Dave Simmons out of hospital after race

[DaleP]

I received this from Alex this morning. I could not make the race last night due to some surgery I had yesterday. Looks like it might have been a blessing in disguise to have missed C-Pack. These things do happen and they are never a positive thing. If anyone has details they could share, let me know.

Hi all.
As those of you at the race last night know, Dave was caught up in a bad crash that took down 3 Baddlands racers. Dave was the only one that was not able to continue due to his injuries. Below I have a message I received from his brother Ron about Dave's condition. I talked to Dave's wife, Karen, a few minutes ago and she said Dave is resting and dealing with his injuries and is still a bit groggy from medication.

Alex Renner
Exec VP, Baddlands Cycling Club, Inc.


From: Ron Simmons [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:26 AM
Subject: Dave Simmons post crash update

Dave was taken to Kootenai Medical Center where they shot xrays and discovered a fractured right elbow but no other broken bones. He has some road rash and a lot of soreness, especially in his right hip upon which he fell during the crash. Because of this impact on top of his old injury he was having a very difficult time standing/walking last night. Dave's Giro helmet gave its life to prevent any concussion!
Finally left hospital around midnight. He'll be sore for a good while.

Last night's course was wide and flat. The crash just simply should not have occurred. It happened immediately to my right but I was not able to see who started the mayhem. All I know is that somebody a bike or two ahead simulaneously hit their brakes and swerved and the riders behind (Dave included) then piled up.

Please, Please, Please! When you are in the pack, ride a STRAIGHT LINE and BE PREDICTABLE! I guess this admonition really needs to go out to others as our Badd racers do a pretty good job of this, but please keep it mind nonetheless.

Ron Simmons

[Tim_L]

I've never met Dave, but i'm glad to hear he's home & beginning the recovery process, and that it's not worse. Will remember to pray for his speedy recovery.

The crash occurred to the right of where I was as well, and I didnt see the source, although I imagine whoever slowed did so because he himself was about to crash. I have to say I had a premonition that it was coming. There were several close calls prior to that; just the lap before I watched an unattached rider make a great save that nearly ended in a similar incident.

The course was too easy, that was at least some of the problem. It was like being in a Daytona 500 style nascar restrictor plate race. Everyone was flat out and there was no technical stuff to spread us out, attacks were happening nearly every lap so everyone was jockeying for positions almost constantly. The wide smooth easy road made agressive moves seem easier and more tempting.

The B's wrecked as well (thankfully just skin lost), so it's not just a thing with the C-Pack newbies.

I cant think of a better analogy than again, the restrictor plate nascar one; if you follow auto racing at all, you know what I mean.

[Mike S]

Wrecks are a fact of life in crits, no matter what the category. I'm always glad to have missed a race in which there are bad crashes. It's also good to hear that Dave wasn't too badly hurt. He's a good rider and has been racing forever. Nice guy too.

[mjrose381]

Glad to hear Dave is home recovering. I was immediately to his right (about elbow to elbow in fact) when the wreck happened. I heard someone yell out "brakes!" just before at least four guys hit the deck. I skidded around Dave as he went down, and somehow stayed upright. I later found a scuff / skid mark on my back tire sidewall almost near the rim!

A few of us slowed down to "neutralize" the race and allow those who went down to get back into it. Unfortunately, the front of the group continued to race (not sure if they knew there was a wreck or not). After making a lap and seeing Dave still on the ground, and his teammates surrounding him, a few of us didn't feel it was appropriate to continue racing.

As for what caused the wreck... Probably the lack of attention to the other riders. I agree, the course was really fast with the lack of technical turns. I experienced a lot of panic braking and sudden moves in front of me with riders trying to jockey for position. I hate to blame the juniors, but it seems like a lot of it was the younger riders in the group.

We all know crit racing is risky, but please... Pay attention, hold your line, stay off the brakes, and show respect for other racers out there. We all have families, work, school, etc. the next day. An unnecessary wreck and injury could be devastating.