The Call You Hate to Get

Got a call yesterday evening from Coach Stan-O, from VQ Spring Training Camp in Solvang, Ca. I really have not spoken to him all week, as they are out there, having a blast. Coach Stan-O, The Badger & Dr. Reid all made the trip. I could tell at the beginning of the conversation, that this may not be good.

He tells me The Badger had a crash on the bike, and they are at the hospital. The Turtle, not being a stranger to hospitals knows this is more serious than a saddle sore, or a bug in the eye. I said the hospital? Like the big white building, with patients in it? Stan-O confirmed my question.
What happened? Well, it involved a descent back into town after a huge days ride of maybe 450 miles or so, a couple of cyclists, including The Badger went down. The Badger took the brunt of it. OUCH! Nothing broken, but lots of road rash & some silly speak after hitting his head. Man, I love the fact that a helmet saved my life, and probably his as well. He is doing OK, and will be home tomorrow w/ the VQ Ratz. Keep him in your thoughts for a quick, speedy recovery, as he was doing awesome this fall & spring on the bike, almost able to contest a "stop ahead" sign sprint with The Turtle. The Badger has a following, like TMZ with their paparazzi, so I was able to attain some photo's right after the incident.

The Badger EMT calling for assistance

The Badger ambulance, performing emergency stabilization at the scene, preparing for transport to The Badger Hospital















Badger ICU, getting fluids & observation











Just before being released from the hospital, The Badger is quietly resting in his bed, letting the Vicodin do it's job!

Go Badger! We're rooting for you!