Incident on Feb 2

[Letitia]

I got this message from Doug Phillips who got the message from Rob (don't know the last name).  If anyone has information on Kelley please let us know. 

Doug

Dont know if you heard the news yet, but you missed a crazy ride with the 50 milers yesterday.
We essentially got attacked by a mad red-neck on the way down Twin Oaks and Kelly ended up in hospital.
The guys was yelling at us as he drove past in his van. He pulled over to the side just head of us, jumped out of his van in the middle of the bike lane just as the pack arrived.
He tried to grab Brad, missed grabbed the next guy in line (all while we are doing about 20mph),
Kelly hit him head on, went straight over the bars and skidded along the road.
He was really banged up and was taken away in an ambulance - the paramedics were pretty certain he had broken his collar bone.
Fortunately there were several independent witnesses who stopped, so we spend about 30 mins with the sheriffs who got lots of consistent statements from everybody and seemed convinced that our version of events was true. They were still questioning him when we left so Im not sure whether he was arrested but Im assuming that it was assault at minimum. One of the fire guys who came out were so appalled by what had happened he said he couldnt believe we hadnt just dragged the guy out of the truck on the spot and beaten the  out of him!!!

Havent had any news from Kelly and there is nothing on the message board, so Im going to send him an email to see how he is doing...

Cheers,

Rob.

[starman]

I'd like to get a phone number or an e-mail for Kelley. He might like a visit at some point and I would like to be there for him.
Rob do you have contact info?
Regards
Dan Phillips

[mestemja]

I'm not a member of NCCC, but am a friend and riding partner of Kelly's.

I spoke with Kelly today. He's pretty banged up. Looks like he broke his collarbone, hip (femur?), and arm. He had surgery to have a couple pins put in, and is doing OK. But not too comfortable. He has requested no visitors. He'll be offline for a while, but I'm sure he won't mind emails (kelzee2@hotmail.com) when he gets back on. If you'd like to send a card, please send c/o John Mestemacher, 7762 Rocio St., Carlsbad CA 92009. I'll get them to him discretely through his wife.

Does anyone know what happened to his bike? If so, please let me know (mestemja@gmail.com). I'd like to help make sure it gets home.

John

[D Phillips]

Thanks so much for the update John. I will ask Rob if he knows what happened to the famous Bianchi.  Doug

[D Phillips]

Rob has e mailed John to say Kelley's Bike was taken by the Fire Dept - I have asked John if there is anything we can do (collectively and invidually) for Kelly.  Will keep you all posted.

[tandempeach]

Unbelievable!  Get well Kelley!!!!!

Michael & Nancy

[Bob Burgess]

One of the reasons my road bike is for sale!

Too many close calls!

My best to Kelly J.

bbb

[R Duquette]

Dear List,

I have been retained to represent Kelly Deboer regarding the February 2nd incident.  Kelly and I would appreciate it if any witnesses would please contact me or my office with their name, address and phone number so that we can speak with them.  I can be reached via phone at 760-730-0500 or e-mail at rduquete@911law.com.  Please cc: kduquete@911law.com.

Please only e-mail me your contact information.  I'll speak with you regarding the details over the phone or in person.

We are working hard to help him.

Thank you,
Richard Duquette, Esq.

[mestemja]

Hi everyone. Here's an update on Kelly...

He moved from the hospital to a physical therapy center yesterday. He's ambulatory - as much as is possible when one side is all busted up. He started rehab 3x a day today. He's off pain meds, and sounds great. He still prefers not to have visitors.

Kelly says thanks to everyone for your thoughts and messages. I've read to him all the postings and any emails sent to me. He's still off-line, so replys to his email address will be slow. They don't have internet access at the therapy center. Bummer, because I have a notebook ready for him to use. If any of you would like to send an email to him through me, please do (mestemja@gmail.com).

Regards,
John Mestemacher

[karlos]

In light of Kelly's incident, a review of Kelly's haiku offerings on our Message Board is appropriate.

We sail down the road
wind at our back, pushing hard
there's no turning back
  Thanksgiving 11/23/06

steady rolling now.
cars very close, much too close --
I will keep riding
  12/18/06

"critically massed cars
beep their silly horns at me
think I'm in the way"
  1/11/07 (Lake Hodges Exit)

Kelly - we are all wishing for a strong recovery and that your "I will keep riding" rings true.
Karl

[Lisa Ruby]

Hi,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I received a reply today from Kelly to an e-mail I sent to him last week. He's home. He said he appreciates the support from NCCC members.

Lisa