Our Ride to Jake's Corner
5/18/2008
Click for latest update -
6/4/08 (with photos)
As webmaster of
this site... it's a very proud feeling I have as I
relay this experience to all of our visitors here on
the net and in our Post 2 home. I'm simply going to
copy and paste a couple of emails here. The first,
written to our members by our President, Tumbleweed.
He tells the story because he was there. Who best to
tell the story? Following his words, there was a
second email that expressed the feelings of
appreciation from those who rode that day.
After you read about Richard Bowman, please take a
moment to lift him and his family up in prayer. He's in for some
lengthy recovery... (You can visit the message board of the Phoenix
Motorcycle Riders Group by
clicking here for updated information.)
Email dated Sunday, May 18, 2008:
Hey Everyone
I wanted to share with all who didn't
go on our ride today. We went to Jake's Corner, the ride was
what it always has been, a great time complete with brotherhood
and respect for the road and who is on it.
Thanks to all who did go; Joe, John,
Bob, Norm, Rick, Gary, Shadow & his wife, Shawn & Angie.
As Paul Harvey would say; "Here's the
rest of the story". Heading back around 11 miles from Jake's
Corner, we came upon an accident involving a bike. Going by we
noticed that the driver was lying on the ground, we pulled over
to offer help. I got out my first aid kit and walked over to the
injured biker, I then realized that the first aid kit was not
what was needed. He had severed the lower part of his left leg
and the foot was holding on by I think ligaments, his left arm
had a compound fracture, you could see the artery in his arm
pulsating. He was awake and alert, but in serious condition.
Our own Shawn, took control of his medical needs and we all
helped in any way we could. I can't tell you how proud I am of
ALL my riders that were there today! You stayed calm and we all
just did what had to be done.
When I got home I received a call from
their Road Captain and Richard's (injured biker) wife on his
condition. He did have to have the leg amputated and they are
concerned that he may lose his arm, but because of all of you,
he's alive! They both wanted me to pass on their heart felt
thanks for what we all did. Sad part about all of this, is I
found out that he just joined this group yesterday and this was
he and his wife's first ride with the group.
Yours in Brotherhood
Tumbleweed
Following this email, I received a second email from
Tumbleweed who was quite humbled by the words he pasted into his
email. Please read on:
Email dated Friday, May 23, 2008:
Hey Everyone
I went on the web-site of the group that
Richard Bowman was riding with (he is the biker that went
down last Sunday) to see if they had any more information on
what happen and I came across a message board that said
"Accident on the Beeline"...These are in their words, just
copy and pasted to share with you...I'm Proud and Honored to
be Legion Rider, Damn Proud.
Yours in Brotherhood
Tumbleweed
From Eric:
I have spoken to Sherrie today and she asked me to thank
everyone for their help on Sunday.
On Sunday we had the ride to escort Christopher. We rode up
to Payson and had lunch. After wishing Chris good luck we
rode back. During the ride back one of the new members,
Richard Bowman, apparently hit a piece of wood in the road
and went into the rail.
Richard has lost his left leg from the knee down already. As
of right now it looks like they are going to be able to save
his left arm and the doctors are making good progress there.
He would've died from blood loss if it hadn't been a group
of American Legion Riders members of Tempe Az post 2 and
some people in cages stopping. The Legion group was almost
like an army MASH. There were medics, doctors, and nurses
there before the ambulance even arrived.
He was medevac'd to Scottsdale Osborn and was in surgery
yesterday afternoon when Dale and I got there after riding
down from the accident scene.
Richard will be able to have visitors by the end of the
week. I think we should give him
and his wife, Sherrie, the support they need. A friend of
his from work is going to get Sherri's bike back from Payson
today. Richard's bike I'm sure is totaled.
Another thing that needs done is to send a big thank you to
the American Legion post 2 on behalf of PMRG.
This a important reminder that you need to watch yourself
out there. Anything can happen to anyone, be aware of your
surroundings. This happened to someone that was riding
safely and responsibly, he was traveling at about 55mph.
From Dale:
I was leading the group back to town and I saw nothing
in the road. Sherrie was next and she saw nothing,
Richard was after Sherrie. My guess is it fell off a
truck. So even though there are people in front of you,
you still have to watch out for yourself.
There is nothing I could've done different but I still
feel very deeply about this and I am extremely grateful
to the Legion members otherwise we would've been
planning to attend a funeral.
From Denise:
I am very glad that they are able to save his arm.
Thank god the American legion happen to be around
when this happen.
And also a big thank you for Eric Marble who came to
the rescue in time when he was needed.
Eric you did a good job even in traffic control.
I am proud of you.
From Kruzer:
Richard & Sherrie our hearts go out to you in
this time of need. What a miracle that there was
so much assistance, not only from PMRG but the
angels from American Legion Riders. We are all
family in this group, no matter what. So if you
need anything at ALL, please do not hesitate to
contact us.
With much love & prayers.
PT Kruzer & Dayle
Update on Richard
Bowman - 6/4/2008
Tumbleweed's Update:
We all
met at the Post on Tuesday night to go up and see Richard. We
had a total of 10 bikes that went to Scottsdale Osborn Hospital
to visit with him. As we got to the parking area for
motorcycle's, Eric (the run coordinator for Richard's group) and
Arleen (also part of their group) were there saving parking
spots for us. We talked for a while and then we all went in the
hospital.
As we got to Richard's floor, they were moving him to a
different floor, so we had to wait until they got him settled
in. When we finally got to see him, we were told he only could
have 3 to 4 people at a time, but he told them that he wanted to
see all of us and that's just what we did.
Richard
was happy as hell to see us and I can’t
tell you how well he looks after seeing him at the
accident scene... its truly amazing. When he saw and met Shawn,
the tears started and he called him his Guardian Angel. I think
we all teared up on that. He was in high spirits, hell he was
even talking about riding again and he wants to be back to work
in 12 weeks or so. That's the ARMY in him. That's right - he's
an ARMY guy. You got to love it. Our Brother Joe Cantu got him a
new vest and gave it to him. (Thank you Joe!) All in all,
Richard is a truly amazing guy, and to be in the spirits
and have the attitude that he does is great. He has a good wife
and good friends and the PMRG have been there for him, a good
group...and Richard is going to be fine. I would be willing to
bet that in the near further we will have new members named
Richard and Sherrie Bowman. Thank you to all that went to see
Richard. On our way back to the Post we had Eric and Arleen
with us.
Hospital Visit- 1
This photo is of everyone who was at the
accident scene on that day, except Rick and he was there at the
Hospital, don't know why here isn't in the pic...Eric their run
coordinator, who was also at the accident scene on that day is
standing beside Shawn...The people that also was there that day,
but didn't go to the Hospital last night and are not in the
photo are: Gary Remeikis, Bob Roberts and Norman Crain.
In this photo, Joe Cantu gave him a new vest and the Post 2
patch that he is holding is the one that was on my vest and
I had it taken off and we gave it to him.
Hospital Visit- 2-3-4
Hospital Visit- 5
Joe Cantu doing what he always does,
being Proud of the ALR.
Notes in the PMRG Forum after the ALR's Hospital visit:
From Eric:
Update on Richard's progress;
Richard is doing really well!! Arlene and I met the Legion
Riders (10 +) last at the hospital last night to see
Richard. What a great time, after taking over the motorcycle
parking area and surrounding in a sport biker's bike. We all
walked though the hospital halls together and got some
strange looks from people, we made our way up to Richard's
room. He was very happy and overwhelmed to finally meet the
people that literally saved his life. Smile and tears all
around, a little recap of what people were thinking at the
time and what was going on at the scene.
The Legion Riders presented Richard with a new vest and PMRG
(Thanks Arlene) gave him a blessing bell off Arlene's bike.
On top of that, Dave "Tumbleweed" (President) Cut off his
POST 2 patch that has over 100,000 miles on it and gave
Richard his first patch for the new vest. Richard is now a
member of the American Legion Post 2. (whether he wants to
be or not.)
His arm has been saved and I am amazed how well he is moving
it around. He is already in Physical therapy and should be
walking with a walker in the next 4 weeks. His goal is to be
back to work in 12 weeks. He is in great spirits and should
be a inspiration to us all.
If you want to go and see him let me know and I will get you
his number so you can get his schedule.
From Arleen
I've got to tell you that it was a very humbling experience
for me in many ways. To see
Richard being so positive and upbeat was amazing. There was
a comment made about how positive he was, and his reply was
something to the effect "there's no point in being anything
but, I'm alive". I can honestly say I don't know if I could
be like that. And then there were the American Legion guys............wow.
It is so obvious to me that there was never a question, a
hesitation, a doubt about what they did and why. They were
helping a brother, they were helping a fellow human being in
a time of need. A lot of people would have just passed on
by, not wanting to get involved. I think it was one of the
most selfless acts I have ever heard. Not to mention that
they have been keeping track and keeping in touch, making
sure things with Richard were going well.
I can't say enough what an honor and privilege it was to
meet all of them. The whole thing was amazing. Cutting the
patch off Tumbleweed's vest to give to Richard was cool - my
hands were shaking so much I thought I was going to chop a
finger off, or even worse, cut his vest!!!!
Anyways............if you guys are reading this - THANK YOU
from the bottom of all of our hearts!!!
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