Dear GlobeRider Friends;
As some of you may have heard, there was a serious motorcycle accident
this past week near Rostov, Russia, involving three riders on
the GlobeRiders, 2004 World Tour: Mike Paull, Pawel Chrobok and
Dennis Bishop. The intention of this email is to inform you about
the accident and to provide information so you can offer your
support and condolences, from one GlobeRider to another.
Mike, Pawel and Dennis were riding together on a narrow road.
It is unknown at this time, but somehow a vehicle ended up head-on
in their lane, (possibly sideways in a curve on a hill), causing
collisions and serious injuries. They were assisted on the roadside
by Russian motorists who did the best they could given the nature
of the rider's injuries, until transportation to a small hospital
could be arranged.
Fortunately, Karil, our Russian guide following in the chase vehicle,
was not far behind. He was called from the accident site, and arrived
at the hospital to assist. In addition, we were lucky to have Dr.
David Allen, a retired physician, on the tour. Between the two
of them, they offered medical assistance and emotional support
to the injured riders and maintained an open line of communication
with family members, GlobeRiders staff and the Russian doctors.
They calmly and compassionately handled an extremely difficult,
emotionally charged situation in a hospital that was, at best,
challenged with limited resources. Also, along with Douglas Grimes,
the owner of MIR Corporation, our ground tour operator, they managed
to negotiate the complicated medevac process for all three riders
and arrange for extra MIR guides to meet the remaining group. Karil
and David, your presence in that hospital meant everything. Douglas,
you and your crew did an outstanding job. We cannot thank these
three enough for everything they did for Mike, Pawel and Dennis.
In spite of all of their best efforts and that
of the American Medical Services medevac trauma team, I regret
to inform you that Dennis Bishop did not survive his injuries.
He passed away in flight, approximately one hour before arriving
in his home state of Alabama.
Certainly, his family is devastated by the loss of a person who
is described as optimistic, easy-going and tolerant. If there was
a GlobeRiders popularity contest, Dennis would have won the trophy
by a landslide. Helge and Mike often commented about how they would
love to clone him and run a tour of just Dennis's. He took changes
to the touring schedule in stride, had an excellent sense of humor,
participated in every experience with childlike enthusiasm, and
could have taught a "Patience When Traveling" college
class.
To add to the family's pain, Dennis's mother also passed away unexpectedly,
just one day after the accident. They were buried together Thursday,
June 17th, in Opelika, Alabama. We are so saddened by this tragedy.
We would ask that each of you take a moment from your busy lives,
to write a note of support, make a reassuring phone call or send
a lovely bouquet of flowers to Dennis's family. From one GlobeRider
to another. It will help them heal.
Contact Information:
Darrell Huff (Dennis's brother-in-law. He is handling communication
for the family)
Cell ph: 334-235-3000 (Alabama)
Address:
2278 Country Road 157
Enterprise, Alabama 36330
E-mail: pawnexpress@ala.net
Mike Paull and Pawel Chrobok are still in the hospital.
Pawel is coming along. We are grateful that he didn't receive devastating
injuries. Yesterday's surgery on the shattered bones in his leg
begins the months of healing. Most of the information we have
pieced together about the accident comes from Pawel's recollections.
While his spirits have been improving, emotionally it has been
difficult for Pawel to learn about Mike's injuries and Dennis's
death and he may wish to decompress from his experiences in conversations
with you. Right now, he's still in the hospital. Eventually,
he'll be staying with his parents in New Jersey for a while.
I know he would appreciate your support.
Contact Information:
Pawel Chrobok
Morristown Memorial Hospital
100 Madison Avenue
Morristown, New Jersey 07962
Hospital room # 229. Phone: 973-971-8273
Parents home: Mr. and Mrs. Chrobok
236 Woodland Road
Madison, New Jersey 07940
Ph: 973-765-9468
Mike Paull remains in critical, but stable condition at Harborview
Medical Center. Mike sustained multiple injuries, lost a lot of
blood, has undergone several surgeries, (and may have a few more),
and is currently still in ICU. They are trying to control his fever,
infection, multiple fractures, etc. Eileen is with him and reports
that while he isn't talking yet, he is able to answer questions
with head nods and is groggy, but present. Mike has a long road
ahead of him in terms of healing, but we are heartened to know
he will get better with lots of care.
Eileen is asking that people refrain from visitation at this time.
When Mike is feeling better and ready to see his friends, we will
let you all know. Your support will make all the difference. She
also wants you to know that she is sorry if she can't return all
of the phone calls she has been receiving. Her attention is focused
on Mike. You can call me for updates if you wish, (206-782-5609),
and we'll pass it along the phone or e-mail tree. In the meantime,
you can send cards and well wishes to:
Harborview Medical Center
325 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Because he is in ICU, flowers cannot be displayed in his room.
They will be left at the nurses station and probably transferred
with him when he finally leaves ICU for another room.
Despite the
lack of sleep over the last week, we haven't forgotten that there
are still five GlobeRiders on tour in Europe. They are currently
in Lviv, Ukraine and have another 12 days to go before they finish
in Munich on July 1st. They have been hurt by this tragedy, their
moods are subdued and they will need your considerations and
perhaps a listening ear after they return. We know you will be
kind.
Warmest Regards,
Karen Ofsthus for Helge Pedersen
GlobeRiders
Back
to the Beginning of Norm's Adventure
1st
Journal Entry - Beijing China
2nd Journal
Entry - Shenyang China
3rd Journal
Entry - Towards Russia
4th Journal Entry - In Siberia Russia
5th Journal Entry - Continues
through Russia
6th Journal Entry - Marches on through Russia
7th Journal Entry - The Great
Potato Field of Russia
8th Journal Entry - Russia Final (next Poland)
9th Journal Entry - Motorcycle Accident in
Russia
10th Journal Entry - The Crimea - Ukraine
11th Journal Entry - We have Crossed the
Finish Line
12th Journal Entry - Update on injuries
13th Journal Entry - Poland, Czech Rep.
14th Journal Entry - Returning Home
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