BILL GARGAN ACCIDENT

BillGargan · 03-09-2011, 08:59 PM

I just thought some of would care to know where I have been . . .

It was a sunny day in October -- the 13th -- and I had my dealer change out the steering doohickey under the BRP recall. It did not take them long -- as they had done a few and had it down to a routine.

I had taken the day out of work -- so I decided to do my favorite thing and spend the rest of the day just ryding my Spyder.

I remember leaving the dealer around 10:00 or 10:30 or so . . . Around 4:00 or so I have this fuzzy recollection of seeing a bicycle in front of me. Next I was lying on the ground and some folks were asking me if I was OK. My response was that I was fine -- and I really did think I was OK -- but time would tell otherwise. At that point I had no idea of how bad off I was. The folks that gathered were smart enough to tell me not to try to move. When the first EMT arrived, he apprised me of a bit of detail. He told me that I had a compound fracture of the right radius at the wrist along with a severe dislocation of the right shoulder. I later learned about the myriad areas of road rash an that my right leg appeared to have been hyper-extended. I also learned more details of the accident. I had been traveling in the right lane of route 1 -- a 4 lane highway -- in York Maine. A 16 year-old on a bike tried to cross the highway and realized that he could not make it across once he was in front of me. He ended up with a broken ankle.

I was in various hospitals and rehab centers from 10/13 thru 12/22. I am now home. I have been receiving therapy for my arm and leg. At this time my neurologist (nerve doctor) indicates that I am unlikely to regain the use of my right upper arm and shoulder and might regain use of my forearm, hand and fingers.

This eliminates my ability to ryde my Spyder unless there is a way to ryde with just my left hand -- perhaps by replacing the handlebars with a tiller-like bar. Truth is, after the repairs (~$10,000) are done it will be for sale at my dealer.

It was a wonderful 15,000 miles . . .

**boborgera** · 03-09-2011, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by BillGargan

I just thought some of would care to know where I have been . . .

It was a sunny day in October -- the 13th -- and I had my dealer change out the steering doohickey under the BRP recall. It did not take them long -- as they had done a few and had it down to a routine.

I had taken the day out of work -- so I decided to do my favorite thing and spend the rest of the day just ryding my Spyder.

I remember leaving the dealer around 10:00 or 10:30 or so . . . Around 4:00 or so I have this fuzzy recollection of seeing a bicycle in front of me. Next I was lying on the ground and some folks were asking me if I was OK. My response was that I was fine -- and I really did think I was OK -- but time would tell otherwise. At that point I had no idea of how bad off I was. The folks that gathered were smart enough to tell me not to try to move. When the first EMT arrived, he apprised me of a bit of detail. He told me that I had a compound fracture of the right radius at the wrist along with a severe dislocation of the right shoulder. I later learned about the myriad areas of road rash an that my right leg appeared to have been hyper-extended. I also learned more details of the accident. I had been traveling in the right lane of route 1 -- a 4 lane highway -- in York Maine. A 16 year-old on a bike tried to cross the highway and realized that he could not make it across once he was in front of me. He ended up with a broken ankle.

I was in various hospitals and rehab centers from 10/13 thru 12/22. I am now home. I have been receiving therapy for my arm and leg. At this time my neurologist (nerve doctor) indicates that I am unlikely to regain the use of my right upper arm and shoulder and might regain use of my forearm, hand and fingers.

This eliminates my ability to ryde my Spyder unless there is a way to ryde with just my left hand -- perhaps by replacing the handlebars with a tiller-like bar. Truth is, after the repairs (~$10,000) are done it will be for sale at my dealer.

It was a wonderful 15,000 miles . . .

I don't what to say, Except i pray you heal fully and soon. Good luck and keep in touch with Spyderlovers.

**ARtraveler** · 03-09-2011, 09:25 PM

I note you have been missing from the forum. Sorry to hear of your accident--but glad you survived it. It is sad, that this seems to be the end of your riding days. Will keep you in my prayers.

**capt.jim** · 03-09-2011, 09:27 PM

So sorry to hear the bad news Bill, hope you heal up soon and are more resilient than your neurologist thinks you are, good luck to you sir!

**Firefly** · 03-09-2011, 09:29 PM

Sorry to hear of your accident Bill. We just never know when something like this can happen.

Someone was asking about you just the other day---- thanks for the update.

Heal up and maybe things won't be as bad as the doc says ---

**Dudley** · 03-09-2011, 09:32 PM

With all that happened to you, I hope it's OK to say "Glad you're OK!" No matter the results, it could always be worse. Hopefully over time you will regain all of your motions. Proves again, no one knows when something will happen.

**Yazz** · 03-09-2011, 09:33 PM

I am so sorry for your accident. Glad you were wearing a helmet, for sure!

You will always be part of the Spyder family. You lively responses are always welcome.

Sending love and healing vibes your way...

**wyliec** · 03-09-2011, 10:10 PM

Sorry to hear of your ordeal. Just take it one day at a time.

**retread** · 03-09-2011, 10:14 PM

Sorry to hear about your accident, praying for the best recovery possible. Please check in here and let us know how you're doing.

john

**Gimpy Girl** · 03-09-2011, 10:26 PM

Sorry to hear of your accident, but hope you heal quickly~ good thoughts are with you!

**GeminiJane** · 03-09-2011, 10:28 PM

Bill, so sorry to hear of your accident. I feel your pain as I sit here with my broken leg propped on a pillow to absorb some of the throb. So very sorry that you'll have to give up the Spyder - we all know what good therapy ryding is. Take care and good look with the healing process.

**dltang** · 03-09-2011, 10:36 PM

Bill, doctors have been wrong before. With faith, hard work and prayer, anything is possible. So let us pray for the best and thank God you are alive and so is the cyclist. I am so sorry this had to happen, heal well and heal fast.

**bullant12** · 03-09-2011, 10:42 PM

Sorry to hear about your accident! Hopefully you will overcome the problems and make a full recovery so you can return to the life of

ryding!!

In our

!

**Justin** · 03-09-2011, 11:11 PM

All this carnage from a bicycle?

**NancysToy** · 03-09-2011, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by boborgera

I don't what to say, Except i pray you heal fully and soon. Good luck and keep in touch with Spyderlovers.

+1

Like Deb said, doctors are pessimists. I will pray that you will exceed their expectations. In time, I hope you will ride again.

**Spyder Cat** · 03-09-2011, 11:16 PM

Ditto all the thoughts and wishes above, Bill.
Don't be a stranger!

**SethO** · 03-09-2011, 11:43 PM

get better bud, there was a post about converting everything to the left hand if it gets to that, don't let those doctors tell you that you can't get better, you can do whatever you put your mind to.

**Raptor** · 03-09-2011, 11:44 PM

I am very sorry to hear this. I too hope you fully heal and exceed all expectations. Best of luck to you.

**tjfischer** · 03-10-2011, 01:30 AM

Bill, I am sorry to hear about the accident. I can honestly say, I have been there and done that. The only advice I can give is: Remember Doctors are only practicing Medicine. They have no Idea what the will of an individual can do. Keep the faith, Keep a positive attitude, believe in yourself, and you will recover.

P.S. avoid the MEDS

**bone crusher** · 03-10-2011, 02:49 AM

Bill, sorry to hear about this...good luck with the rehab. and take care..

Best wishes...

**GhostRyder** · 03-10-2011, 03:43 AM

Sorry to hear about your accident last year. Thankfully, you're able to update us of your present condition.

I hope that you'll continue your physical therapy sessions in order to regain strength/sensations on your right upper arm.

Take care & here's hoping for your speedy recovery.

**groundeffect** · 03-10-2011, 05:11 AM

Sorry to hear of this, Bill - heal up as best as possible and keep your chin up!

**Mo Lee** · 03-10-2011, 05:12 AM

Wow, sorry to hear about your accident. Several have said it already however Doctors are sometimes wrong, so don't give up yet. We hope and pray you heal completely, regardless if you are riding or not stay in touch.

**Saluda** · 03-10-2011, 05:43 AM

Bill,

Wish you the best recovery possible, sorry to hear what happenned. Take care.

**fastfraser** · 03-10-2011, 05:47 AM

Man so sorry to hear of the accident . Hope you get the use of your parts back .

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