blue squirrel

after a self-imposed 20 year absence from cycling, the sport i love, i am back and dedicated to holding my own in the superfast 40+ catagory. this blog will tell the journey, the highs and the lows, the team [team becher+] and it's cast of characters, our sponsors, supporters, and other local riders that make it happen... [anonymous comments are lame, cowboy up and put a name or start a blog]

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

NOT COOL

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tim jackson get well fund

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unfortunately i have some bad news to report concerning one of our star riders, tim, aka masiguy, action jackson, maggie.
apparently someone slowed down in front of him at the SD velodrome last night and tim tried to go high and ended up hitting the boards at 30mph +. he sustained a concussion [he was out for 5 minutes], broken ribs, a few fractured neck bones and a mangled thumb that will have surgery done on it today. please keep tim in your prays and i will update his legions of fans here as soon as i know more.

[UPDATE]
tim is at mercy hospital in SD. he will be there till tomorrow?

[UPDATE 2]
down in SD now, tim is in surgery for his thumb and i will be going there around 6pm pacific time to see how he is doing and if he ruined his new long sleeve skinsuit. the latest i got from his parents is that he is doing fine and talking prior to surgery.

[UPDATE 3]
tim's surgery on his thumb went well and is now in his own room [1024 / mercy hospital], i'm on my way over there now.

[UPDATE 4]
back now from the hospital and tim is doing well. he looked a lot better than i had thought, after hearing about the accident from various people. his eye has improved almost 100% from what it looked like at the track [it was about the size of a baseball, now it is swollen like one would expect]. his head is fine, with frequent headaches. i saw a picture of his catlike helmet, and it was like a open calm shell, with the hinge at the front and back gone. the news about his right knee is not looking so good as of this evening, we are still waiting on the direct news from the doctor, but he had a CT scan and it showed that it was fractured, but that is all we know right now, other than it is completely swollen. they keep finding new road rash. one rib is fractured and one lung bruised, but not deflated and he is breathing fine. the right thumb is the real question mark along with the right kneecap. the surgery on the thumb to reattach it was a success, but it will take a few days to really find out. the thumb was not completely severed because of the accident, but it was not fully attached. the surgeon said that every looks towards a full recovery. in fact he is in good spirits and really appears to be on the road to recovery and should be out of the hospital by friday. as far as i can tell is that he should be fine. tim sends his regards to everyone and to thank everyone for their kind remarks and wishes. sorry if this post is a bit here and there, but i am completely exhausted, both emotionally and physically. check out some of the blog love at unbreakable bonds, kk [caution it contains pictures of tim after surgery, daddy iggy was there to see tim tonight,

i am starting a tim 'masiguy' jackson get well fund to cover some of the costs that his insurance may not cover. i am not looking to raise a huge amount of money for him, but enough to help him get through this unfortunate accident and the time lost away from work and to cover some of the uncovered medical / medicine costs. i will be setting up a paypal account for the fund and if you would like to send a check in the name of tim jackson, send me an email to blue_squirrelATearthlinkDOTnet and i will forward you my mailing address. if we could all give $1, $5, or $10, we should be able generate enough to get tim through this with a little less stress.

[UPDATE 5]
tim 'masiguy' jackson get well fund
i have set up a paypal fund for tim or if you prefer you can send a gift card for tim to me [email me and i will send you a mailing address]
- donate to tim via paypal using [blue_squirrelATearthlinkDOTnet]
- trader joes gift card
- starbucks gift card [don't get me started on espresso, this is a no brainer and convenient for tim]
- prepaid gas card [google]
- prepaid mastercard

[UPDATE 6]
the paypal link has been fixed, it now simply goes to the paypal homepage, use [blue_squirrelATearthlinkDOTnet] as the send to email. thanks in advance from tim, he is very proud and some what shy [don't laugh], but i know he is overwhelmed by the well wishes and support. it is almost enough to make a 200lb sprinter tear up. oh, i need to adjust the speed at which tim banged the boards, his estimate is 35 - 38mph, my thought is that is slow for tim when he starts winding up his sprint on the last lap of a track sprint.

[UPDATE 7]
back from the hospital again and tim seems to be getting better all the time. his eye is still nasty looking, but should make a full recovery. his thumb is still a [?], but should be fine. we will not know about his knee / kneecap till later today as to whether he needs surgery on it or not. head and neck hurt enough to warrant pressing the morphine button from time to time. he wants to thank everyone who has called, blogged, donated and simply sent well wishes. we all really appreciate it.
- tim wanted me to clarify that from his point of view, the rider that cracked on the bell lap [after 24 laps] pulled out high and thus with tim carrying a speed of +38mph, he had no were to go but higher and then into the boards, as such i have removed the moniker of 'nob' from my original post.

[UPDATE 8]
a few more links to blogs about tim's accident, there has been a huge outpouring of blog love, i don't have time to list all of them, feel free to leave a comment with your link.
avenue Z
bike biz
iggy racing

[UPDATE 9]
i am back in smelLA for a day and apologize for the delay in the updates. first off the prognosis for the knee is dissent, he fractured the tip of his femur at the knee [not that bad] and the tibula [sp], which is the more serious of two. the treatment now for the right knee is to have it in a brace for 10+ weeks and NO surgery at this time. tim is definitely looking better and had much better color. i will post a smiling picture of him once i download them. KKs pictures were great, but i want everyone to know that he is doing better and looks a bit more like the tim we all know. i will continue to thank all those that have been sending their well wishes and helping with the get well fund, we all really appreciate it. tim's mom is on the job and has the hospital staff on their toes. shes great, just so you know were tim gets it from. also tim has his personal nurse ann, at his bed side, i hope she doesn't spoil him too much, cause it has taken me years to get him to this point ;-)

[UPDATE 10]
the latest is that tim has already started physical therapy and mapping out how he is going to win that masters title on the track next year, since this year is a wash [ie evil conspiracy to get him out of contention this year]. he said that the physical therapy was not nice and of course went into how the crutch and or walker felt a bit soft in the corners and how they could strengthen the frame and change the angles a bit to make it handle better. so as i was saying, the cracks in his skull were there all along and he is back to talking bike frame designs. i almost forgot to mention that yesterday he got a call from one of his hero's, none other than bob roll'ske. he was totally jazzed like a little school boy to get the call and to talk with bob, it really lifted his spirits, kudos bob. tim did say he forgot to remind bob that at the sinclair party last year, he promised to come ride with the team some time, just saying. tim should be in the hospital for another day or so of physical therapy. rumor has it that i will be getting some photos of tim on his full scandium walker with carbon pursuit bars.

[UPDATE 11]
as i promised, a smiling picture of herr jackson and one of him with his new favorite knee brace. the picture of the knee brace was after the physical therapy torture [if it was any thing like mine, i am sure his neighbors heard]


[ohhh, ain't that there a smile?]


[i went to the SD velodrome and all i won was this nifty leg brace, well, ok and a neck brace, a pin in my thumb, really cool self inflating leg massagers, some really cool road rash, and a stunner of a black eye, oh, did i mention the cracked rib and skull?]

[UPDATE 12]
tim is still in the hospital as of this morning and could quite possibly go home this evening, or not. home for now for all of those that want to send him flowers or fat-free donuts, will have to hold off as he will be staying with his sister for a few weeks once he is released, as she has 10 less steps to get up. we can always arrange something, as i will be down there next weekend for the fiesta island TT and mothers day. ok, back to tim, he is doing physical therapy daily and has been up and using the walker as best his 200lb sprinter frame can handle. its a good thing tim started out as a young tall skinny climber, so he is not whining like an A-typical prima donna sprinter type. he is off the morphine drip and on to percocet [my favorite go to post surgery, hit your head pain med]. the headaches come fast and hard but are tempered by the percocet. he sounds so much better and alert [duh, he's not on morphine anymore]. he is going to go nuts having to be off the leg for up to 12 weeks, i foresee a bit of a contentious situation come 8 weeks with his doctor regarding why he tried to get on the trainer. so everyone can breath a bit easier as tim is doing fine this beautiful soCal sunday. oh, on a personal note, this week of drama has taken its toll on me and i feel like i have been floored by a bad case of the flu, just the feeling of having zero energy left, and thus i wussed out of racing today at san luis rey [love that race], but wes and brian are representing the colors today and trying to make something happen for tim.

[UPDATE 14]
good news everyone, tim is on his way home today. tim should be released from the hospital later today or this evening after his consultation with his doctors. he actually has been practicing going up and down stairs with his crutches and could quite possibly end up going home to his place. the walker just was not working out for him, balance wise, and so he moved to some modified crutches that work fairly well. he can't put pressure on his right hand, due to his thumb, so they modified a crutch to put pressure on his forearm. the GREAT news is that he can wiggle his right thumb and can feel the tip, that is awesome news for a full recovery. ok, more updates as i get the news.

[UPDATE 15]
TIM IS HOME tim confirmed this evening that he is home, climbed the stairs like a sprinter with a fractured knee and looking forward to getting online [ED. he already posted]. this has been a long week and we can all breath a sigh of relief that tim is on to the next phase of his recovery. check back here for any developments in tim's get well fund [which is growing daily, thanks to the generosity of friends, bloggers, and strangers, all of you rock more than you know], recovery updates, and other fun tim news. rumor has it, and this is just a rumor, that a famous american grand tour winner may be signing a jersey soon, to be ether raffled or ebay'd to add to tim's get well fund, so sit tight, come back soon and GO RIDE [if only because you can]. oh and before i forget, buy a MASI [how could i resist, i had your attention]

tim jackson get well fund


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53 Comments:

  • At 11:42 AM, Blogger Donna T. said…

    OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me know...please email me directly...donna_tocci@irco.com
    I want to know where he is and such....OH MY GOODNESS!!!!

     
  • At 12:06 PM, Blogger Donna T. said…

    B.S. thanks for the update, but I have another question...if you get a chance shoot me an email or give me a jingle 800-729-5625 ext. 1958.

    I've posted this on our site and let The Spokesmen know, too.

     
  • At 12:10 PM, Blogger Yokota Fritz said…

    yikes! crashing is part of racing but he's sounds pretty seriously injured. Prayers for his recovery.

     
  • At 12:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    OH CRAP!
    Pass my best wishes on please.

     
  • At 1:01 PM, Blogger Kk said…

    No Way! Thanks so much Blue Squirrel. I knew there was a reason I didn't leave today! Tried to call Mercy but they say he's not registered there... I can't believe our Tim got mangled! He'll come through. Lots o' love for Masiguy.

     
  • At 1:05 PM, Blogger bikesgonewild said…

    ...definitely pulling for you, masiguy...you are one of the eloquent voices of the industry...heal well & get back to strength soon...

     
  • At 1:25 PM, Blogger Queen of Couth said…

    FUCK! Can I say that here? Crap! BROTHER! MY BIG BROTHER HIT THE BOARDS! No! Ok. Super huge thoughts to the godfather of cycling on the internet. (I may be biased)

    Let's keep him in our prayers and Blue Squirrel in our bookmarks.

     
  • At 1:53 PM, Blogger Kk said…

    Blue Squirrel please email me. Mercy says he's listed by "trauma #" and not by name...?
    anotherbikechik@gmail.com

     
  • At 2:50 PM, Blogger James T said…

    Wow, that sounds like a bad crash. Like everyone else, I'll keep Tim in my thoughts. Get well soon Masiguy.

     
  • At 3:55 PM, Blogger ervgopwr said…

    Hi All,

    Erv here, local track racer, friend of Sugar's. Was in the A's when I heard the pop, looked over and saw Tim flop OTB. He was out, broke his helmet, but awake when the ambulance took him away.

    Blue Squirrel, thanks for the heads up at Mercy.

     
  • At 6:02 PM, Blogger rsimpson said…

    Man, that sounds awful. Thoughts and prayers go out to you Masiguy. Hope you are feeling better soon. Robby

     
  • At 7:27 PM, Blogger Donna T. said…

    Thanks for all the great updates! Keep 'em coming.

     
  • At 7:49 PM, Blogger avenuez said…

    I was there to see it happen. We were all holding our breath. I'm certainly pulling for him, and I'm very glad it wasn't worse.

    Thanks so much for the update. I've been thinking about him all day.

     
  • At 7:56 PM, Blogger Kk said…

    Hey Blue

    Update on my blog. You're probably there yourself by now...

    http://surfeitofpassion.blogspot.com

     
  • At 10:12 PM, Blogger dan23dan23 said…

    Holy Crap!
    I was in Vista today, and drove by Haro/Masi world headquarters for total world domination. He said he was too busy at work for a sales call on Monday, so I didn't think to check in, thinking he was at work. Now I wish I would have known so I could have visited him. I hope he is doing better, and I will keep him and his family in my prayers!

     
  • At 1:27 AM, Blogger Kk said…

    Thanks Blue. Get some sleep yourself!

     
  • At 1:41 AM, Blogger carltonreid said…

    Please let me know when the PayPal fund goes live so I can (a) contribute and (b) tell people about it on BikeBiz.com.

     
  • At 11:01 AM, Blogger Kk said…

    Hi Jim

    I'm getting a "page not found" on the paypal link...

     
  • At 11:20 AM, Blogger blue squirrel said…

    thanks KK, it is now fixed.

     
  • At 4:09 PM, Blogger Mack Collier said…

    Blue Squirrel please email me your address to mack.collier@gmail.com so I can send you a gift card for Tim. Thanks SO much for keeping us updated, and send Tim our best wishes please!

     
  • At 4:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Thank YOU for keeping us updated and creating this amazing fund for our MasiGuy. He is not only loved in the cycling community...but also in the marketing community ;-).

    What he's going through is so awful but the light is that he will make a recovery. Tim is in our thoughts and prayers--we LOVE him.

    Thank you,
    CK

     
  • At 5:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Damn,

    I can't say that Tim and I have taken long, windy walks along the beach together or anything, but we enjoyed an amiable chat about cyclocross bikes at the '06 Interbike and have exchanged links and chatty e-mail since. Here's hoping for a rapid recovery — I wanna see Masiguy and Masidaughter back on the road ASAP, grinnin' and livin' large.

     
  • At 6:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Please convey our very best wishes from his marketing posse... much love and good wishes. Thanks for the updates.

     
  • At 6:31 PM, Blogger Jon Paul Baker said…

    Best wishes! He's a great writer, rider, and has helped make Masi great again.

     
  • At 6:59 PM, Blogger Drew McLellan said…

    Looks like you've become the unofficial "well wisher" collection site!

    Please let Tim know that all his marketing clan are holding our breath until he's up and moving around again.

    We're spreading the word so others will stop by and add to the love!

    Saying a prayer for a speedy recovery,

    Drew

     
  • At 9:21 PM, Blogger Hector Castillo said…

    Blue,
    You are truly a great friend to Tim for heading the well wish pool that is turning into the sea of love for Tim.

    I was at the track spectating and we all held our collective breath until Sugar started moving. I am passing the word for support on all avenues I have.
    Thank you again.

     
  • At 5:56 AM, Blogger  Ryan Karpeles said…

    Tim,

    We're praying for a full and speedy recovery. Get well very, very soon!

     
  • At 6:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Adding my thanks to you for keeping all of Tim's friends updated and for helping us show how much we care "tangibly." Where should gift cards be sent? Please give Tim a big "gentle" hug from us .. as CK said we LOVE him.

     
  • At 8:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Oh my goodness! Send my best wished to Tim! And thanks for the updates... from a fellow marketer/cycling enthousiast.

    - Kris

     
  • At 8:54 AM, Blogger jmaus said…

    hey Tim,

    hang in there man... every day will get a little easier and before you know it you'll be good as new.

    keep the faith.

     
  • At 10:43 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Thanks for the updates. Pass along my wishes for a speedy recovery.

     
  • At 1:31 PM, Blogger Kk said…

    Thanks so much Jim! I'd love to put up a happy picture but I was in the midst of moving to Santa Barbara when all this happened and now I am 200 miles north of the hospital. Counting on you for the good news!

     
  • At 2:21 PM, Blogger blue squirrel said…

    KK
    you should talk with marco, he is a great guy and might be able to help you find some more cool rides up your way in SB

     
  • At 8:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Blue: Thank you for keeping us posted. Masiguy: You are such a special star & I hope you really get well soon & get back into action. My thoughts are with you.
    God Bless!

     
  • At 3:34 AM, Blogger Gavin Heaton said…

    Thanks for keeping us all up to date. Good to see a smile there ;)

     
  • At 5:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi, BS!

    Please send me an email with addy so that I can send a gift card for Tim.

    rmpruett@comcast.net

    Thanks in advance,

    Reva

     
  • At 12:05 PM, Blogger Donna T. said…

    Blue - thanks so much for the continuous updates. You are wonderful!! Now...go rest yourself! You need to take good care of yourself, too.

     
  • At 8:03 PM, Blogger Kk said…

    More thanks to you, Jim for continuing the updates and being so thorough! Talked to Ann today. The Doctor is in no rush to send him home until he's more proficient with the walking apparatus... But he's getting lots of good rest and real food from "the outside"!

     
  • At 9:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Aloha Tim:

    Got wind of your wreck on "Commute by Bike". I would like to send best wishes and more positive energy your way from Hawaii. Get well, ride well and be safe.

    Bill Higgins
    Kaneohe, HI

     
  • At 12:52 PM, Blogger Luc Debaisieux said…

    I just hear about the news now. Thanks for keeping us updated, Blue Squirrel. Good to read Tim is getting better already. And fantastic to see him smile there!

    Please forward him my warmest regards and lots of positive recovery energy!

     
  • At 2:34 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    Hey Tim,

    I want to dedicate my 15th place finish in the Cat5 at Barrio Logan to you.

    Get better Sugar!

    Lane-O

     
  • At 8:44 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Get Well soon - Z

     
  • At 4:46 PM, Blogger Tim Jackson said…

    Folks, I have to keep this short because it really hurts to type right now...

    ... but I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my soul. Words can never express the gratitude I feel. I am more than a little honored by all of this support, caring and generosity.

    It is in times of great challenges like this that we find out what we are made of and who we can or can not look to for help/ support. I never knew I had so many friends and supporters and I have been moved to tears more times than I can tell you. I have always said "I'm just a bike dork with a blog and a big mouth", so I never felt I deserved anything close to this.

    Thank you so very much- all of you. I will do my best to earn this support by recovering and getting back on my bike/s and getting back to "normal".

    From the very depth of my being, I thank you all.

    Tim- aka Masiguy

     
  • At 1:37 AM, Blogger gianandrea said…

    Tim, I just learned about your crash.
    You have to recover soon and well, 'cause I'm flying to California the coming summer and definitely want to meet you around. Take care, my friend.

     
  • At 6:47 PM, Blogger Ryan said…

    BS,

    Can you drop me an e-mail? I have a super secret question to ask you.

    Thanks,
    R2 (rish dot 7 at osu dot edu)
    Inferno

     
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