photos from the wreck +update

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Hey everyone, Forrester Ed Orre from Demo Forest sent me a CD today of some accident pics. Those guys are truly awesome. Here they are and I'll add some current events.

Here I am smiling as the cavalry arrives:

It felt really good to get strapped on to this board. It game me a nice sense of security. Three hours later, I was still on this board going in and out of the Cat Scan tunnel. It was hell!!

Here is the cavalry. When the shock wore off and the pain set in, I just wanted to be in a bed with some drugs and get some rest. The minutes count at that point. Many, many thanks to everyone who rushed to get help and those that rushed in to help.

Here's my two lieutenants... good friend derek and cousin ray.

Here's my expensive ride to the hospital. It came right off the set of 'Airwolf'.

When I got home, the kids got scared. But they got used to it.

But now I'm 98% good. The kids beat me up at every opportunity. I get my teeth completed this week. Miguel whacked his teeth last year and we needed to have them pulled out last week. It might be a while til they grow back.

Any trails in Arnold, Bear Valley? My sister bought a house there! And I can get a key. We paid a visit and there's lots of trees there.

So thanks for the well wishes. I'm almost ready to mtb. I rode last week and didn't feel like a sick person, just slooooow. We'll have a bigass ride-party soon. Rangers and Foresters invited!

francois

mtb_g33k · 08-07-2006

I'm new here, so can you point me to the thread that explains what happened? Or maybe a quick explanation of how and where?

rockcrawler53 · 08-07-2006

Those photos really tell the story of what happened. It looks like they really treated you well and your all patched up the right way. Its nice to see you have a great spirit and ready to get back on the bike asap. Hope to see you on the trails soon.

smw · 08-07-2006

Great to hear. I too will be ready to go pretty soon. Yes there is good riding around Bear Valley/Arnold area, atleast that is what Ive read on this site. I think Ogre has mentioned it before.

Sean

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtb_g33k

I'm new here, so can you point me to the thread that explains what happened? Or maybe a quick explanation of how and where?

Ahh, you don't want to read the other thread. It'll take all day.

Here is the log. It is on Ridge trail right after the Tractor Trail junction. There's three jumps in sequence and this is the second one.

I've done a hundred times without even a bobble. In fact, in twelve years, I've never gone down hard since I just ride in my comfort zone. That being said, I really don't know how to react or escape when things go wrong! When trees attack...

So that day, we had a ton of people. There were a couple of people blocking the line to the second jump but folks were doing it anyway. I did it, tapped my brake too much and approached it from an angle and not really paying attention. See that knot on the right side of the end of the log? My front wheel went to the side of that and fell. Instead of bailing, I continued to hop and never left the bike. My hands and face hit the ground with maximum leverage.

Seconds after I hit the ground, I thought $10k-6months. That's how much it's going to cost me in dollars and time. Funny how my brain is analytical sometimes.

Then I felt sad and just wanted to go home. It's a good thing 60 of my good friends were there to help me.

francois

Stalk · 08-07-2006

Glad to hear your recovery is going well.

Get back on the bike soon. (I mean real bike

)

[CrazyRick_11] · 08-07-2006

glad to hear ur getting better.

baycat · 08-07-2006

Francois

congrats on the progess..

Second pic is a funny one, like what the fack is happening to me as strapped in so tight.

Ryan

Whafe · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by baycat

Second pic is a funny one, like what the fack is happening to me as strapped in so tight.Ryan

That same thought went through my mind re that pic.

Heal well and fast, go hard on the arnica cream..

scheckler · 08-07-2006

from you, Francois

Glad you are healing. Can't wait for the "Return of Francois ride"... maybe we could schedule a "Return of Francois and Sean" ride

jorgemonkey · 08-07-2006

I think that second pic should show up as the Photo Caption Contest photo

On a serious note, I loved watching Airwolf while growing up (yes, I'm that young)

Glad to hear you're gettin better, and when you are abel to ride, a good Demo party/BBQ might be in order!

zorg · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by scheckler

from you, Francois

Glad you are healing. Can't wait for the "Return of Francois ride"... maybe we could schedule a "Return of Francois and Sean" ride

Yes, we should rent some cruisers and then just ride them around Vasona Park. That way, we'll make sure nobody gets hurt.

Glad to know that the uberlord is getting better.

Stripes · 08-07-2006

Glad yer feeling better. Get back on da bike soon!

Rick O'Shay · 08-07-2006

Lots of riding around Arnold, Big Trees, Angels Camp and Bear Valley. A lot of it is old logging roads and 4x4 roads, but there is a decent amount of singletrack if you know where to find it.

Where is the cabin? If it's in Blue Lake, there's a network of trails behind the subdivision that aren't mapped. If you're in Lakemont Pines, there's another series of trails behind the subdivision that you can also get to from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Most of those trails have been mapped out. Stop at the Forest Service Headquarters in Hathaway Pines (along Highway 4) and ask for the "Interface Trails" map.

Bear Valley is a fun place to ride. The trails aren't as long as the ones around Tahoe, but you can always connect a few. The Adventure Company (first store on your left as you turn off the highway) has a good booklet of trails in the area.

Let me know if you want any more info.

cRasHmAstER · 08-07-2006

there Ultralord glad the recovery is going well and your back on the bike.
take care and I'll see you soon.

CrAzY AnNdY

Acadian · 08-07-2006

yeah glad the recovery is moving right along!!! I'll have to do a celebratory "Francis Ride" with you when you're ready to hit the trails again!!

sungchang · 08-07-2006

Glad to see you are healing well. Can't wait to the "Return of Francois and Sean" ride.

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick O'Shay

Lots of riding around Arnold, Big Trees, Angels Camp and Bear Valley. A lot of it is old logging roads and 4x4 roads, but there is a decent amount of singletrack if you know where to find it.

Where is the cabin? If it's in Blue Lake, there's a network of trails behind the subdivision that aren't mapped. If you're in Lakemont Pines, there's another series of trails behind the subdivision that you can also get to from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Most of those trails have been mapped out. Stop at the Forest Service Headquarters in Hathaway Pines (along Highway 4) and ask for the "Interface Trails" map.

Bear Valley is a fun place to ride. The trails aren't as long as the ones around Tahoe, but you can always connect a few. The Adventure Company (first store on your left as you turn off the highway) has a good booklet of trails in the area.

Let me know if you want any more info.

The cabin/house is in Mill Woods subdivision. Manuel street from Highway 4.

Do you live around there? I'm not ready to ride yet but I'd like to ride with someone who knows the trails when the time comes. Me and trail maps just don't get along.

francois

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorgemonkey

On a serious note, I loved watching Airwolf while growing up (yes, I'm that young)

Here you go... since I'm in a giving mood.

fc

**rensho** · 08-07-2006

Glad the new teeth are in and that you're well on your way to recovery.

Coming up to the accident scene was among the scarier points in my mtb career. We can do without any more of those.

Cool chopper. For that price, do you get to keep it? Can i try flying it?

**rensho** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Here you go... since I'm in a giving mood.

fc

I loved that show. It is cool how he can get that chopper in and out of that cave.

jrm · 08-07-2006

And that youve punished the kiddie wheeled bike appropriately...

This pics kinda creepy..i guess im watching to much forensic files and not enuf PINKS..

mtb_g33k · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

When I hit, I thought $10k-6months. That's how much it's going to cost me in dollars and time. Funny how my brain is analytical sometimes.

Thanks for the quick explanation. Glad to hear your recovery is coming along. It truly is funny the things that you think or say right after a life determining event happens. I've had a few of those moments in life and it's always funny to remember what was said.

chucke · 08-07-2006

Glad to hear that you are doing better francois.

I was just starting to lurk on mtbr when the big demo ride and accident took place. I have never met you but after reading all the threads I feel like I know you a little. Also, every time I get passed by Derek on your SS, I can't help but think of you... Hope to see you on the trails soon!

Ebo · 08-07-2006

Hey Francis. Good to see you healing and with a positive outlook. Are you going with dental implants? I did and it was worth the $$$'s. If you have any questions about them, let me know. Once they do surgury, it takes about 6 months of healing before they put in the posts and new teeth. You'll be LOOKING GOOD in no time.

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by chucke

Glad to hear that you are doing better francois.

I was just starting to lurk on mtbr when the big demo ride and accident took place. I have never met you but after reading all the threads I feel like I know you a little. Also, every time I get passed by Derek on your SS, I can't help but think of you... Hope to see you on the trails soon!

Likewise man. Derek and Rensho often come to my house after those gap rides. They talk about you as they give me a pedal by pedal account of the ride.

francois

Rick O'Shay · 08-07-2006

OK, I know where that is. I've done some riding behind White Pines lake, but I think a lot of the trails changed after they did some tree harvesting a few years ago. Most of my riding is on the south side of the highway.

No, I don't live there, my family owns a cabin. I usually spend 1 or 2 weekends a month there. I'd be glad to show you some of the trails in the area if you want.

Feel free to email me at psm@dolby.com.

Paul

Oh by the way, glad you're doing better. That looked like a nasty faceplant.

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by smw

Great to hear. I too will be ready to go pretty soon. Yes there is good riding around Bear Valley/Arnold area, atleast that is what Ive read on this site. I think Ogre has mentioned it before.

Sean

Yeah thanks for the videos. You can have them back now.

I'll build up a library of bike videos to pass along to the next rider that has a recovery timeout.

francois

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ebo

Hey Francis. Good to see you healing and with a positive outlook. Are you going with dental implants? I did and it was worth the $$$'s. If you have any questions about them, let me know. Once they do surgury, it takes about 6 months of healing before they put in the posts and new teeth. You'll be LOOKING GOOD in no time.

No implants... crown/bridge.

The 6 months is the dealbreaker for me. My bridge will be done this week.

The other factors are the adjacent teeth... One had to be rebuilt and the other has a big filling anyway. Cost is an issue too. The implant is 0% covered while the other is 50%.

I haven't seen the dentist too in 10 years so I'm getting a 100k mile tune-up.

francois

***francois*** · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick O'Shay

OK, I know where that is. I've done some riding behind White Pines lake, but I think a lot of the trails changed after they did some tree harvesting a few years ago. Most of my riding is on the south side of the highway.

No, I don't live there, my family owns a cabin. I usually spend 1 or 2 weekends a month there. I'd be glad to show you some of the trails in the area if you want.

Feel free to email me at psm@dolby.com.

Paul

Oh by the way, glad you're doing better. That looked like a nasty faceplant.

Yes, it's a mile from White Pines Lake.

regards,
francois

smw · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Yeah thanks for the videos. You can have them back now.

I'll build up a library of bike videos to pass along to the next rider that has a recovery timeout.

francois

Ya got any tour vids from past years, I still got another week of hanging out in the house.

Sean

Joseph-da-trog · 08-07-2006

You did did'nt you. All of the Trogs have been riding in and around the Bear Valley, Lake Alpine area for the past 5 or so years. I know the trail system very well and can take you on a really good ride when you are ready. There are SS friendly trails and there are FS worthy trails it all depends what your flavor is for the ride you want to do. Bear Valley is one of my favorite place to ride and camp. Just say when bro. I will return the favor of you showing the Trogs Demo

I am so happy to see and update from you on your status. Can not wait to see you on the trails again.

arandal · 08-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Yes, it's a mile from White Pines Lake.

regards,
francois

I lived in Bear Valley for several years, year round. Plenty of good trails. Not as long as Tahoe, but quieter (even in the weekends). As several people have already replied, I won't add to the suggestions, but I'll say it is a really, really fun place to ride. And if you get bored, it ain't far to Tahoe from Bear Valley (and a stunning drive) In BV the "Super-elusive" is very, very good this year. Jodi at the Bear Valley Adventure Company is the man. He works on the trails and does chainsaw duty every year (as I have with him, but not in recent years). Enjoy it when you get there.

As for your injury... I am now wearing one of my two Giro switchblades all the time (even on xc rides) , especially when I think of the dentist, dental surgery and your pictures. I hear people laughing at me in my helmet, but I really, really don't give a sh#t any more. I have my teeth and so I smile. No doubt you are looking forward to being all in one piece again. Rest up, cheers, Adrian

Mountain Medic · 08-07-2006

Hey Francois,

Glad to hear you are doing better. I actually have the bear valley trail guide. WEnt there about a month ago. If you want to check it out, let me know and I'll drop it off at you house.

I'm going up that way this four day (Wed-Sat). Will be staying up in Dorrington nearby. IF you have time come up, we'll go on a cruiser ride.

It's funny that you posted that picture, I looked at that log the other day at Demo and thought, nah, not today.

dan51 · 08-07-2006

Glad to see your healing.
Hopefully you'll be back and can do Gap rides with us before it starts getting dark early.
You'll have a battle with Derek to get your bike back though.

-Dan

bailout · 08-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Here you go... since I'm in a giving mood.

fc

I always thought Blue Thunder was cooler than airwolf with it's multi-barreled shredder up front. My classmates in gradeschool were all about Airwolf though.

Anyway, glad to hear that you are doing well. That same log jump gave me my first Demo injury. Fortunately, it only cost me a day off work and a tube of triple antibiotic ointment (concussion, sprained wrist and shoulder). It was back in the day when I would jump stuff without really knowing how to (not enough speed to defy gravity).

I no longer live in the greater Bay Area but would like to ride with you guys in the future. Maybe I'd finally get to meet the uberlord in person.

Portola Vince · 08-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph-da-trog

You did did'nt you. All of the Trogs have been riding in and around the Bear Valley, Lake Alpine area for the past 5 or so years. I know the trail system very well and can take you on a really good ride when you are ready. There are SS friendly trails and there are FS worthy trails it all depends what your flavor is for the ride you want to do. Bear Valley is one of my favorite place to ride and camp. Just say when bro. I will return the favor of you showing the Trogs Demo

I am so happy to see and update from you on your status. Can not wait to see you on the trails again.

I vaguely remember planning a ride up there that didn't happen and there was supposed to be a fairly technical downhill near Lake Alpine or the ski resort, possibly dropping into the Mokelumne Canyon.
Good to see you healing up Francis.

Blue Shorts · 08-08-2006

It's great to hear that you're back and almost completely healed

That picture of you and your son... both smiling with broken / missing teeth... is a keeper

JFR · 08-08-2006

Right on Francois! I'm so glad to see this recovery thread from you and to get confirmation you're doing well.

Hope to see you on a ride soon... the high sierra's are calling you.

Low_Rider · 08-08-2006

Great to hear that you’re well along the road to recovery Francois. You’ll be back in the saddle in no time I am sure.

Keep strong.

Dave.

***francois*** · 08-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Shorts

It's great to hear that you're back and almost completely healed

That picture of you and your son... both smiling with broken / missing teeth... is a keeper

Thanks man. Yeah, I've gotten to know my kids really well. They are funny little people!

francosi

***francois*** · 08-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFR

Right on Francois! I'm so glad to see this recovery thread from you and to get confirmation you're doing well.

Hope to see you on a ride soon... the high sierra's are calling you.

Yes, yes, my man. The year's passing by and I haven't seen your high-flying mug.

francois

***francois*** · 08-08-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Medic

Hey Francois,

Glad to hear you are doing better. I actually have the bear valley trail guide. WEnt there about a month ago. If you want to check it out, let me know and I'll drop it off at you house.

I'm going up that way this four day (Wed-Sat). Will be staying up in Dorrington nearby. IF you have time come up, we'll go on a cruiser ride.

It's funny that you posted that picture, I looked at that log the other day at Demo and thought, nah, not today.

I saw that trail guide already so need. Looks like there's a bunch of trails there. Trails, lakes, trees... not bad.

francois

**CraigH** · 08-09-2006

Thanks for posting an update, it sounds like you are well on the way to recovery.

Let me know when you want to ride in a foreign country...

***francois*** · 08-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigH

Thanks for posting an update, it sounds like you are well on the way to recovery.

Let me know when you want to ride in a foreign country...

Oh man Craig, in my recovery I've been watching Roam and Collective over and over. Now I know what all the Whistler fuss is all about. When are the ideal months to visit your neighborhood?

francois

***francois*** · 08-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph-da-trog

You did did'nt you. All of the Trogs have been riding in and around the Bear Valley, Lake Alpine area for the past 5 or so years. I know the trail system very well and can take you on a really good ride when you are ready. There are SS friendly trails and there are FS worthy trails it all depends what your flavor is for the ride you want to do. Bear Valley is one of my favorite place to ride and camp. Just say when bro. I will return the favor of you showing the Trogs Demo

I am so happy to see and update from you on your status. Can not wait to see you on the trails again.

Yes, I will be taking you up on that for sure! This year, end of season we should go.

fc

**CraigH** · 08-09-2006

The best months weather wise are probably July, August & September. Before or after that can be good, but it could also suck. We ride all year round, but what & where we ride is weather dependant.

Vancouver weather stats
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/wea...ges/C02096.htm

Whistler & Squamish are obviously a little different than that, but it gives you an idea.

We just got back from a week long road trip riding around Rainer & St. Helen's, lots of good stuff there.

***francois*** · 08-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stalk

Glad to hear your recovery is going well.

Get back on the bike soon. (I mean real bike

)

Hey Comrade, how's that new full-face working out? I need to hear the lowdown and see some pics man.

francois

***Photo-John*** · 08-09-2006

Hey - that's not the log I thought you crashed on. It makes more sense to me now. I thought you were on those log jumps/drops that are actually on Tractor. One more reason for me to not ride on logs or skinnies!

mtbhead · 08-09-2006

Check it:

***francois*** · 08-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbhead

Check it:

Very funny Schlacter Factor. Somebody photochop the Factor's photo right now. My kung-fu's no good at the moment.

fc

mtbhead · 08-09-2006

And Peewee is a supporting actor - and homeboy throws down on that same log, no hander style:

chucke · 08-09-2006

Hah hah!! I just about pissed my pants!

cmdrpiffle · 08-09-2006

Good to hear of the progress.
.............keep it between the ditches

Mike

Bernhardt · 08-10-2006

Francis, good to see you're healing up nicely. I had just started hanging around here at MTBR at the time of your accident, and as such didn't reply at the time. But I felt for ya. A guy on another blog, just broke his wrist over by skyline mtn biking. He's a volunteer in the FD over there, and when I mentioned what happened to you, he refered me to http://www.calstar.org/. Sounds like a good organization. Has a great benefit that you hope you never have to use for members(kind of like that AAA membership I have).

***francois*** · 08-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernhardt

Francis, good to see you're healing up nicely. I had just started hanging around here at MTBR at the time of your accident, and as such didn't reply at the time. But I felt for ya. A guy on another blog, just broke his wrist over by skyline mtn biking. He's a volunteer in the FD over there, and when I mentioned what happened to you, he refered me to http://www.calstar.org/. Sounds like a good organization. Has a great benefit that you hope you never have to use for members(kind of like that AAA membership I have).

Thanks man. That is good advice.

My helicopter ride cost me $2200. It sucks but it's not bad considering the bill was $25k and I thought I wasn't covered.

This is definitely worthwhile.

fc

***francois*** · 08-10-2006

I had a little ridey, ridey this morning. Duty calls as I have some new parts to test.

Singlespeeds and time off don't mix very well IMHO.

fc

Acadian · 08-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

I had a little ridey, ridey this morning. Duty calls as I have some new parts to test.

Singlespeeds and time off don't mix very well IMHO.

fc

Sweet - nice to see you on the bike again Francis!!

K-max · 08-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Singlespeeds and time off don't mix very well IMHO.

Tell me about it! I went two weeks--just two weeks off the SS and I was dying. I couldn't believe how hard it was again. Thankfully after a few rides, I got used to the feeling. Use it or lose it is the idea here...

Nice to see you and Kermit are reunited.

**rensho** · 08-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

I had a little ridey, ridey this morning. Duty calls as I have some new parts to test.

fc

fc, you have the helmet color wrong. Try a green helmet.

Coincidence? You make the call.

http://www.waltworks.com/dev/index.php

CrankyMonkey · 08-10-2006

It was good seeing you out on the trial today...

***francois*** · 08-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrankyMonkey

It was good seeing you out on the trial today...

Ahh there you are. Awesome seeing you. Thanks for the pic. Do you guys have a regular ride there?

francois

CrankyMonkey · 08-10-2006

Yeah... That group rides Fremont Older regularly on Thursdays at 6:30 am and then rides once on the weekend at either Skeggs, Demo or Steven's Canyon. I also ride Fremont Older every Tuesday (at 6:30 am) before I go to work. We have a set of loops that gets us about 9 miles and 2400 ft.

I usually don't go to the weekend rides because they like to get up and meet at the butt crack of dawn (6:00 am sharp!). I've been going for Solo rides to Demo and Skeggs on the weekends at around 8:00 am (ish). I don't mind the early weekday rides (I take what I can get) but on the weekends I prefer a more relaxed schedule with plenty of BS-ing time. You are more then welcome to join us (or me on Tuesday).

DiRt DeViL · 08-15-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

Looking good, mending nicely.

DH40 · 09-22-2006

Glad to see you are ok! Carry on!!!!!!!!

-From someone who still remembers the pre-mtbr internet - although it was a pretty useless tool back then. A semi-reformed Lurker Spaz who remembers your post on Mud****s about "starting a new MTB forum" & still looking to bait Brat Trend.

Peace

***francois*** · 09-22-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by DH40

Glad to see you are ok! Carry on!!!!!!!!

-From someone who still remembers the pre-mtbr internet - although it was a pretty useless tool back then. A semi-reformed Lurker Spaz who remembers your post on Mud****s about "starting a new MTB forum" & still looking to bait Brat Trend.

Peace

Man you're hella olde. Mudsluuts... was that on the information superhighway?

Thanks. It's pretty amazing I'm still doing this for a living and the mtbr vibe is stronger than ever.

fc