WOW that was short..
--
Vic Sias
www.siastuning.com
650-704-0771
> I remember what happened!
>
> I don't remember everything, but I was just talking with my friend Jerry, one
> of the rider's in the group, and we talked about my fateful day, and it
> triggered some memories.
>
> We had just come down from the Marshall Wall, where I reached my personal top
> speed of 43 mph. I remember this, because I was so elated, until Jerry told me
> he got up to 47. I can't believe this, but I remember feeling disappointed,
> like, WHY couldn't I go faster? That's kind of lame. You do your best
> performance ever, you're happy, until you find out someone went faster, and
> then you're mad about it. That is so just plain wrong, and I remember even
> telling myself, don't feel bad. You can try again. This is just so sick. I
> should be appreciative that I can ride in the sunshine through the beautiful
> hills of West Marin. That is what is important! 43 mph is enough! It's my
> best! I should be happy!
>
> The incident occurred shortly after turning left at Marshall onto Hwy 1. I was
> riding with Jerry and Chuck, and I remember first riding in the front, and
> then remembering this would probably be a whole lot easier if I rode third.
> So, Jerry led, Chuck was second, to his left, and I was behind Chuck, to his
> left, on purpose, knowing that if anything happened, if I had to swerve, it
> wouldn't be off a cliff or into a guard rail or something. Someone in Marin
> Cyclists taught me this tactic, telling me this would be safer. And don't
> overlap the wheels, which I did not do.
>
> This was another obstacle I was trying to overcome, riding in groups, using
> the draft to conserve energy. Obviously, I still need to work on this one.
>
> We were just passing a house, travelling at a nice cruise speed and a black,
> fluffy dog named Satan* came running out. Jerry yelled, "Dog!", and Chuck
> braked, I think, and swerved to the left to avoid Satan. To avoid Chuck (our
> wheels might have hit), I mashed my front brake to avoid my front tire hitting
> Chuck's rear tire. This is where things get hazy, but I think there is a
> strong possibility that I might have braked too hard.
>
> So, I guess I went over the handle bars. In fact, I kind of remember that,
> too. Jerry replayed the sound affects over the phone, not necessarily
> appreciated, but it helps the memory.
>
> A helicopter was used because the roads to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital are so
> windy, that I would only be in more pain. It arrived in just thirty minutes.
> Amazing!
>
> I was fully conscious, and crying, and that's good. Crying is such a healthy
> release.
>
> All I really remember is some people around me in a helicopter, but I also
> remember not quite comprehending that this was a helicopter. I think they gave
> me some very strong drugs.
>
> And I remember the sun on my face as they wheeled me from the helicopter into
> ER, but again not quite comprehending why this was happening, but not wanting
> to question it.
>
> There was a very nice lady who's mother was next to me in ER, surrounded by
> curtains, coughing something awful, who kept coming over to visit me and keep
> me company. I remember just kind of drifting in and out of sleep, but waking
> up to her warm smile. I don't remember at all what she said, but it was just
> comforting having her there. She'd stand by my bed and talk and say happy
> things, and then go back to her mother who was having such a terrible time.
>
> And the next day, while I was plugged into some machine pouring morphine into
> my veins, she called me, and of course, I could not remember her, but then she
> reminded me that we had met in ER, and she had called because she said she
> would, and she again said very nice, warm things that filled my spirit. I
> remembered her then, but I still could not tell you her name. But her mission
> was accomplished. Just one more vital stastic proving to me that people are so
> innately good, that in the midst of her mother's pain and suffering this
> stranger could find the energy to call ME of all people to relay a positive
> message.
>
> And then Charlie called and said I should stick to something safe, like racing
> cars.
>
> Katie K.
>
> *Not his real name.
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