A visit with dUh

[the Ferret]

a little history for the new members....

in Sept 2013 we had a new member join with the screen name of dUh. Rick is his real name. Good guy. I met Rick in person when I received tickets to the Indy MotoGP and he offered to show me a slick back way in to the track so I rode over and we had lunch and she showed me how to get in to the track to avoid the crowds. We also toured the Museum and took a bus for a lap around the track. Later my son and I, Dac, CA 200, Mrs CA and dUh all met up at the MotoGP.

The next year at the first CB rally I met Rick in NC a few days early and he and I, along with his girl friend Diana explored the area around the rally site and since I was leading the official ride, I asked Rick to be my sweep man to make sure no one got lost which he agreed to do. After the rally he and I and DAC all rode home together.

This year Rick was heading down early again, but I had other commitments with other forum members. Rick arrived in Va, and met up with SCCB rider, Chapomis, Chapomis's son and 4 Paws and they all went exploring. This is where things went sideways. During the ride, with Rick riding at the back of the pack, a deer ran out and took him down. Good thing he was wearing a Shoei full face helmet, armored jacket and boots. It was a pretty bad wreck, with Rick knocked unconscious and multiple injuries the worst of which was a broken right leg and ankle. All the guys stayed by his side while the paramedics worked on him. I believe Rick was air cared to a nearby hospital. His swelling was so that they could not operate on him immediately and Diana and his father and sister had to drive him 13 hours back to Indy. If I remember correctly, Chapomis graciously paid his tow bill. Chapomis and Kenny (SCCB) picked up his bike and Razor hauled it back to Indy and dropped it off at his house. Rick told me today how appreciative he was for their efforts and generosity.

Anyhow Rick had to have his right leg and ankle repaired with multiple plates and screws. Looking at the Xrays would make you nauseous. Healing has not gone as well as planned and when I called him the other day he was still not walking, not back to work, unable to drive. Time for a face to face.

Took off this morning at 7:30. it was pretty nippy actually at 55 degrees

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and foggy too

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I ran into " California like traffic" crossing the river into Kentucky, then again approaching Cinti, and again exiting Cincinnati until I got on I 74 north west of the city.

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and it took me an hour and ten minutes to cover the first 33 miles. After that it was smooth sailing., even thought it was still foggy as I entered Indiana.

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when I got to Ricks house he was waiting in the drive. We had a good visit. We sat in the drive and talked for 2 1/2 hours which seemed like 20 minutes. We talked about riding and bikes (He's not done riding yet and wants another CB1100), We talked about family and yes we talked about the wreck and his injury. It was good to see him, good to hear his laugh and see him smile considering all he's been through. All too soon it was time for me to head back home as my son and grandsons were coming for dinner as they do every Tuesday, and it was close to a 3 hour ride home. Rick doesn't have a computer, but he has an Ipad and although he doesn't post much he visits the forum as a guest and reads. He said he'd love to make it to the rally in Arkansas. He also said to tell you all Hi, and that he looks forward to seeing and riding with you guys again someday.

Get well soon Rick, will ya? we need to go riding together again.

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By the way the day heated up and on the way home I saw 86 on my ST's thermometer. Great way to spend the day.

[emptysea]

What a nice thing for you to do, Mickey. Sorry to hear about Rick's slow recovery.

The swelling delaying surgery was something about which I did not know until Cheryl's injury. She had to wait 2 weeks before her plates and screws were installed and that was because they get a better surgical result if the swelling has subsided prior to the operation. I never really thought about that until we were confronted with it.

Rick -- Get better. If you're not in riding shape by Rally time, you should see if you can cage it down it still counts and would maintain your perfect attendance. Heck, I'd probably borrow a trailer for my bike and drive you down myself. I hope your recovery quickens and that you're back on two feet and two wheels very soon.

[the Ferret]

Matt, dog gone it forgot to mention he asked about Cheryl and how she was doing, but I was remiss in asking that myself so didn't have an answer for him.

How is she doing?

Hopefully Rick will see this.

[emptysea]

Cheryl was cleared on Aug 9th to walk put 50% weight on her right leg and to walk with crutches. Prior to that and since her injury May 24th, she was not allowed to weight the foot at all. On Sept 9th, she was cleared to place 100% weight on the right leg and she's moving quite a bit better now. She uses a cane, mainly for balance, and she has to ice her knee and ankle after she's been on them for awhile. All in all, she's doing just great. She's talking (softly) about riding again, but she will not be with us on our trip to Virginia. She will be visiting her best friend in Carolina Beach, NC that week, "recuperating".

So nice of Rick and you to ask about her, Mickey. I should add that her main disappointment with not going to VA with us is that she won't get to ride and dine with you. (I have a secret plan for her to ride with me to the rally, but I haven't sprung it on her yet....ssshhhh).

[the Ferret]

Thats good news. Giver her a hug for me will ya and tell her to stay strong. We will ride together again so eday.

[redbirds_imp]

Good on you Mickey for making the trip to see Rick. It is disappointing to hear that the healing process is going so slowly though. Our best wishes for him and prayers for his complete recovery. Sure missed seeing him at the rally.

Glad to hear that Cheryl's recovery is going well MTC.

[Cormanus]

Good on you, Mickey.

dUh! it sucks that you're not recovering more quickly. I've always regretted not accepting your invitation cruise the Dragon by moonlight, but, as you'll recall, I might have had a beer or two by then and it was better not.

I hope things turn around for you and you're soon back on your feet.

EmptySea, good to hear Cheryl's on the mend. Please give her my best wishes.

[Chapomis_imp]

Glad to hear that Rick is healing well, albeit slowly. I keep one of his directional covers in my tank bag for luck and think of him every time I ride. Good to hear about Cheryl as well, hope to meet you both in the future.

[Rocky_imp]

ferret. That was a great thing you did.
Best wishes to Rick.

[LoneWoof_imp]

Best wishes for all our injured brothers and sisters.