We un fortunately had several injuries this year - very few related to the weather. I will post whatever information I get here. We would welcome any information you might have on any of the accidents.

Chad Coley - Ooltewah

Injured toward end of ride when his seat came off I understand.

Dawn Salyer wrote:

I spoke with his dad again today. He had surgery to remove the seat post piece from his leg and will have more surgery tomorrow to close the wound. His dad said he was reliving the crash in his mind over and over. Other signs of a crash are the usual bruises (plus a black eye) and road rash. He is improving steadily.

He was grateful for my calls, both yesterday to inform him and today to follow up. Nice dad.

Doug Giddings - Hixson

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to let you know that Doug is at Memorial Hospital--from a fall during the 3 State/3 Mtn. ride. He got as far as the Read House, and ran into a grate on the sidewalk. He was trying to escape the heavy rain, hit the grate, and went over the handlebars. They thought he might have broken his leg, but it's just a bad bruise and a lot of swelling.

He is in room 432, and his phone is 495-8432. They will keep an eye on the swelling for a day or two, and then crutches when he gets out. His first question to the Doctor was when could he start training again. He's worried that he will miss his triathlon at the end of May.

Jim and I never even tried to ride--to much rain and lightning. I understand that over 50 riders fell on the RR tracks on Suck Creek Road. Rough day for Doug and others.

Bob Connelly
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Hey Guys,

Doug had surgery on his leg today, and Janet says he is doing fine. He may go home tonight. They did put him to sleep, and the Doctor did NOT find what he was expecting. He believed that it was a pooling of blood that was causing the swelling, but he found little blood. Janet did not know what was the cause--probably bodily fluid. I guess that's good, as blood clots were a concern.
Doug will not be exercising for several weeks, but will be back at work as soon as tomorrow.

Bob

I talked to Geri Geren after the East Ridge ride yesterday and he told me about all the crashes on suck creek road at the RR tracks Saturday. He was telling the riders to dismount and walk across the tracks. Some were still slipping and falling while walking.

Bill

Don't know the name, but a lady wrecked on Lookout a bit after the Burkhalter climb. A friend of mine who happens to be an EMT was the first responder. He said she may have had a concussion but with all the mud he couldn't be sure. He sent her on with EMS and a full report. If anyone knows more, I'm sure he'd like to know the final status and recovery, let alone name.

Anybody have any info on the recovery of the woman that got in the accident after Burkhalter's Gap. I was there and assisted for a while before EMS arrived. I know she looked pretty bad off.
Thanks,
Shannon Johnson
Morgan City, La.

Shannon,

Her name is Joyce Grizzle. I talked to her in early June. She is doing ok but still has some problems as a result of the accident. It was a pretty serious accident and we are wishing her the best. If you want to contact me, I will give you her cell number and you can get in touch with her.

Daisy