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Captain Reports November 6th
December Newsletter 2005
There will be a list going around at the Decembers' meeting for Road Captains signs-up. David Mc will
be holding a meeting for you Road Captains.
be holding a meeting for you Road Captains.
Ride Captain Report for November 6th
This trip was done a little different then usual. David was the Road Captain, but did not plan the ride or
set the finally lunch stop. His job was to lead the group, if he does this all the time, then everyone will get
used to the way he sets the speed on the freeway and surface streets leading the group. For the 20 bikes
and 6 co-riders we could not have asked for better weather, it was sunny with the low 70’s that day.
We started heading North on the 215 to Wrightwood 138, which turns into Pearbloosm Highway heading
toward Palmdale. Once reaching Palmdale, did some right and left turns to Elizabeth Road (David is doing
good so far, all I gave him was 2 days to look over my directions) then we had a riders Co-Rider loser her
I-Pod, so my responsibility since I was the Ride Captain and I knew the route, was to stop with Rory and
Gary while they look for it. They found the I-Pod with only miner injuries. That left David and Linda to fine
a turn just before Lake Hughes Rd so no one had to go through some water (they missed the turn),
because we all know that we don’t like water going a crossed the road. I on the other hand, had the
GPS and we made the turn. Lake Hughes Rd is a fun road on a bike; lots of twist’s which is behind
Lake Castaic and we ended up at I-5. Stop for short break and we lost some of our group 3 bike. We
jumped on the I-5 to 14 north exited Soledad Road which has a short tunnel and back into Palmdale to a
Pizza and Pasta place. A total mile was 150 and just under 5 hours. David did a fine job, and we would
like feed back from the 20 riders on this trip. If it is positive we may start this next year. The way it would
work we have 12 Ride Captains and One Road Captain, each Ride captain needs to set up a route and a
finally lunch stop and each month the Road Captain and all the Ride Captains will get together, like at a
restaurant, and pick that months route. It is still in the planning stages with this concept we are trying to be
a safer group on the road. The Ride Captain Pete Aker
This trip was done a little different then usual. David was the Road Captain, but did not plan the ride or
set the finally lunch stop. His job was to lead the group, if he does this all the time, then everyone will get
used to the way he sets the speed on the freeway and surface streets leading the group. For the 20 bikes
and 6 co-riders we could not have asked for better weather, it was sunny with the low 70’s that day.
We started heading North on the 215 to Wrightwood 138, which turns into Pearbloosm Highway heading
toward Palmdale. Once reaching Palmdale, did some right and left turns to Elizabeth Road (David is doing
good so far, all I gave him was 2 days to look over my directions) then we had a riders Co-Rider loser her
I-Pod, so my responsibility since I was the Ride Captain and I knew the route, was to stop with Rory and
Gary while they look for it. They found the I-Pod with only miner injuries. That left David and Linda to fine
a turn just before Lake Hughes Rd so no one had to go through some water (they missed the turn),
because we all know that we don’t like water going a crossed the road. I on the other hand, had the
GPS and we made the turn. Lake Hughes Rd is a fun road on a bike; lots of twist’s which is behind
Lake Castaic and we ended up at I-5. Stop for short break and we lost some of our group 3 bike. We
jumped on the I-5 to 14 north exited Soledad Road which has a short tunnel and back into Palmdale to a
Pizza and Pasta place. A total mile was 150 and just under 5 hours. David did a fine job, and we would
like feed back from the 20 riders on this trip. If it is positive we may start this next year. The way it would
work we have 12 Ride Captains and One Road Captain, each Ride captain needs to set up a route and a
finally lunch stop and each month the Road Captain and all the Ride Captains will get together, like at a
restaurant, and pick that months route. It is still in the planning stages with this concept we are trying to be
a safer group on the road. The Ride Captain Pete Aker
Road Captains for 2006
Just a moment to update you on Vasco's condition. As you know, the accident yesterday was serious,
to say the least. Vasco is in intensive care at Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo. He is expected to be in
ICU for perhaps two weeks and after that probably another two-three weeks' stay at the hospital. At
this point he cannot receive any visitors other than immediate family (and ex-wives). His son David flew
down from San Jose last night and we were at the hospital last night and most of today. The ICU
nursing staff is super; I can't sing their praises loud enough.
Vasco is heavily sedated and just this evening (Monday) was starting to respond to "commands" i.e.,
"move your left leg, squeeze your right hand", etc. So that is a positive response. Vasco suffered facial
fractures, severe head trauma, a broken clavical, ruptured spleen, two broken ribs that punctured his
lung and pretty severe "road rash" on his face, upper left arm, forearm and left hip. The lung was
re-inflated, but there is a small leakage; the doctor says the leakage is not severe and that they will
address that problem tomorrow. The plastic surgeon will determine tomorrow if surgery is needed on
his face and if not, the ventilator can be removed. The neursurgeon feels he can breathe on his own
now. The neurosurgeon also says there is no brain damage (at least not from this accident!).
The initial impact of the crash broke the chin strap of his new DOT helmet and the second impact
probably caused the damage to his skull and face. If he had not been wearing a good, DOT helmet,
well, he probably would not have survived. It is estimated he crashed at about 30 miles per hour;
doesn't seem like all that fast, but Lord, it sure caused a lot of damage.
Your prayers and support at greatly appreciated. I'll keep you posted and send this info out to
everyone. Thank you for your concern. Love, Nancy
to say the least. Vasco is in intensive care at Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo. He is expected to be in
ICU for perhaps two weeks and after that probably another two-three weeks' stay at the hospital. At
this point he cannot receive any visitors other than immediate family (and ex-wives). His son David flew
down from San Jose last night and we were at the hospital last night and most of today. The ICU
nursing staff is super; I can't sing their praises loud enough.
Vasco is heavily sedated and just this evening (Monday) was starting to respond to "commands" i.e.,
"move your left leg, squeeze your right hand", etc. So that is a positive response. Vasco suffered facial
fractures, severe head trauma, a broken clavical, ruptured spleen, two broken ribs that punctured his
lung and pretty severe "road rash" on his face, upper left arm, forearm and left hip. The lung was
re-inflated, but there is a small leakage; the doctor says the leakage is not severe and that they will
address that problem tomorrow. The plastic surgeon will determine tomorrow if surgery is needed on
his face and if not, the ventilator can be removed. The neursurgeon feels he can breathe on his own
now. The neurosurgeon also says there is no brain damage (at least not from this accident!).
The initial impact of the crash broke the chin strap of his new DOT helmet and the second impact
probably caused the damage to his skull and face. If he had not been wearing a good, DOT helmet,
well, he probably would not have survived. It is estimated he crashed at about 30 miles per hour;
doesn't seem like all that fast, but Lord, it sure caused a lot of damage.
Your prayers and support at greatly appreciated. I'll keep you posted and send this info out to
everyone. Thank you for your concern. Love, Nancy
Vasco "Mishap" Update