Subject: Organizer of Italian Moto-Fest, Bill Freeman, injured in accident.
Author: Charlie Mullendore
Date: Sep 9, 2002, 4:53 PM
Post ID: 1710978810
Hi All,
Fellow Loop List member and riding buddy of mine, Bill Freeman, was injured yesterday in a collision with a deer. We were on the return leg of the "Nostalgia Run" near Myersville, MD when on a downhill section of Highland School Rd. the deer ran out of the woods to our left directly into Bill's path. From the accounts of the riders following him, Bill's '79 SP hit the deer in the head with the headlight, spinning the deer around into the rear of the bike. This caused him to lose control and both rider and bike went down at approx. 50 mph. As I was the lead rider of the group, I didn't see it happen and only noticed there was nobody behind me after about 15 seconds. By the time I turned around and arrived back at the scene, several neighbors were with him lending assistance as were fellow riders Rob Van Slyke and Jay Horine. One neighbor was an retired RN and another a volunteer firefighter. Units arrived within 10 mins. and kept coming from the various small towns around the area for the next 15. Once they had carefully removed his damaged riding gear, fitted him with a neck brace and strapped him to a back board, he was transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital. Rob and I went to the hospital to wait for Bill's wife Linda to arrive and then for word on his condition. The news sounded encouraging, so Rob left for home and I went to get my car and trailer to pick up the shattered SP.
I spoke with Linda today and she said they kept him for observation overnight because of the possibility of internal bleeding. He also has a "minor fracture of one rib" as well as two abrasions. He is expected to be released tomorrow or Wednesday.
Though only a few of you probably know Bill personally, I thought I'd share the news with you as this could have easily been me or any of us. Be careful out there! Still have fun, but try to minimize the risks by riding defensively an wearing good gear. Bill was wearing a full-face HJC helmet, Joe Rocket mesh jacket, motorcycle boots and jeans when he went down. The helmet and jacket are history but did the job they were intended to do. Didn't mean to get preachy there, sorry! Now if you'll excuse me I've got some shopping to do for a better jacket...
Charlie
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