River Rafter Comes Field Surfer (& More)

**jtpedersen** · 08-27-2012

Hello Everyone,

Our favorite river rafter, Kim Ewen, decided to take a new approach to motorcycling yesterday.

Field Surfing, he has found, involves skillfully losing traction in the rear wheel, followed by a vague looseness, before launching one’s self via high-side. Kim reports artfully depositing himself on one side of a fence while noting the bike rested on the other side.

Apparently it took 15+ minutes before someone in a car saw his bike, and then him. He realized fairly quickly he had broken his lower-right leg. Taken to a hospital in Zanesville, Ohio, he was then transferred to Mt. Carmel Health in Columbus, Ohio. He has had initial surgery to stabilize his condition, has a second stabilizing surgery yet to come (today/tomorrow), and then actual corrective surgery will be needed once he’s back to Ann Arbor.

Kim says (and sounds like) he is in good spirits. He’s accepted the riding season’s over, the situation is what it is, and mentally—physically too for that matter—is in good shape. Kim said you can’t even find a bruise, doesn’t achey(sp?). Just his leg’s busted.

I’ve offered to give him a ride home later this week. It’ll be a bit before he knows what conditions exist regarding his ability to be transported. He’ll let me know and had asked I let y’all know the scoop as well.

Kim is residing at Mt. Carmel West, as noted, and the site link is http://bit.ly/RSaLTQ. You can just give him a call on his cell if you wish (734-216-2910). A note of thanks to Hal Kramer and his family. They stayed with him in Zanesville, and then went with him to Columbus while he was having surgery. I have no doubt Kim appreciated that--having friends/family with you in times of need like this is always appreciated.

Ok. So, who told Ewen to ‘break a leg’ before departing last?

ps: The current disposition of the motorcycle is as yet unknown. Perhaps Hal will know more (apparently it hadn't made it to where the police said it would be, when he checked).

Separately, I also understand on Friday, Gregg Mitchell hit a sand and oil patch (diesel spill, sand thrown on top) in which it appears his new Aprilia was mauled by rocks. Sounds like he is fundamentally Ok though. (Gregg? more info?)

Rough Mail Pouch for MSTA-MI, this year.

**RichGrab** · 08-27-2012

Sorry to hear about Kim. I saw just before they were leaving the hotel. The info on our fearless leader Gregg is pretty much right on. He's ok the bike not so much. He left for home on Saturday.
I on the other hand am currently riding home from my overnight in the Akron OH area. It rained from the time I left till about 5 miles outside of Maumee. Now the sun is out. Frogg Toggs are the best.

**ejfudd** · 08-27-2012

Originally Posted by jtpedersen

Hello Everyone,

Our favorite river rafter, Kim Ewen, decided to take a new approach to motorcycling yesterday.

Field Surfing, he has found, involves skillfully losing traction in the rear wheel, followed by a vague looseness, before launching one’s self via high-side. Kim reports artfully depositing himself on one side of a fence while noting the bike rested on the other side.

Apparently it took 15+ minutes before someone in a car saw his bike, and then him. He realized fairly quickly he had broken his lower-right leg. Taken to a hospital in Zanesville, Ohio, he was then transferred to Mt. Carmel Health in Columbus, Ohio. He has had initial surgery to stabilize his condition, has a second stabilizing surgery yet to come (today/tomorrow), and then actual corrective surgery will be needed once he’s back to Ann Arbor.

Kim says (and sounds like) he is in good spirits. He’s accepted the riding season’s over, the situation is what it is, and mentally—physically too for that matter—is in good shape. Kim said you can’t even find a bruise, doesn’t achey(sp?). Just his leg’s busted.

I’ve offered to give him a ride home later this week. It’ll be a bit before he knows what conditions exist regarding his ability to be transported. He’ll let me know and had asked I let y’all know the scoop as well.

Kim is residing at Mt. Carmel West, as noted, and the site link is http://bit.ly/RSaLTQ. You can just give him a call on his cell if you wish (734-216-2910). A note of thanks to Hal Kramer and his family. They stayed with him in Zanesville, and then went with him to Columbus while he was having surgery. I have no doubt Kim appreciated that--having friends/family with you in times of need like this is always appreciated.

Ok. So, who told Ewen to ‘break a leg’ before departing last?

ps: The current disposition of the motorcycle is as yet unknown. Perhaps Hal will know more (apparently it hadn't made it to where the police said it would be, when he checked).

Separately, I also understand on Friday, Gregg Mitchell hit a sand and oil patch (diesel spill, sand thrown on top) in which it appears his new Aprilia was mauled by rocks. Sounds like he is fundamentally Ok though. (Gregg? more info?)

Rough Mail Pouch for MSTA-MI, this year.

JT, Thanks for update and support.

**jtpedersen** · 08-29-2012

Howdy,

Latest update from Ewen, there isn’t one. He had another surgery today and, now he’s outta surgery, is happy to make/take phone calls. No word yet when they’ll let him out of prison. We’re currently planning a jail-break as we speak.

Click image for larger version.

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Hope they don’t charge him too much. After all, looks like some bar clamps, pipe wrench, and a couple 5/16” nuts/bolts are all they’re using. Think it’s safe to say, he won’t be sitting in the front of the bus on the way home.

**GregoryKing** · 08-29-2012

I just got off the phone with Kim, and can verify that he is in good spirits and the pain in under control. It's gotta hurt to have all that stuff screwed and bolted to his bones. Thank God for good drugs !!

**RichGrab** · 08-30-2012

Good luck and quick healing to Kim. Man, that getup is gonna be uncomfortable to ride in.

**Rain rider** · 08-30-2012

I also spoke to Kim earlier this week. When he gets to Ann Arbor, I will be loaning him an ultrasonic bone growth stimulator (a souvenir of my broken tib/fib). I know what he is going through, and it's not good. I rode a wheelchair for 7 months, but I was riding to work before I could walk. Wish I had a pic of my GS in the handicap space at work with the crutches bungy corded to the rack.

Kim's spirits are high, and attitude will sure help him get back on his feet.

**Ack535** · 08-31-2012

Oh man, I have had one of thos external fixater's in my left leg before (1984). Those things freakin hurt! God speed Kim!

**jtpedersen** · 08-31-2012

Howdy,

6 days, they're finally done 'prepping' Kim in Columbus. Two of us are now heading out to Columbus. We'll be transferring him directly to UoM ER where he'll begin the next stage...actual corrective work.

Kim's going to be stuck in the hospital again for a few days...right over the holiday it appears. Feel free to give him a jingle. I know he appreciates the calls.

JT...

**Rain rider** · 08-31-2012

Thanks for the update JT. Jingle? No way! I'm heading down there tomorrow morning. The first time I spoke with Kim he was talking about St. Jos' in Ann Arbor not U of M. I may call you in the morning to confirm before I head down there.

JT, I for one thank you for your efforts on behalf of a fallen comrade.

As Pete said, those external fixater's freakin hurt. My recollection was any time the fixater rods were touched or bumped, the resultant vibrations going right to your bones brought a shower of pain that was quite intense. I had the cage for 14 days and they were the worst 14 days of the whole recovery.