After a great breakfast put together for our 24 person (10 bikes, 2 trikes, 2 cars, and 1 van) Crew by Nancy's Middlesex Tavern, we had a great ride, only being sidetracked once on the way out. Fuck Pittsburgh traffic! Then we made it to Eat'n Park on Rt. 30. Our next stop was Flight 93 Memorial, then oneard to the Shawnee Motel in Schellsburg, PA. After checking in, we rode out to be a bunch of silly bikers on Gravity Hill.
We had rented all the available rooms. With the motel to ourselves, we set up the propane fire pit, set out the food and drinks, played music, popped popcorn, stirred chili, and roasted one marshmallow. :)
Then it happened.
The next morning went off great! The weather had been perfect. Spirits were high; the bonds tightened - we wpuld need it. Going into a super sharp downhill turn at the end of Rt. 869 through Blue Knob State Forest, Mike, second in the formation, hit loose gravel and went down. Oh man. Wveryone else made it and stopped. Dirt still in the air, and Mike's bike under the guardrail, he was hurt but trying to stand. Our Crew rushed to his side, got him a chair, Ed pressed a towel to the heavily-bleeding gash above Mike's left eye.
We called 911. With a little info, they found our location based on my phone. Sirens could be heard, and help was there in 5 minutes. I can only put it on words like this: if disaster strikes, I hope I'm with the Thirteen Crew. Everyone helped. Some cleared the van and the guys loaded Mike's bike into the van. Mike went in the ambulance to Johnstown with Vinnie and Lainy following. We regrouped, went to the hospital, and waited for Mike's release. Torn up and a broken collarbone, Mike came out and we were able to head for home. Nobody left early, brothers and sisters stay; nobody gets left behind.
You only get one chance at living. You better do it with intention and alongside great people.
