Accident this morning on Pat Bay Highway

[John D]

Hi all;

After this morning's TS ride, I joined Mark and Paul on their Wednesday ride to Sidney with Ken Bonner's group. While riding along the Pat Bay Highway between Mitchell Farm and the reserve, Mark hit a fist-sized rock and went down, hard.

We didn't see the crash, as the group had split into two by then, and Paul and I were in the first group. We heard about it 30 minutes later, as we were having coffee with the first group in Sidney. Mark was taken to Saanich Peninsula Hospital by ambulance, so Paul and I rode over there where, after about 30 minutes, they let us in to see him. Although he was pretty banged up and had a laceration above his left eye, Mark's gentle sense of humour was still intact and evident. Fortunately his helmet did its job admirably. He's also going to need a new bike and a new TS jacket. Last we heard, Mark was to be released later today, following further observations.

John

[Rolf]

Saw Kevin at cross - he said it's a broken neck, but no paralysis or spine damage(?)

Heal well, Mark. I look forward to the day I hear you're back on the bike.

[Paul C.]

As of 8pm tonite Mark is still in Saanich Hospital. I will be in touch with his wife, Pauline tonight and will keep everyone updated. Kevin Ford[Marks son] will know more soon also. When John and I were at the hospital he seemed 100% mentally and was moving both feet and hands. Of course he seemed more concerned about his bike than his body!!!

More info later, Paul
p.s. Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement at my first ,and not last CX race. It was intense and Fun!

[spearson]

Speedy recovery. Thinking of you.

[jeremy]

Get well soon Mark

[Stéphane Tran]

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery Mark.

[Barry McKee]

Yikes! Is it just me or does there seem to be more and more of this accident stuff happening all around us? Get well soon Mark. There are lots of roads out there to ride and they are waiting for your return. btw: Seems to me you were already shopping for a new bike. Looks like you now have the perfect excuse. Cheers!

[Lister Farrar]

Hey Mark, see you on the bike soon. Mend well!

L

[Kevin F]

Hi All,

First off thanks all for the well wishes and visits. Mark is doing well and is in good spirits. All he keeps saying is "I'm fine". Which really reminds me of the knight in "The Wholly Grail". It's just a flesh wound...what it's nothing. He is up and mobile which I didn't think was going to happen so soon. However, he has to be really careful and won't be without a neck brace at minimum 4 to 6 weeks. So the 16,000 kms riding goal for 2010 is stopped short at 13,000 kms.

Seems he hit a rock, which pitched the front wheel to the right. The impact snapped the forks or frame which sent his head to the pavement. Good news...no scape on his hands. Bad news... he needs a new helmet and is recovering for a concusion and well have a look at the photos. He has a 'clean' fracture of his C7 vertebrate. Aparently, this is a tough spot.. but so far so good. The hard part will be keeping him still. He is not a great patient.

Ps my mom says the TS jackets are great. After a few washes most of the blood has come out.

[wonger]

Thanks for the update Kevin. Tough guy, your dad. Here's hoping he takes the time he needs to mend properly so that he can be back at it for the long haul. All the best Mark!

geoff

[Lister Farrar]

So, Mark shall now be the Black Knight?

Hmm, these lines do seem to fit.

"'Tis but a scratch"
"I've had worse,"
"It's just a flesh wound!".
"Right, I’ll do you for that,"
"I'm invincible!"
"You're a loony!".
"call it a draw."
"Come back here you argyle bastards! I'll bite your legs off!"

You'll have to heal a bit before you come back Mark; you'll scare the truck drivers looking like that.

[lindsayf]

Speedy recovery Mark!!! Wishing you all the best.

PS You might end up with some sweet battle scars...

[4827north]

You're a tough lad, Mark. Take it easy now and you'll be back on the bike in no time. Let that C7 heal well.

brad

[Josh.E]

get well soon, Mark