BMX rider seriously injured in Napa race

A 26 year-old Hayward man is airlifted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek from Kennedy Park’s softball field after suffering a head injury while racing at the North Bay BMX track. Jorgen Gulliksen/Register | Buy photos

Monday, April 21, 2008

Comment

By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

A 26-year-old Hayward man was seriously injured Sunday in the bicycle motocross race event held at Kennedy Park.

The name of the victim, who suffered head injuries, was not available on Sunday afternoon.

The rider, who was participating in a three-day event with the North Bay BMX had just rounded the first curve and was coming out into the first straight-away, according to Tracy Hardee, North Bay BMX treasurer.

“He went over a jump and crashed into the track,” Hardee said. “Another bicyclist was involved, but the rider did not get hurt.”

Riders vie to be best at BMX, read their story here

Piner’s Ambulance paramedics were already at the event when the man was hurt.

Napa firefighters were called to the scene.

“Piner’s had the victim pretty well packaged when we arrived. The man was knocked unconscious for about eight minutes,” Napa Fire Capt. Roger Reichenberg said. “He had regained consciousness when he was airlifted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek.”

The victim wearing a helmet.

11 comment(s)

bmx16 wrote on Apr 21, 2008 8:59 AM:

" Where is the positive information about this event? Why does the Register always choose to write negative news over positive? I believe NBBMX raised over $5,000 for the Cancer Society, isn't that worth writing about? What about all the Napa volunteers that donated their entire weekend to run this event? What about the local businesses who donated to help with this event? What about the 100’s of local Napa kids who competed in this event, AND WON! The poor family of this young man that was injured is devastated; give them the respect & privacy they deserve. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. "

apnl14 wrote on Apr 21, 2008 9:45 AM:

" ohhh snap the other rider was me!!!! thats crazy!!!! "

cosmo wrote on Apr 21, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Did anyone happen to notice the type of helmet that the rider was wearing? He had no face protection as he was wearing a skid lid type helmet. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family as well, and I hope for his sake that he seriously considers purchasing a helmet similar to what every other rider wears. "

psychochik wrote on Apr 21, 2008 11:41 AM:

" bmx16, they have a sperate article that discusses the event in detail. Before jumping to conclusions you should check the facts.

My thoughts go out to the rider for a speedy recovery !! "

xmrs09 wrote on Apr 21, 2008 11:43 AM:

" to bmx16: The Register has printed several stories about the BMX track and riders and races at Kennedy. I've read them. "

hudds5 wrote on Apr 21, 2008 4:38 PM:

" It's obvious that this article got bm16's attention more than the previous articles by NVR. I hope the rider recovers well. "

BMXRSDAD wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:04 PM:

" I just thought I would take the time to give "ALL" concerned a heart felt "THANKS" to what took place last Sunday afternoon! The crash that happend and result was pretty traumatic for myself and even though he is 26, he's still "MY KID". My son is currently at Kaiser Hospital in Fremont and the prognosis is a lengthy but full recovery.
Everyone involved at NBBMX should be commended for their "FIRST CLASS" opperation! I personally thank you all as in my 30 plus years involved in BMX, "EVERYONE" involved at NBBMX is second to none! A personal Thank You goes out to Track Operator James Hardee! For you to drop by the Hospital to check up on Robert was pretty upstanding, and for that Robert and his family can't thank you enough! Your appearence, thoughts and prayers sure did and do go along way in our time of need!!!
In closing I would like to say that Robert has already expressed that he wants to race again and once he is through with therapy and has recovered from all of his injuries, that is something that we will talk about!

Thanks Again to All,
Robert, DAD and Family "

John Richards wrote on Apr 23, 2008 9:53 AM:

" "Robert has already expressed that he wants to race again"? I'm sorry, but we humans are supposed to learn that when you burn your hand, you don't want to be touching a hot stove again. There is no need to deliberately put oneself in harm's way. "

B&SSMOM wrote on Apr 23, 2008 11:57 AM:

" BMXRSDAD, Thank you so much for the update on your son. We are thinking of him everyday. We are like family out here and don't like to see any of our family members down. Our thoughts are with you everyday....And we are pulling for him...Please remember that. "

napagirl1970 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 10:10 PM:

" To John Richards...This is a tough and very dangerous sport to say the least, but judge not until you are out there on this track encouraging these children...obviously you have never been involved...it does happen on occasion...that someone is seriously injured. To the family of Robert, my hats are off to you. I worked that whole weekend, and yes as a parent of a bmx'er it is scary. But these kids put their heart and sole into a sport they love, all sports are dangerous...this one at the level he was racing is especially more dangerous. I am very greatful to have my child on that track most likely for the rest of his life, than on the streets for God knows what to happen. So judge not least he be judged himself. My child is happy and quit well adjusted. This is so awesome, and we as a bmx family are glad to hear Robert is "not afraid to get back on his bike!" To the Hardee's and everyone else that was "involved" keep doing what you are doing...see you at the Olympics! BMX'ers rule! "

napagirl1970 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 10:16 PM:

" One more comment...My child is not sitting in front of a tv screen, playing video games, (he is in the most top athletic shape, just from riding his bike)...becoming morbidly obese...my daughter, also is involved with cheerleading which another young woman just recently died from injuries, does that mean that we don't live life to the fullest...that we place them in a bubble. I challenge you to come out and see what is happening all around you! take a step back from the damn computer for a minute! "

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