You never know if they see you and decide to pull out to pass. I had watched these two cars. The other two m/c had already passed. I'm paying attention, waiting my turn. The first car pulls over a little, but the second one did not. I thought that curious but it was clear to go so I made my move. Just as I made my move, the car right in front of me made their move also. I swerved and gunned it and, it just was not my time. I don't know if the car saw me and got back in their lane or if my swerving and gunning it got me past a very bad situation. All I know is I'm still around.

[Cyclone67]

Weird -- in the freezer???

I keep a copy of my Mom's living will and meds on a magnet on the outside of the fridge -- but not inside! Just curious.....

[albqsusieq]

This is for a RV. I suspect, if in a wreck, it would be likely papers would not survive on the outside of a ref. So they, whomever they are, came up with the freezer, to be consistent for the emergency folks. This way, private info. isn't there for burglars to see if they were to break in.

Also, and I've shared this with a few people and they like the idea - the credit card I keep in my outside pocket for gas has only a $500 limit. The reason being is that I had my credit card #, not credit card but #, stolen at a restaurant. I only had one at the time and it had a $10K limit. By the time the bank figured out the charges were out of the norm for me, they had already charged it to the $10K limit. I never needed a $10K limit so cut it in half and then got the one with a $500 balance that I use for my gas stops and restaurants. If it gets stolen or I loose it (sometimes we get distracted at a pump with folks wanting to talk) at least the limit is $500.

[Cyclone67]

Good to know!!

It is ridiculous how high they will set your credit limit if you let them!!! You really have to keep an eye on it.

[Astir]

I received my and my sons road ID yesterday. The ankle tag is very comfortable - and I think it will be fine under my boot. If not, I can still wear it on my wrist. My son chose a dog tag style with a four leaf clover (he thought that was ironic - that's my son... all irony. ;), and it is very nice.

Thanks for getting me off my butt LL! :hug2:

We also received $1 off coupons, it isn't much but every bit counts so if anybody is interested PM me.

[Lion_Lady]

Joanne is hanging in there, toughing it out. Her lifesaving surgeries are done - there was direct damage to her heart, as well as skeletal injuries. She is still in critical condition, but resting and healing.

P

[Astir]

:hug2: Thank you for the update. :zen:

[KansasKawboy]

:hug2: Thank you for the update. :zen:
:iagree:

[Pawprint2104]

Just got my Road ID in the mail. Hubby was delighted (yet, concerned) that I got it. I guess it reminded him of my mortality. :(:

I wear it 24/7 now. I went kayaking with it today, and it held up to the saltwater superbly (actually, only time will tell with saltwater.)

http://pawprint2104.smugmug.com/Other/MotoMadness/i-zB6xxhJ/0/S/IMG0612-S.jpg (http://pawprint2104.smugmug.com/Other/MotoMadness/i-zB6xxhJ/0/S/IMG0612-S.jpg)



For the vehicle accidents I've responded to, having some basic info would have been helpful. But, due to the extreme damage to the vehicles and occupants, finding that info in a wallet, purse, tankbag, glove compartment, etc. was, nearly, impossible. Having an ID on a necklace chain, wrist or ankle would have improved the situation.

I hope nobody will ever need to read my necklace to make the call, but if they do, I know it will be beneficial to me and my loved ones.

I hope your friend enjoys a speedy and full recovery.

[Cyclone67]

If anyone using the dog tag has a problem with the chain marking their neck (some people has some sort of reaction from sweat) let me know. I have a ton of 550 (parachute) cord that you can take the guts out of and then slip the chain through the cord. I'll be back home and can send some out in a few weeks.

[indianscout]

If anyone using the dog tag has a problem with the chain marking their neck (some people has some sort of reaction from sweat) let me know. I have a ton of 550 (parachute) cord that you can take the guts out of and then slip the chain through the cord. I'll be back home and can send some out in a few weeks.


Brilliant idea!

[tarzan77]

If anyone using the dog tag has a problem with the chain marking their neck (some people has some sort of reaction from sweat) let me know. I have a ton of 550 (parachute) cord that you can take the guts out of and then slip the chain through the cord. I'll be back home and can send some out in a few weeks.

Thanks for the tip, I don't do too well with mine and try to leave it outside my shirt. Good solution :D:

[Lion_Lady]

Figured I'd let you all in on Joanne's progress.

She needed surgery to repair heart damage from the impact. That was the first and most risky surgery. After getting through that, additional rebuilding surgeries commenced. Joanne is now awake and communicating! Though with both arms in casts and her jaw wired, it is difficult. Those who are with her continue to be amazed and encouraged that Joanne is still "herself," joking and smiling.

There is still a long road ahead. It is now thought that she will be able to be moved back to Baltimore for continued rehabilitation earlier than initially expected.

This gal is a fighter!

P

[Astir]

Thanks for the update LL. So glad she is on the road to recovery!

[ridingAK]

Thank you for the update. It is great news that she is such a fighter. Here's a little more TWF :magic: sent her way.

[Luna Tique]

Thanks for updating us I am happy to hear her attitude is good Laughter has great healing power
I too am sending a little TWF :magic:to help with her healing progress.

[zee]

That is wonderful news! Thank you for letting us know. Please pass on some more TWF http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/images/smilies/Magic%20dust.giffrom me!!

[ImaSoftT]

Thanks LL, sure sounds like Joanne is one tough trooper, and since you can never have to much http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/images/smilies/Magic%20dust.gif here is some more coming her way http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/images/smilies/Magic%20dust.gif.

[eastofthesunset]

Great news, LL, about your friend Joanne. :): She sounds like she has the kind of fighting spirit necessary to endure what lies ahead. I will continue to send positive healing energy her way....thanks for the update.

East

[phoenix63]

It's been a month... any new updates on Joanne?

[Lion_Lady]

Joanne was just moved to a rehab facility here outside Baltimore!! She started physical therapy yesterday. What an amazing gal.

P

[Cyclone67]

Great news!!!

[KansasKawboy]

Very good news!

[ridingAK]

Very glad to hear this.

[phoenix63]

That is great news, LL... send her lots of TWF good thoughts, prayers and a healthy dose of :magic:

[opaque_machete]

I just caught up on the thread and the blog...what a truly amazing woman! More healing energy sent her way. She sounds like a very exceptional woman. :magic:

[Luna Tique]

That is wonderful news LL.

[eastofthesunset]

LL,
I am so happy to hear the news about your friend... Joanne.:thumbsup: Please give her our continued well-wishes on her road to recovery....Awesome!

East

[theotherlara]

I am late to check this post, but glad of the update.
Glad to hear about the beginning of phys therapy, hope things are smooth from here-on-out! Joanne sounds like a strong, admirable lady!

[Lion_Lady]

Sorry for the delay. Joanne is HOME!!! She's starting physical therapy. Still a long road ahead, but she is making steady progress! Simply amazing.

P

[ridingAK]

That is wonderful news! She must be so happy to be in her own space again. I'll send another round of :zen: and :magic: and hope it continues to work. :):

[phoenix63]

Awesome! I'm so glad she's home and her recovery is continuing. We will continue to keep good thoughts and send lots more TWF :magic: her way!

[maximoto]

Awesome! I'm so glad she's home and her recovery is continuing. We will continue to keep good thoughts and send lots more TWF :magic: her way!

+ 1

[Luna Tique]

+2

[KansasKawboy]

Great news!

[Abosit]

+3
Me happy to, for the good news!!

[zee]

Woo hoo!! :magic:

[sincityzchick]

Does anyone know hoe Joanne is doing?

[Chem Chick]

Thanks for reviving this sincity, I was just thinking about this post last night (it was one of the first ones I read after joining the forum). I hope we hear good news!

Also it reminds me that the RoadID I bought last year is only going to do me good if I remember to put it on!

[Astir]

:chin: I managed to misplace my roadID during the move... time to order another pdq.

I hope the news is good about Joanne.

[sincityzchick]

I ordered my ID today! I got the slim band. That way I won't take it off. I also got different color bands for $1. I found a site on Joanne. It's in the first post.

[sincityzchick]

The last update was February.

[Lion_Lady]

Joanne is doing very well, considering. She is still not working and has gobs of bills to pay. (Her insurance did NOT cover the air transport from the local hospital to a better equipped one - that alone cost near $25K). Physical therapy is continuing.

On Saturday friends are holding a fundraiser ride in West Virginia. https://www.facebook.com/events/380586611963898/

I saw here at a ride to eat a couple months ago. She was walking but had a wheel chair for back up. Her arms were still in braces and splints. Due to nerve damage she is often in a great deal of pain. But she's hanging in there and working hard to get better.

Pam

[demenshea]

Man, please give her my best LL. I am still astounded at how badly she was injured. She is a real trooper and is improving day by day. Is she able to sign any right now? If not that must be difficult for her.
She is in my healing thoughts, for sure! :hug2:

[Lion_Lady]

Not sure if she can sign yet. A lot of her non-hearing friends can read lips fairly well and I get that they can interpret incomplete signs. I won't be able to make the WV event, you can always send Joanne a message via facebook!

P

[Astir]

I don't know what to say other than :hug2: and :zen:

Will sign onto facebook when I get home and check out the fundraiser. Every little bit helps.

[mz33]

Hi, All! Here is a cut & paste I wrote on another forum, about meeting up with Joanne last Saturday. (She does lurk here from time to time, btw.) The bit about the Cape Fear Rally is from me--I did my first rally the weekend before I saw her. (A 10-hour, thank you, not an Iron Butt.)

I got to see Joanne at a benefit that Hoagy Carmichael was holding for her at his "Irish Pub" (his garage.) She is doing amazingly well, although there are still some significant deficits. Her left eye seems to have permanent nerve damage--it is as though someone smeared it with vaseline. Her left elbow still doesn't have full range of motion, nor does her left hand. However, she expects to be able to continue to be a sign language interpreter, as everyone she works with has said that they can understand her just fine. She has ongoing internal injuries that she didn't specify. She puts in hours and hours of physical therapy every day, working her hand and elbow with range-of-motion devices. (They can't be done simultaneously.)

She misses riding. She doesn't know if she'll ever go back to it at this point, and she knows she won't be happy as a pillion, but she misses it. Her significant other, Matt, has a Victory. She still has her old Suzuki C50T, but it continues to have mysterious mechanical problems. She has to sell it to help pay bills, but it's hard to sell it for anything but parts, since it runs so badly.

Heck, even the paramedic that cared for her before the ambulance arrived rides. (Vulcan 1300) He was at the benefit, too. It is an amazing story. He was in the line of stopped cars after the wreck, so he got out and came forward to see what was going on. She had rear-ended a kind of industrial truck--not quite a big panel truck, but more than a 3/4 ton pickup, that had framing on the sides like a roofer's truck might. It also had a step-up below the tailgate. Jo's front wheel hit that step, her bike went under the truck a bit, and Joanne slammed into the tailgate. She was behind the truck when the paramedic arrived. She also was not breathing. She still had a pulse, and he was able to open her airway without removing her helmet. When the volunteer ambulance/fire arrived, they were not authorized to call for a helicopter, but he had a state authorization number and was able to order Med-evac (I think that's who he said it was.)

She knows she had 22 facial fractures, but she doesn't know the total number of fractures she sustained. She found out she had scars on her back one day, though, trying on clothes at a store!

Her helmet: a Zox modular helmet. Friends had inscribed different well wishes on it previously. Here's the one from Matt:

http://i48.tinypic.com/ezmyp2.jpg

The modular broke away all along the left jawline, where it attaches at the pivots. There is some scuffing on the chin, but that's pretty much all.

Here's happier pics. Joanne and her lifesaver:

http://i47.tinypic.com/u7i8h.jpg

And looky who rode up just as I was parking! Guys from the Cape Fear Rally!

http://i46.tinypic.com/2rwn8r6.jpg

Joanne had been riding the Beast In the East Rally when she went down. Her only prior rally had been the Mason Dixon 2020 Rally. (I think Rick Miller, the grumpy Santa on the right, was Rallymaster for both.) As she said, she's 50% for finishes

And finally, just before she went in to rest and I had to leave (I might have monopolized her the whole time I was there. :shrug:)
http://i46.tinypic.com/x29gkn.jpg
Hoagy was a little shaky holding the camera, but he's entitled! He and his wife and his mom put this thing together.

I am a happy camper.

[ImaSoftT]

Thanks Mz for the update, the smile on Joanne's face tells me she has kept a positive attitude throughout her long ordeal. Wishing her all the best in the world for her continuing recovery along with lots of :magic::magic::magic: and :hug2::hug2::hug2:.

[sincityzchick]

Thank you for sharing that. Her story and the kindness of others is inspiring.

[ridingAK]

Thank you for the update. Joanne, here's some more :magic: :magic: :magic: for continued healing, especially on that left eye!

[Astir]

:hug2: Thanks for the update, and I hope Joanne's recovery continues as strong. She sounds like a strong willed women!! So glad to see. :thumbup: