 Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Yesterday, mid-afternoon, Freedom crashed between Kaslo and Nelson, BC, a few clicks south of Ainsworth Hotsprings if you know the area. I was right behind him when, during a low blood sugar diabetic episode, he drifted off to the right into the ditch. His front wheels caught on the rocks and he was catapulted over the handlebars, coming to rest in the middle of the road about 30ft past the bike.
His pelvic bone was fractured and his hip joint, though intact, was shoved up into his abdomen. He has a huge gash in his chin (open face helmet) and a chunk of his lower lip is missing. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Nelson then transferred last night by helicopter to Spokane.
Zmilin and I stopped at the hospital this afternoon but John was in back-to-back surgeries for his face and pelvis. I just got home and talked to him on the phone. Neurologically he is fine. No paralysis, no cognitive issues. He has at least one more surgery to go. He is missing two front teeth.
He was very, very lucky. Lucky that at the rather remote crash site I had cell signal to call for help. The first car to stop had an ER nurse with a big first aid kit. Several Triumph riders attending the Kootenay Raid were in the area, stopped and helped with traffic and such. He didn't hit the rocky cliff face on the right. He didn't go over the rocky cliff drop off to the left. Didn't hit a tree. Another car wasn't coming right when he flew into the middle of the shoulderless two-lane road.
The bike is absolutely totaled. The front end was ripped clean off. The front wheel is a pretzel. It was leaking gas out the cap but when the RCMP officer and I lifted it upright, gas poured out the split bottom of the tank. Not a surface on the thing remained untouched.
I don't have the hospital address but maybe someone could look it up for me. He's in room 425 of Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital in Spokane. He'll be there at least a week if not three.
This was a horrible end to a the worst week of vacation I've ever had. It started with other problems that I will describe in another thread.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
I just got home and spoke to Karen about heading to Spokane next weekend just to visit. Right now it sounds like a plan.
When John and I were at the hopsital this afternoon (Freedom was in surgery as stated above) she did say he was concious and making some jokes. That gave me a huge releif.
Crappy end to the week ... yes. Could have been worse and thank whatever god (or not) that you beleive in that it wasnt worse.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Danm it!!!
Keep us posted John.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Bad news indeed. I was afraid it was Freedom when FJ posted about an accident on FaceBook.
Z, when you see him, give him my best and wishes for a speedy recovery!
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
OH...btw...HUGE KUDOS to Friar. I know this wasnt easy to watch happen in front of you to one of your long time friends.
You kept your cool! You did everything you could to help him and you kept us as informed as you could at the raid.
Not to take away form the seriousness of the situation for Freedom but really...big kudos to you for "handling it" and keeping a clear head.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Dayum that's some bad news. Give my best to John.
Glad you were there for him.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 247 |
Freedom surely had an angel on watch. We'll say a prayer for for his fast and full recovery, and thanks to all of you who were there to help so quickly, and did.
University of Da Nang
Class of '68
In the End, the Captain stands alone...
" Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." Dean Wormer
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
That's terrible news, sounds like a really bad wreck. Tell him we all hope for a speedy recovery.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247 |
Sorry to hear the news. It's a good John was there to help or the out come may have been worse.Pass along our reguards
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
Best wishes on a speedie recovery! Friar & Zmilin since you seem to be in contact with him let him know that we are all pulling for him. I know it is ruff watching someone in front of you go down especially when it is a friend. I was in a similar situation when a buddy of mine that I was riding with hit a deer right in front of me. It was as tramatic for me as it was for him. 
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 380
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 380 |
i too wish him a SPEEDY recovery! 
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254 |
really sorry to hear this, but i am glad he had a good mate with him to help out.keep us in the know FJ. heres the Hospitals info page. http://www.shmc.org/index.php/page/79
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,694 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,694 Likes: 22 |
Wow! that is horrible. Sounds like he is gonna make it OK. Could have been a lost worse.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Thanks for the update, FJ. It sounds like in spite of it all he had a lot going for him, starting with the fact that you were there with him and able to call for more help.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I just got home and spoke to Karen about heading to Spokane next weekend just to visit. Right now it sounds like a plan.
I'm sure John will appreciate that. He's going to let me know when they think they might discharge him. I imagine if it's in the next week or two he'll need in-home care. I'm going to transport him home from Spokane but I'm sure they'll arrange for a nurse to help him at home. He won't be moving around much for a while. I guess we'll just see how it goes. His goofy sense of humor was in full effect (thankyewmorphine) on the phone and I'm sure the nurses will be ready to send him home soon. 
I hope the two boxes of his stuff I shipped to my house don't take forever to get here. But I don't think those huge brown leather saddlebags of his (they weren't on the America during the crash) will look very good on that white Triumph Tiger he was eying at the Spokane dealer on Tuesday. And he won't be able to wear that fancy Langlitz leather jacket while riding a Tiger, either...
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Thank you John for writing this up, and for your selfless help for our friend. I too want to be kept in the loop as does Rene and others. This is not the place to say other things regarding the weekend so I'll just leave it at that. But thanks, and may Freedom recover quickly and without suffering. My heart goes out to you both.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
I feel connected to you guys even though I don't really know you (way over here in AUS). So my thoughts and prayers are out there for all involved.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
My best wishes for a speedy recovery for him... he'll be in my thoughts, and my gratitude to you FJ for being there to help him when he needed it.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012 |
Our thoughts are with John and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Johann & Nilla
Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
Triumph Tiger 1050 Black
Ducati Multistrada 1200s
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 755
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 755 |
All the best to him and a full recovery from over the pond.
All The Best geoff
2003 black and silver T.B.A A1 removed,Specialty Spares long slashed Pipes .
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416 |
Wishing for a speedy recovery.
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
There's a few times I've wished I could drop below the 49th and this time tops the list.... BIG TIME!!!!!!!! Give my best to John will ya?!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
Terrible news indeed. He's lucky you were with him. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Hey, John, give Freedom my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Can't keep a cowboy down for long...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I called scared Heart Memorial Hospital and their address for sending a card or whatever to John is as follows:
Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital
101 West 8th Ave
Attn: John Halpop Rm 425
Spokane, WA 99204
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
I dunno really what to say, other than I hope he gets well soon. x
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Thanks for the update Friar. Give him my best!!
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
omg John. Terrible news just terrible.
Friar, please let John know that Lynn and I will have him in our thoughts and prayers.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
John,
Please pass on my "Best Wishes" to Freedom. Hope the recovery is quick and complete.
Any news on whether he was insured or not? Hate to think that he might have lost his pride and joy also.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
He has insurance but I don't know to what level. I'm assuming he has full coverage because we talked about him calling his insurance company so they can go get the thing.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999 |
Holy Moly! That's 5 in my 6 degrees of separation circle in the past 2 months!! NO MORE OKAY FELLAS!! I'll add him to my prayers!!
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
Quote:
John,
Please pass on my "Best Wishes" to Freedom. Hope the recovery is quick and complete.
+1 Get well soon Freedom!
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104 |
I hated seeing this thread's subject title...
Hated even more having to read its contents.
Sending much love from the East Coast.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 140
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 140 |
Wishing Freedom a quick and full recovery and he will be in my prayers.
I always cringe when a here news like this. But it is great what this forum does to create riding friends that you may not have had so they can be there to help when the worst happens.
Kendall
"When you drink the water, remember the man who dug the well." Chinese proverb
2008 America Pacific/Aegean blue w/long slash cut TOR's, and stock carbs rejetted.
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
A well traveled cowboy.  Here's to a speedy recovery John!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638 |
Oh man, I hate to read posts such as this one. Get well soon freedom!
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641 |
Heres to a quik and healthy recovery..Not much to say under the circumstances..looking forward already to next year and Freedoms new tiger..white on white!!May join "Z" and Karen on Spokane journey to visit Freedom!!
life is good..I am retired..sold my America in 2008,bought a Rocket and sold that in 3/2013 and now own a new Triumph Bonneville T-100
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
You know, all the years on this site I have always dreaded that one day I'd see the title "Rider down" on a thread.
FJ or Zmilin, please also give John my best for a speedy recovery.
Dwight also happens to be here in Athens and he also sends his best.
TCV - thanks for posting the hospital address details.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Oh man I hate to here this.
I met Freedom in Ga a couple of years back. Seems like a good guy and a tall one at that.
Gods speed to our friend and to a fast recovery.
Mike
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Re: Rider Down
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
A speedy recovery to you Freedom. We'll keep you in our thoughts.
~Brent
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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