The weekend trip to the North Hills Sand Dunes was full of surprises. We hit a wicked hail storm on the way out but as Friday night drew near the skies turned clear and the Wyoming sunset was ours for the taking. We headed out with a crew of 15 or so MX and ATV peeps. Friday night was a blast we rode into the night and partied fireside till the wee morning hours. Next day we got an early start in the sand and it was SWEEEEET!
It wasn’t till Saturday afternoon when things got scary…
Primalfly’s own Erin (pictured above) got into a near-fatal accident, and it was a traumatic nail biting experience for the entire crew. Erin is a highly experienced rider, but sometimes “shit happens” - in this case it did so tenfold. While driving out to the dunes, Erin accidentally hit a washout and flipped over her handlebars. She put her arms out to break the fall and royally jacked her left one. The elbow bent 180 degrees backwards, ripping through her skin, pulling all the muscles, tendons and ligaments away. Additionally, she severed the main artery in her arm, and started bleeding profusely. Luckily, Brother Jon found Erin only minutes later and applied a tourniquet. She was out of it and in shock in a matter of minutes - paramedics arrived promptly and called an airlift in immediately. Unfortunately, a tornado warning delayed the chopper, so we waited urgently in the ambulance. An hour had went by and still no chopper - I said dude…WTF! We have to go! NOW! So, with that said we began the arduous 6 mile trek down the bumpy dirt road, only to wind up pulling a 90 mile trip to the nearest hospital…in Laramie Wyoming.
Let me just tell you, when paramedics start losing their cool about stablizing someone…especially when it’s a loved one….this is a conversation that leaves a gaping hole into your soul.
We arrived at Laramie and doctors told me she is lucky to be alive, but she will lose the arm. We are not out of the woods yet…she needs life-flighting to a trauma facility that can treat these injuries accordingly. We are just not staffed to handle this type of trauma. FUUUUCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!! An hour later, Erin gets a helicopter ride to Loveland Trauma Center, Colorado. They didn’t have room on the chopper for me, but luckily our mini-bitch Gracie hit overdrive, pulling a four and a half hour round-trip to scoop me up.
Erin ended up with a massive five hour surgery, and had some angels in her corner. The doctors were amazed to have saved her arm. They cut some veins out of her leg to splice the severed artery. She is now stable and on the road to recovery. The bike is trashed, but who cares - Erin is one tough chick to grind it out. You can see from the pictures this was no carnival.
In closing, I expect extreme personalities will remain in a state of flux, searching for the next level of fulfillment…and in turn sometimes be contempt by those consequences. I guess that’s the chances we take to lead an adventurous lifestyle.
I’d like to add, there is something to be said about living regret free: don’t sweat the small stuff. Try and love everyone around you and don’t hesitate to be righteous when the opportunity arises. People, friendships, family…it’s all that really matters. Be good to each other - you could easily blink an eye, and it could all be gone.
Much love and respect for all who lended a hand these last few days.
James
Damn James! Dunes are scary sht. I stick to the trails with thee rhino..
Send my regards and prayers to Erin…Much love from the Urbanflyy Gang!
James so sorry about Erin man hope everything goes well, But what a ride!
So gnarley. I think we should scalp the Ti after she gets the rig off. I almost puked again, twice. At least it would have been in my house instead of James’ office. What a badass she is, just chillin at home watchin Color Splash, popping oxys. I am such a pussy, I would still be crying.
Our hearts and blessings go out to Erin & you.
If you don’t already know, anything you need is a phone call away.
Tell Erin that the South Jersey branch of the family is pulling for her.
PLEASE keep us posted.
Christ, you fuckers are gonna give me a heart attack yet.
Love, Doc
Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff. I’m just glad Erin is ok, still has her arm and is still with us.
damn you are one gnarly chick. Much love from the roughfisher. Get healed up soon.
good heavens this is unreal. I am so sorry you all went through this — especially her!! glad to see the outcome was better than you first expected.
sending mojo and prayers
That is absolutely insane, I couldn’t even imagine the fear that accompanies such an accident. I hope all goes well!
Don’t know you guys- I just follow your blog from over the pond in Britain, but I want you to know that I’m routing for you and praying all goes well.
That’s some heavy duty hardware she’s got there. Good to hear everything turned out alright, remaining bi-armed and all.
Erin- Have a speedy recovery and don’t take any guff from those physical therapists!
Hey Dude We are so sorry that this happened to Erin, we’re sure glad she is doing well and at home. Hope she gets well very soon. Regards from the Luna’s( The Cacahuates).
Erin,
My thoughs and prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery.
Uncle Bob
James,
I am stunned, words can’t describe how I feel. I wish Erin a speddy recovery and with your Love & Care she will be back riding in no time.
Peace,
Peter
Love the outpouring of support.
Hey Everyone,
Thank you all for the continued support and kind words. Good lookin out kids! I will be sure to keep ya”ll in the loop on Erins recovery, and my highly anticipated Percocet Holidays:)
My prayers for a speedy recovery will go out, let me know if there is anything I can do to help
James & Erin,
We continue to think of Erin day in and day out and hope that she is recovering quickly and happily. Of course you both know that we are here for anything you need and we’d love to stop by and bring Erin some goodies, when she’s feeling up to it, of course.
Luv you guys! Brooke and Pat
Dude, did you just openly admit to stealing some of her Percs? Bad form. Keep that quiet. Drugs are things we do in the privacy of our homes or campsites. Plus, that could be percieved as insensitive. Considering shes in pain and all.
I’ve been wishing Erin and you the very best. Glad to see things are straightening out.
Much love,
Nicole
All I can say is I wish Erin a speedy recovery ….from Finland!
Erin & Bead: we are so sorry to hear about the accident. It stunned us both and Erin is very upset, you know how she gets. That said, we are very glad that things are not worse and to hear Erin is on the road to recovery. Erin is young and tuff so expect the best. Very amazing how the human body mends itself from the trauma experienced. Healing the head is the issue.
Love and Prayers,
Allen & Erin
Wow. Erin you were clearly meant to survive, it looks like miracles were worked. I hope the road to recovery isn’t too painful. Bigs from everyone at USCARPPROmagazine.
Peace, Dave
Holy shit dude! Best wishes and speedy recovery Erin!