Guess Who's Back, Back Again?????

Uncle Gary is back at home, resting and in pain, as you can imagine. The surgeons have released him for now, and the Physical Therapists kicked him out, as they said he can do 20 times more than any patient they have seen to date! Our hearts go out to Gary & Sharmin, because without them, there would be NO Team Mack. They have done more for the sport of cycling and being mentors to others, than we imagine sometimes. Please keep Sharmin, and Gary in your thoughts, and hope for a speedy recovery! We need you out there on the race course!!!!

Gary winning another series!
Gary & Wes Hartman, former Team Mack racer, great friend and professional cyclist!

Uncle Gary Update

G & I went down to Springfield to visit w/ Uncle Gary, while he was in the hospital.

On Saturday, they were on a training ride west of town, and the rain started pouring down. Several miles from town, some mud had gotten wet on the road and when Gary went through it, it was like a sheet of ice. The next thing he knew, he was on his left side, skidding across the pavement, and in a LOT of pain.

He had broken his left femur, right at the neck, where it goes into the pelvis. Snapped it off. The ambulance was called, and they transported him to Memorial Hospital, for emergency surgery Saturday evening. Four hours in surgery, and they installed a total of 6 stainless steel screws into the femur, to "pull" the broken bones back into alignment, and stabilize them.

He is in a lot of pain, and the side effects from the anesthesia are not that pretty as well. He was really tired yesterday, and of course had tons of visitors, which can wear you out even more, as I know. His prognosis is good. He will be off of work for 3 weeks+, and hopefully on a walker or crutches after a couple of weeks. They want him to be 50% weight bearing on the fractured leg, as long as he can stand the pain. As we were leaving yesterday afternoon, Sharmin was ordering his first "meal" in almost 2 days. Please say a prayer for Sharmin & Gary.


This is Gary's place of residence for the next several days.



Gary, doing what he loves! Field calls from Team Mack well-wishers!


These are "bad" photos of the x-rays post op, the 3 black lines are 1/2 of the screws in the femur. Sorry, bud I had a bad light background.

Team Mack members! We have the Tour De Groundhog coming up, and of course Gary & Sharmin put in countless hours getting this going. They will need additional help on Saturday & the day of the race. Please make plans accordingly, to provide some additional help. Sharmin will be flooded with calls, so I think I can help, coordinating the volunteers for her. Please let me know your thoughts. We still plan the pre-race ride the day before from Mack Central, and race on Sunday.

Let the Games Begin!

Still in the "cleanup" mode here, and came across some digital pics of my tibia from December of 2005, thought they were interesting. I plan on going back next month for another consultation, and see if any progress has been made. It has been 10 months since the bone graft & installation of the IM Nail (titanium rod) and screws.




The pic on the left is the same pic, just from the other side.














This pic is the end of the IM Nail at the ankle. Since this picture was taken, the lower/right screw has broken, and looks like a boomerang in there! Dr. Maxey doesn't think this is a HUGE concern, as all of the "parts" have some lifespan/fatigue cycle.

Hopefully it will be nice this week/weekend so I can get some outdoor miles in!

Some Words Still Ring True

Note: This was the "Thank-you" address I gave on 4/16/05. It's pretty amazing how far I have come, and how far I have to go. I appreciate being able to ride again, and will get back in shape sometime soon. Heck, I plan to compete at some level this year. People ask if the accident changed my life, thinking, motivation etc? No, not really. I do have a different understanding of "quality of life" though, and realize how quickly it can be taken away.



January 30, 2005

Thank-you for sharing this evening with Gina & I.

August 29th, 2004 is a day that I will most likely remember for the rest of my life. Being struck by a car, on a post-race ride was not something that was planned or anticipated, but it happened. Within minutes of the impact, I knew I had two choices. To quote Lance Armstrong, I could either “give up, or fight like hell”. I choose the latter, and that is one of the reasons why I believe I am here today.

Although I was the one involved in the accident, it has affected the lives of hundreds of people, including my wife, family, friends, co-workers, doctors, nurses, physical therapists and others. We gather here tonight to celebrate, and I wanted to thank everyone involved in not only my physical recovery, but emotional and mental as well.

To my friends, family, and co-workers who were by my side on that day with emotional support for Gina & I while I was in surgery, to the visits to the hospital, cards and prayers. To the nurses and medical staff, who stayed into all hours of the night, to answer questions we had about the procedures, and to make sure I was cared for. The team of doctors who performed the operations, and “almost” guaranteed that not only was I going to race again, but also with modern medical technology, I would be the next Lance Armstrong!

I want to thank everyone who took the time to help us, from making our home accessible, to cooking meals, checking in on me in & out of the hospital, helping me with everything from bathing, laundry, assisting around the house, and of course, carting me all over town and lugging the wheelchair. Most of all, thanks for just spending time with me and letting us know you cared.
To my doctors, PA’s, Physical Therapists and nurses, who endured bad jokes and a sometimes-stubborn patient, thanks for going above and beyond the call. I hope I never see you professionally again!

I especially want to thank my wife, Gina. 8 ½ years ago, we made a commitment to each other, and part of the commitment was “for better or for worse”, well, this was a taste of the worst! From the minute she got the “dreaded call” through the entire ordeal, she was there. She never wavered. From the E.R, to the O.R, back to the O.R, then back to the O.R, to recovery, fielding calls, bringing me coffee and breakfast in the hospital, dressing me, caring for me, taking over all of my household duties, trips to the doctor and therapy, and of course, the infamous “patio showers” were always fun! I could not have made it mentally without you. Thank-you Gina for being strong when I could not. We have always made a wonderful team. I love you, and always will.

Have a great time this evening, and remember to always wear your helmet!!!!!!

You can't trust worms!

Still in the cleanup mode here at the office. Kind of like spring cleaning, only in January. Made the trek to Springfield yesterday for the Team Mack ride. 28 degrees, little wind, and had about 18 of us show up. It was pretty cool. We stayed together for most of the ride, until we had a slight tail wind into Rochester for about 10 miles. We kicked it up to about 25 mph, and took turns rotating at the front. Most took 30 second pulls, I took my infamous 2 second pulls, as I am a bike-weenie right now. 2 miles out from Rochester, kicked it up to about 28 mph, and then I took a legit 30 second, 30 mph pull to launch the remainder of the group for the sprint. We had a ball. I'll be challenging sprints soon, I hope, just not now. Total ride time was 3 hours, 20 minutes. Not bad for January.

Cramped up last night, but slept like a babe, and feel good today. That's a good sign I believe. Maybe something is healing down there, FINALLY! I plan to see the ortho doc next month, Mad Max, for some x-rays and the usual consultation thingy. The nerve in the left leg is still kinda fried, so I have as Uncle Gary put's it, "floppy foot".

Mikey called last night, and was riding high. They did a crit in Phoenix, with just him and his teammate, Josh. Mikey said they showed up, and all of these pro teams were there, Discovery, TIAA-Cref (sp) Kodak etc. etc. 60 minute crit, flat, and FAST. 28 mph. avg overall. Mikey took 17th overall, and Josh won the sprint for 1st place. Beat out some Discovery guy I believe by several bike lengths. Hat's off to them. I am glad I don't have to race against them in 06. They are gearing up for the next race, I believe in a couple of weeks.

My great friend Robert snapped this while I was on morphine, in the hospital. The morphine pump may be the best invention, right behind the STI shifter. Squirmy was there to comfort me, and I think he even may have slipped himself some of the morphine as well, although he won't tell me, and if he did, I think he would lie about it. You cant trust worms when it comes to stuff like that.

Little Bo Peep, and her flock of sheep

Wow, what a difference 28.5 hours can make in Central Illinois. Thursday, I was jamming, I mean having a "therapy" session w/ my bud's, 63 degrees and all. Friday night, sleet, 33 degrees, snow and all of the good stuff. Yuck!

Oh well, I got my batteries recharged for a while. Went to VQ this am. for an indoor ride, which was on my schedule, and low and behold.....Rob made it over! That's pretty cool, because he was my adjunct partner a couple of years ago, and we have become good friends. He lent me his MP3 player, loaded up with a bunch of techno style tunes on it, made the time go by pretty fast. I am going to have to break down, get with the program, and invest in some technology one of these days......

Mikey has his first race of the year in Phoenix tomorrow. It sounds like he is really flying! The main problem is that it's January, and the season is long. I hope he doesn't hit the wall when he comes back to the Midwest. I wish him the best of luck tomorrow.

Wes is doing well from what he tells me. I read his blog, and never knew he was afraid of the dark. He's a pretty tough guy in all other areas, but I guess you have to be afraid of something. I am afraid of a lot of things, though not worth reading about right now.

The Boyz and Sock are in the backyard, sledding on the hill. My neighor Dave installed a 300+ meter tobaggon run a couple of years ago, in his back yard. His 2 boys, and now number 3 use it. I have not done it yet, but G has, and said it's awesome.

Off to Springfield tomorrow, Team Ride, and the pleasure of seeing Uncle Gary for 4 hours or so on the bike. I'll probably be 1/2 dead after the ride. But a bad day on the bike beats a good day in a wheelchair, anyday!

Batteries Recharged (part deux)

Well, I was a little more on the ball today. After watching the 9 pm news last night, I called our VQ Godfather, Stan, and arranged some "therapy". 2pm, ride from VQHQ in Morton. Here it is, January 19th, and it hit 63 degrees in Central Illinois. Stan, Big Rob & I headed out, for 2.5 hours, and had a BLAST! We shucked, jived, and had a all around GREAT time, totally refreshing! 187 watts going out, 155 watts overall. I'll take it!

Here's the problem. I cleaned my Waterford the other day, and took the chain off, to get all the way in there for a good cleaning. After the ride today, I put my bike back in the truck, and realized, I FORGOT to put my chain back on the bike! Crap! That's why I felt soo good today........I was spinning without a chain!

I have been spending some time in the office, doing cleanup on the desktop, and trying to re-organize my organization I try to keep here. Ran across some pics in my files. Here are some of The Boyz, tending to me while I was in the hospital in St. Louis for the bone graft and installation of the titanium rod in the tibia in March. They were great support while I was laid up.

While I was asleep, The Boyz caught up on their business reading, honing their customer service skills.




This pic was sent to my business partner Tom. This is the frontal shot of the car that hit me. When the owner of the body shop read about the accident in the paper, he e-mailed them over. The bottom left corner of the pic (passenger side) is where my head struck the windshield, which was the second part of my body to impact the car, after my legs. The state trooper that did the accident reconstruction report estimates that my head hit the windshield at about 55 mph. give or take a few mph. based on the severity of damage to the car & windshield, and the the fact that the windshield actually fell in on the interior of the car, which is supposedly how the lady who hit me, realized she had hit something....
Here's a pic of the "impact area" of the car. It's pretty amazing how much damage the human body can do to a car, and how much damage a car can do to the human body.

If I did not have a helmet on, I would be either dead, or a vegetable right now. I still do NOT understand why cyclists go out on a bike, without a helmet.

One day at a time

It's 59 degrees outside, and Stevie needs a little "therapy". I'll let you know how it goes!

Here's a pic from the Park Forest criterium, back in the old days. I hope to make it back there one day. Just taking it one day at a time.

Stuff, it's what's for Dinner

Cold & windy Sunday. Went to B-Town for the 10 am hustle, with 32 degrees and 28 mph winds, we had a great group to show. Took off a little late, and unfortunately, my friend Mike had his rear wheel falling out of his dropouts, again & again...aaaggghhh. He decided to hoof it back to the shop, and I went with him, because he's my friend and to make sure he got back OK. I believe it's best to live to fight another day. So we went back, gave him a ride to his ride, and went home, finished the ride in the basement, on the trainer, watching Exit Wounds with Steven Segall. I know, he's corny as ever, BUT you have to admit, he kicks a LOT of butt.

Oh, speaking of butts, Sock Monkey has joined Team Mack Racing as the "unofficial" Team Mascot, as seen here. He is so excited! He is going to be the "ambassador of fitness" for The Boyz as well, as they can lose some weight. Sock is starting off with a regimen of cycling after school with The Boyz, and hopefully getting them to eat a little more healthy. A diet consisting of Oreo's and ice cream sandwiches is not the best, when trying to lose some extra poundage. The Boyz say they're not fat, just fluffy.

Have a meeting this evening with my VQ coach this evening, Coach Doug. Really good guy!!! He's been on top of the ball from day 1, and kept me in check, as much as he can. I know some people don't believe in coaching and all of that jazz, but since I joined VQ a couple of years ago, they have been a first class organization. Robbie Ventura, Marc Colbert and the staff are great guy's, off the bike, and on, and they have been there with me 100% since my accident.


Oh, don't get grossed out, but here's a picture of my leg, post surgery 9.5 months ago, that I came across on my desktop!

Grover is All Over

Spent last night in downtown Chicago, as G had a work related function for the evening. We stayed at the "W" Hotel on Lakeshore, it is a MUST. That is all that is needed to be said. Rushed back this am, as we had to workout, G had to see the back-breaker, and I have a work function this evening.

I cannot believe this, but the SUN is still out! Awesome! I have manic mood swings when the sun does not come out for weeks at a time, and when it does, it's like my batteries got recharged! Spent a couple of cold hours on the bike this afternoon, just living life, and enjoying the time. I was thinking about medical doctors while I was riding, especially my two primary Ortho-Docs, and how correct they can be sometimes. After spending almost 8 months either in a wheelchair, or on crutches, they said that for every day of atrophy, it takes 3 days to make it back up. I politely replied to that statement with, "and WHAT on-line medical school did you graduate from?" They of course know I am joking, as my one Doc turned to G during an appointment and said "he's a funny little man" isn't he? So we have this push-pull relationship. I figured I would bounce-back, and go on, but that hasn't happened as of yet, but still not discouraged. Elevation therapy seems to be the key as of lately, as I feel much better after a good elevated nap/sleeping session.

OK, The Boyz and Sock have seemed to become the best of friends lately. Squirmy (he's a worm) and Sock went out and got boxes of ice cream sandwiches for all, and they are having a blast! More to come!

HOLY COW! The sun is out, again! And it just hit 32 degrees. Gotta go ride! Hope you all are doing the same!!!! Be good! Update on the weekend activities with The Boyz, Sock and other adventures later!

Whatcha Waiting For?

First things first. 59 degrees in Central Illinois, and I needed some "therapy". I haven't seen the sun in about 4 weeks, and sure enough, it came out today. Stan-O sent out the e-mail, and I grabbed it. Ride at 2pm, from VQ Morton. Stan & I went out and did 2.5 hours, the first 1.5 hours straight into a 28 mph headwind. That was FUN! Watts were flying off my SRM like crazy, then we turned around, and did the 28 mph. breast stroke back into town. Needless to say, it was a blast. It's afternoons like this that keep me coming back for more. When it 14 degrees outside, and I'm on the trainer for hours on end, I look back and remember days like this. Just kicking it and having fun, as that's what it is all about.

Heard from Wes & Mikey. They are both living large in AZ. Wes will start racing for the season here in about a month or so, and Mikey will start racing in the Midwest in April. They will both be VERY fast, so my time to make up excuses is getting limited, but I'll have a few in my bag-o-tricks.

Had to postpone the "family" meeting with The Boyz and Sock. When I got home last night, everyone had their hobo bags packed, and ready to head out the door. We decided to read Curious George books, and we all went to bed, ready to tackle these so-important issues this evening. I cant wait!

The Boyz and Sock Monkey

Well, how do I explain? All of the things going on right now at home, I mean between The Boyz and Sock Monkey....The Boyz are a HUGE collection of Manhattan Toy dinosaurs, reptiles and other cold-blooded individuals. Some have even had the pleasure of meeting most of them, and few have even shared a room with them.....I started collecting them in my teens, and with the recent explosion of e-bay postings, have "completed" my collection, mainly dinosaurs that have been "extinct" since 1984, when they stopped producing them. I guess that I have about 50-60 of them, all with different traits & personalities. Well, here's the problem. Sock Monkey came home Sunday evening, and needless to say, The Boyz have been less than amused with this warm-blooded individual. It seems Sock has been raiding the freezer, and pilfering some of The Boyz stash, including their favorite ice-cream sandwiches! Sock denies this, so I have been thinking about installing a closed-circuit camera in the kitchen, to prove The Boyz wrong, and that Sock is NOT stealing their treats.......

Oh, what to do....We are having a family meeting this evening to see if we can straighten this mess out, and I'll keep all posted on the matter.

Well, I did it, or something like that

Some of my cycling buddies are either in Tucson, or on the road there. Wes just left CO for AZ, and Little Mikey has been there for several days. Mikey did the "shootout" ride yesterday, 103 miles, average speed 20 mph, AFTER he did a 6 hour ride including the infamous trek up Mt. Lemmon (sp) and back on Saturday. Needless to say, he was a little sore last night when we spoke on the phone.

I spent the end of the week, resting and trekking up to the Chicago area to celebrate Christmas with my family. I think I over-did it a little at yoga last Monday, and aggravated my left leg a little too much, oh well.

G&I drove up to Lake Bluff on Saturday afternoon, as we wanted to look at and purchase a Land Rover, Range Rover. I went to the Knauz Dealership, and got exactly what we wanted. Black on Black, used LR, RR in mint condition, just as they had described on the phone. After looking for one for quite some time, the opportunity presented itself, and we jumped on it. The salesman, Mike Mastilar was really great, and the process went quite smooth. Gina & I are happy. If you need a vehicle, call the Knauz dealerships, they carry a LOT of different brands, and their complex is HUGE!

Then off to my P's house, and did Christmas on Saturday night with my family.

This was the BEST part of Christmas...Ready? My Mom & Dad got me, among other things...a Sock Monkey!!! He's awesome. My very own. They got me some SM books as well, which was really awesome also! I'll hopefully post some pics of Sock, but he is a little camera shy, while adapting to his new home with the Driscoll's!!! Till next time!

Welcome 2006 (That's what everyone else is saying)

Well, It's 06. Pretty good timing as well. I was getting bored with 2005. I am looking forward to a new year, and hopefully some healing on the left leg (tibia) which is still broken from the accident 8/29/04. The Dr.'s are thinking that by fall of 06, I should be in good shape, and healed up. Trust me, I am not complaining, stuff happens, but it is starting to be a "quality of life" thing at this point. Like a zit that wont go away, oh well.

Gina & I were in St. Louis for the new years weekend, just like last year. I did not have the crutches this year, so that was cool. Ate some wonderful food, and stayed at our favorite place, Clayton on the Park. Of course, we brought Sam & Darby with, as the hotel LOVES doggies. Everytime they come back in from doing their duty, they get treats from the staff.

Did a couple of hours riding at Forest Park, they have a 6.7 mile loop around the perimeter. Avg'd above 200 watts for each interval, not too shabby for December, I think? Ran into Uncle Gary & Sharmin while we were there as well. He convinced me to do the team ride on New Years Day, so we left Clayton at 6am, G dropped me off in Springfield on the way back, and I did a 3.5 hour team ride. Needless to say, I was smoked Sunday night. Felt OK yesterday though. I went to yoga class last night, and got really stretched out, as that is what Sheila, the instructor and fellow VQ athlete will do to you. She is really good, and I love this class. Yoga is NOT what I thought it would be, and really beneficial to me right now.

Said our goodbye's yesterday afternoon to our good friend, Little Mikey, who is racing for Mesa Cycles next year. He is off to Tucson for 3.5 months of spring training. I wish him the best of luck, and know he will do well. The down side, is that he will probably kick my butt racing this year, but I'll blame my lack of performance on something, what? I don't know, but I have time to think about it, at least till he get's back in town. His Mom & Sister were sad to see him off, as we were as well. He has become a fixture at our house, and my friend in recovery lately, as we did a lot of riding together. Gina will miss cooking for him, and I will miss chit-chatting with him as well!

Oh, happy 2006, and enjoy!