So…. I have been M.I.A. since Saturday morning…. let me fill you in (and bear with me as I type with one hand). I was on the MS 150 bike ride this weekend in the cities. We drove Friday night to White Bear Lake, left our cars and then went to Duluth Minnesota. The ride is Duluth to Hinkley 75 miles) and then Hinkley to White bear Lake (75 miles).
On Saturday morning I got up and was on the road with my team and 4,000+ other riders for this great cause. The idea was wonderful, good weather, lots of stops every 10 – 15 miles, awesome company.
We were making awesome time and it was coming up on noon and I was about 4 miles from the finish for the day. I was following a group of guys that were averaging over 18 MPH and I was hanging with them. About that time another group was passing us on the left and I glanced up to make sure they were all past, when I looked back I was right on the guy in
front of me’s tire. It was too late to do anything… my shoes lock into my pedals and as I tried to swerve I hit and went flying…not a whole lot I remember except my arm went up to protect my head, and next thing I know I am being lifted off the road by the team that was in front of me and carried to the grass.
They helped clean me up, my face was bleeding pretty bad, a lot of cuts and my pinky would not uncurl. An ambulance was called and came to get me right on the trail. I then went to Sandstone emergency room where they ran a few x-rays… cleaned me up and came up with a broken pinky, a dislocated finger and wrist.
I asked how do you fix a broken pinky and the doctor said that he would pull it. “That gives a whole new meaning to pull my finger,” I said. He either did not get it, or did not want too… 😛
Part of my team came to the hospital to pick me up and while I waited for the doctor the nurse let them in with me. They were awesome and cheered me up. 😀
After my ex-ray and confirmed break, the doctor did actually pull my finger to put it back in place and turns out… that is not funny at all.
I was put in a cast to keep my fingers and wrist straight. I have a cut very close to my eye and a small lump on my head. All in all, I was very lucky.
I did not go home. I spent day two of the ride going around with the wife of one of our riders and cheering the team in from the pit stops.
So that is where I have been this weekend. Monday What Are You Reading is coming up in the morning. It is just too late tonight due to this happening. I am tired.
I’m so sorry to hear about your injuries but I am glad it wasn’t worse! I have to admit that I was worried when I didn’t see a Morning Meanderings post and I knew you were on the ride. I kind of hoped it was just Laptop acting up. I hope you feel better soon!
The weekend got away from me Christina… you now me… I totally would have posted a bike update 😀
(I love that you know I call laptop… “Laptop” 😛 )
I wish you a rapid recovery Sheila.
Thanks Jennifer 🙂
I’m so glad it wasn’t worse!!! *hugs*
Thank you Heather! 🙂
What a story! I hope you’re feeling better soon. That sounds like a nasty spill…AND you are still typing with a hand in a cast!!! That’s impressive! 🙂 Feel better soon!
It is never dull around here Amy 🙂
Yes – my typing is slow and I misspell a lot… but I am moving forward 😀
Glad you had great people to help you out and cheer you up and I think it really gives new meaning to pulling ones finger. Get well soon!
Paula – I love people and good people are fantastic… my team and their kind hearts really touched me as well as everyone who helped me along the way.
LOL and thanks for getting my finger joke! 😛
Oh my, I’m so sorry but you seem to be keeping in great spirits. I’m sure the other riders appreciate your cheering them on, making the best of the situation. Recover soon!
It was fun to be on the cheer side… I have great pics I will post later this week.
Wow what a weekend for you! I hope you heal up fast and feel better soon!
Thanks Zia…. flying on my bike was not part of the plan but well… there it was.. 😛
Ouchie! You’re such a trooper, Sheila! And brave to post your road rash. It’s good to see you smiling, though! I have a road rash scar on my shoulder in almost the same place. I wiped out turning around in a gravel parking lot.
Thanks Jill… if I can’t laugh…well, really what are the options? 😛
I am concerned about that shoulder scar I can not imagine that will go away entirely – its pretty gross. We can be scar twins! (Did you name yours?)
Umm, no, it has no name. I have scars everywhere, I don’t think I could keep track of all of their names! And I hate to break it you, but it’s been 20 years, and it’s still there. You can even see the skid marks, if you know what to look for.
Shelia, sorry about your fall and I am glad that you were not hurt worse than you were. Wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks Nise. I hurt but I have medication and it could have been worse.
I’m so glad you weren’t hurt worse than that. Bike accidents can be scary. I admire your spunk by staying out there. Hope you recover soon and take care of yourself!
Thank you Ryan – it was a little scary. I could feel that I had road rashed my face but wasnt sure how badly….
Yikes, you look pretty beat up. Glad to hear that all in all you’re okay. I hope you’re able to get lots of rest and recover quickly!
Thanks Alita, I have lots of scrapes all down my left side, but walking and talking so all is good 😀
I left you a comment on Facebook…and it disappeared! So I left another one. 🙂 I’m so glad that you were not more seriously hurt. You take care of yourself. I hope the pain is not too bad. Great pics! You look fashionable, even in a hospital gown. 😀
You left the original comment on the group of pics – not the pic…. its there.. I seen it 😀
Thank you about my hospital fashion, its all the rage in Minnesota. 😉
Holy cow! I’m so glad you’re okay, so much could have gone wrong!!! I’ve always been so nervous about clip-ins, although I’m not entirely sure if they were more at fault or if it was just a bad set of circumstances! Hope you heal well 🙂
I wouldnt blame the clip ins… as I thought about it Crystal I thin I would have broke my leg if my legs were not forced to stay put. 🙂
Oh dang. I hope you recover fast! What an experience.
Thank you Laura 🙂
Sheila, I am glad the injuries are not too bad. Pack riding scares me. I hope that you heel quickly
Thanks Esme…. it was just a crazy accident. I was not the only one that day – I know of at least 4 of us who wound up in the hospital on Saturday.
I am so sorry to hear about this! I am so glad you are okay. Here’s to a quick recovery!
Thank you Mandy! 🙂
You are really a good sport. And you stayed to cheer on the team too. I’d be totally wiped out if I took a spill like that. Hope you feel 100% soon.
Thanks Leslie – I am tired but I get these bursts of energy so… hmmmm…. about normal for me I guess. 😛
Well, I have to say you’re remarkably cheery for all that! Me, personally? I’m a terrible patient! When I’m in it, I go for all the drama I can get! Seriously, thank goodness you weren’t more seriously hurt and; I hope you recovery goes well and fast!
LOL Tanya…. I prefer to avoid drama at all cost 😛
Doesnt always work… but I try!
Ouch! Glad to see a smile on your face, but, really that doesn’t sound like much fun. Sending you energy vibes for quick healing!
Thanks Joy 🙂
Wow, Sheila what a crazy bike ride you had! I’m glad to see that it wasn’t worse but I’m sorry that it is as bad as it is. I hope you are feeling better soon!
Thanks Bonnie – it aches but it could have been so much worse.
Sheila, you are the most cheerful emergency room patient I’ve ever seen (not that I’ve seen that many!). The word *indefatigable* comes to mind! I bet you and your friends provided plenty of entertainment to the staff at that hospital. Yeah, I think we’ll let you off the hook for It’s Monday! just this once….
Oddly Lisa, I had a lot of fun meeting the nice staff of the Sandstone Emergency Room. 😀
Wow – I am so glad it wasn’t worse and that you kept your sense of humor. 🙂 Glad you’re home safe now, too.
Thanks you Carrie – it is good to be home… I slept so well in my own bed last night 😀
You inspire me 🙂 get well soon friend!
Oh thank you Cathy 🙂
Ow, ow, ow. The finger business does not sound fun. Glad you’re doing okay. See ya Tuesday!
It was an ow….. worse… was the fixing of it… blah. That I am happy to do only one time 😛
Aww man poor Sheila *pets you* I once got rolled over by a bike just remember the bike coming at me, then I was on the pavement and the bike moving away serioulsy! LOL
Ow – rolled over????? I am happy that I didn’t take anyone out with me… it really could have been a lot worse.
Thanks for the pet….lol. 😛
OUCH! You look pretty beat up but so glad it wasn’t way worse. Rest up!
Yup… ouch. I have been telling people it was a bar fight. LOL 😛
Oh my goodness Shelia! I’m so glad you’re doing better and it wasn’t any worse. No wonder you needed to rest tonight! I hope you’re feeling better tomorrow and get some wonderful much deserved sleep tonight. {{hugs}}
It was a pretty crazy weekend Danielle. I am exhausted but happy to be in one piece and that my bike survived it too 🙂
So glad you are ok! If this doesn’t tell you to sloooowwww down a bit, I don’t know what will!!! Get some rest and heal up, for goodness sakes! (wow, I sound like your mother!) Hugs!!!!
Yes Sharon *hangs head* I will slow down…. 😀
Wow! I’m glad it’s just your arm and not something more serious.
Right! It could have been a lot worse!
Ahh!!! Sorry you had to go through that, but I am sure it’s nothing you can’t handle. You being an undercover superwoman and all. Nonetheless, I wish you a speedy recovery so you can get back on that bike again 🙂 Hate sports injuries!
Thank you Jillian. I could use some super powers right now….hmmm…. 😛
Oh my goodness, Sheila!
All best wishes for a speedy recovery. I bet you are sore today.
carol
I am ok Carol – when the medication wears off I ache a bit but surprisingly nothing like what the doctors told me to expect….
Ouch! Always knew exercise wasn’t good for you!
Here’s to a full recovery!
LOL Marg, I dont know if I would go that far 😀
Ouch, poor you! Very good of you to attempt 150 miles on a bike, but so sorry it had to end that way.
I have done the 150 before – just did not make it this time. I have another one coming up later this year, I will do it there 😀
Oh, you are a trooper…to make a blogging story out of all this! With photos, too. Gives new meaning to the saying: “when life gives you lemons…make lemonade.” Hope you have some good pain meds!
LOL Laurel – it was a good story, even if it does involve me taking a spill 😀
You only look a little worse for kissing the pavement, Good to know you are one tough lady and have been able to maintain your sense of humor. Heal fast and stay of the bike for a while.
Thanks Jan…. I tty to take care of myself…LOL 😛
Oh – but I do want to bike once it is fixed. 🙂
Ouch! What a brave woman, you are an inspiration to the rest of us. Unbelievable you went out the next day to cheer the others on. You make me want to cry. You’re a darn good survivor. And your even thinking of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” If I were you, I would automatically cancel Monday’s meme. Of course, only two people follow me. So, it wouldn’t matter. You have a crowd of fans. It’s like being famous. You have to go outside of your self and go on with the show.
What a mess, I’m sorry Sheila. He pulled your little finger??? Hmmmm, pain. Get well soon.
I love the Monday meme Hattie, its fun to chat with all of you 😀
Yikes! Glad to hear you are okay! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thanks Jenn 🙂
Oh, my goodness! You poor, dear thing! I always get nervous riding in a pack and now I know why!
Take care of yourself. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Belle
It was not the best riding situation I have been in Belle…. 🙂
I am so sorry to hear about your injuries! I’m glad that you are doing alright, or at least well enough to keep cheering instead of going home. All the best recovering.
Thank you Amy 🙂
Oh, how scary! I’m so glad the damage was minimal! I feel for you with that finger though. I sliced open my right pinky not long ago and had to get stitches – bathing, etc was a total pain for a while. Rest up and take care of yourself!
Ow ow ow Kathy! The word “sliced’ sent chills up my spine!
I am sorry about your injuries! But what a positive attitude you have and a wonderful team 🙂
Thanks – the team was wonderful 🙂
Oh wow, sorry to hear you go hurt but so glad you are ok! Like Kathy said, take care of yourself.
Thanks Kim 🙂 Trying to chill a bit but you know… life and all…
Oh Sheila, I am so sorry you had such a bad weekend. I hope it heals soon and you get lots of rest.
Thanks Vivienne…. I am a little over a day out from leaving to Chicago… I am going to ride and chill during the 10 hour drive there.
You poor thing, I know its tough but at least you can rest and Read!! Thank goodness you were not hit by a vehicle . Take care of yourself!!
Thanks Kathy – I was thankful that no other bikers were around that were hit as well!
I have to tell you, you’ve been an incredibly good sport about this all. I know I couldn’t have kept up my sense of humor in the hospital like that! I’m sorry you had the accident though and your finger’s broken. Like I said on facebook the other day, I’m sending you lots of internet hugs!!
Thanks Amanda, I appreciate all the support 🙂
Oh you poor thing! I’m so glad that you’re okay. Here’s to a quick and speedy recovery 🙂
Thanks Meg… I think it was all that Blogiversary partying I did earlier this week…. LOL
I am so sorry you had a nasty accident but I have to say your spirit is awesome! I hope you recover quickly and without too much pain. I am thinking that finger won’t slow you down at all! You are like an energizer bunny!
Thanks Beth – I am hoping to recover quickly 😀
Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! I have to say you have such a great attitude about it. I hope you heal very quickly.
Thanks Julie 🙂
Gosh, that’s quite an eventful weekend! It was good you had a lot of people around you and support at the hospital. Hope you’re better soon!
Charlie I have a great team – and I was extremely lucky 🙂
All I can say is ouch! Seriously, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch! It’s cool that you kept a sense of humor, and not cool that the doctor didn’t really have one, eh? I feel like running over with some tea and scones for you. Heal up quick, OK?
Thanks Julie – mmmmm tea and scones… feeling better already 😀
OH Gosh! Good thing you had minor-ish injuries. The head could have been much worse, you must have been blessed that morning! It’s sweet that your riding buddies went to the ER with you. It’s awful being there, makes it so much better with the right company to keep spirits up. Geez, you were lucky you weren’t hurt worse. Hope you heel as fast as possible and be very careful.
Best Wishes!
Thanks Mardel – I really am. The doctor said there is no way I should be walking away from this accident.
Hope you feel better very, very soon!
Thank you Mary. 🙂
OMG! I am sooooo sorry, honey. Thank goodness you weren’t more seriously hurt. I do love how your wonderful sense of humor has, yet again, prevailed. The pictures crack me up!
Thanks Beth – if you cant laugh at yourself…. 😛
Ouch… That must hurt! I’m so sorry! I hope you feel better…. You have a really good support team!
Thanks 🙂 My team made me want to cry they were so sweet!
It really stinks that you fell and got so banged up, but if you’re going to be injured and stuck in the ER, it looks like you had the right crew with you! They know how to keep a smile on your face!
Cheers to a speedy recovery!
Thanks Alison you are so right – I never had so much fun having a broken bone fixed 😀
I’m so sorry to hear about your accident but I’m glad it wasn’t worse. My son broke his baby finger playing baseball and also had a cast. However, I don’t remember him saying that they had to pull it. I’m sure that hurt a lot. Glad you are ok otherwise!
Thanks Carol!
You look lovely, my dear. Aren’t hospital gowns something? Guess the only thing to do is brush yourself off and get on with things, right? Seriously though I’m sorry you got hurt; it looks like you got mugged. Hope you heal soon.
Thanks Barbara… I felt like I was mugged! (And kicked to the gutter…. )
OMG! You look fabulous for someone who took a major spill! I hope you are feeling better now and that you heal quickly. How does one read one-handed?
Thanks Helen (I dont feel fabulous) 😀 I have my audio books and Snookie (my NOOK) is a wonderful hands free reading tool!
Boy Shelia, you poor thing. What an event! Hope you are feeling better.
I just got Tina Fey’s book on audio from my library. I haven’t started listening to it but I am looking forward to it.
🙂
Michelle
Thanks Michelle 🙂
Oh, I feel for you Sheila and am glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour in it all. My husband, who is an avid rider, would always come back with some injury or other. For him, it was terrific ride when that happened! I used to joke with him that it wasn’t a good ride unless he came back injured. Ask me sometime about “widow maker!” Hopefully that doesn’t constitute a good ride for everyone!
Speedy recovery 🙂
First bike related injury…. 😀
PS Kindle and audio books look pretty good right now, eh? 😉
YES! LOL 😛
I’m so glad you weren’t hurt more! (I have my first bike race in a month…making me nervous there, girl!!)
Just be careful Greg – dont follow too close… its kind of like driving, you still have to watch for the crazy ones passing you too 😀
Oh hon, look at you. Only you would be able to spin that and make us smile and want to just hug and be there with you.
Here’s hoping to you being able to type very soon, so frustration doesn’t kick in.
Thanks Marce – so far so good…. I hurt, but I am still smiling 😉
Ouch sorry to hear about that Sheila! Did you do the Tour of Lakes? Get better soon. Maybe see ya around soon, we will be in Brainerd July 5 and 6th probably. Don’t think we will head in for the parade this year, hear there is a good one closer to my mom and dads cabin.
I did do the Tour of Lakes – last weekend…. gorgeous day for it!
Wow, that was some adventure! Feel better soon!
Thanks Dixie 🙂
Oh, wow! I’m so glad you’re OK!!! Pretty good reason for being MIA.
Thanks Hannah…. there’s not much that keeps me from checking in.. but this would qualify 😀
Yep, I agree. 🙂
Yikes Sheila, so sorry this happened and so glad that it wasn’t any worse!
Thanks Kathleen. 🙂
I learned last year when I dislocated my shoulder that yes, they literally do pull on bones to put them back into place. No fun AT ALL! Sorry you got banged up, but hoping you bounce back quickly!
Thanks Florinda – I think I will…. 🙂
Oh my! You poor thing. You look like you’re weathering it well, though. I wish you speedy healing. *hugs*
Thanks Julianne – I think so… 🙂
Ow! Looks like you did quite a number on yourself, but glad to hear that it wasn’t any worse and that you seem to be in high spirits despite the bumps and the bruises and the finger pulling. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for you!
Yes – finger pulling… not recommended. 😀
Oh my goodness! You are lucky that it wasn’t worse … and it doesn’t sound like it was all that fun. How scary. I’m glad you are relatively OK. You do have an exciting and unpredictable life. (And still manage to look super cute even with bruises all over!)
You as always are too kind 😀 I felt like crap and thought I looked it too 😀
Oh my goodness you poor thing! Hope you heal up quickly!
Thanks – I think I feel pretty good considering 😀
Ouch! I will stick to solid ground and leave you to the pain pills. Get well….btw, you are a super one finger typist!
Thanks Gaye but it does hurt to type with the one hand and it tires easily…. so annoying… 😛
Two words….OH MY!
Yup. 😉
Oh my…
What a day for you.. Hope you are on the mend…
Sending good thoughts your way..
🙂
Thank you E H… it was … a day. LOL 😛
Sheila I just read this and poor you. Get well soon and enjoy your little R&R trip to chicago.
Thanks Cindy 🙂
Oh no! I hope you are feeling far better now! I’ve been MIA all week and only just came across your post. Get well soon!!!
Thanks Aths…. doing ok 🙂
Dang Sheila, that is my fear with riding in clipless pedals although, in situations such as yours, I am thinking the toe-clips would not be any better. I am glad that you did not get hurt anymore than you did. I cannot stand riding close to others, my son who races demonstrated how close they ride during a time that I was riding with him. Claustrophobic big time. I hope you are doing well.
I think if I was not clipped in I would have broke my leg. I gave a lot of thought to the clips and would still use them – just a freak incident.
Oh, no! Glad you’re okay and hope you’re feeling better.
Thank you Anna 🙂 I am doing good.
I”m so behind on my blog reading. I’m glad it was only 1 broken bone!
Thanks – me too 😛