Shoulder Injury Shelves Mel Norris
May 10, 2009 on 7:15 pm | In Mountain Biking | 6 CommentsGrowlers Gulch Rule #1 says, “Ride ’til it breaks.” Melanie Norris took that literally – and then some.
During the run-up to the Growlers Gulch 5K, five riders broke their bikes. On May 9th, Norris broke herself.
On the Big Wow, heading for the date with Destiny
The Growlers veteran tatered herself on a tree on her first trip down the Secret Garden during Saturday’s GG5K. The season-ending crash left her with a broken helmet and serious shoulder damage. She somehow managed to complete the remaining 18 miles in record time, cutting 16 seconds off her 2008 pace.
“I know I would have been faster if I hadn’t blacked out when I hit that tree,” Norris said. She even managed to survive the post-ride party.
Unfortunately, a visit to the orthopedist on Tuesday confirmed that the ball joint at the top of her right shoulder is fractured.
She will be off her bike for two months with her arm in a sling and is not expected to gain full use of her shoulder for nearly a year. She has resigned herself to being the “ice-gettin’ bitch” at Mountain Bike Oregon in July.
“If I’m a good girl and don’t move it at all for another week, I might not have to have surgery,” Norris said.
The physical pain is bad, but being forced to give up the dream of earning five wheels is far more traumatic.
“I am bitter and sad,” Norris said. “I will be drowning my sorrows with Vicodan and vodka and hugging my bike.”
Leave comments here and please send condolences to Mel at bikeschic@yahoo.com.
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Holy cow! How did she finish the ride? As my secretary said when I told her “Mel is one tough cupcake” Well that about does it for me… Denise rides without using her hands and Mel rides with a broken shoulder- Me thinks the Longview/Castle Rock crowd are too tough for me!
Mel I am so sorry about your shoulder, but impressed as H_ _ L that you rode that race.
Best to your recovery and see you at the race next year.
Susan
Comment by susan — May 13, 2009 #
The Red Badge of Courage is sometimes the award for bravery. Well done, Bravo on the bravery part; we all like that part. For the time being during the recovery; best wishes and get well soon ! My Ex-Catholic friend calls them “Fun Dues.” Have fun and maybe we pay our dues occasionally, and preferably, rarely.
Comment by Randy Hill — May 13, 2009 #
I’m so sorry to hear about your shoulder Mel.I have to agree with Jeep, ride it till it breaks, I thought meant the Bike. Get well soon Mel, and have Paul stay home a little more often so he can wait on you.
Rob
Comment by Rob — May 13, 2009 #
Thank you all! I’m down but not out! Next time I guess I need to get clarification on the GG rules. Whether riding or not I will be there for all of the events unwillingly forgoing my wheels for THIS year, but next year…watch out. Oh yeah and could someone get rid of that tree on Secret Garden for me? By the way the broken shoulder has NO bruises
)
Comment by Mel — May 13, 2009 #
Just think if you hadn’t of blacked out…you could have carved more time off of the race…ride.
You had a great ride that day, especially considering your crash and subsequent injury…very impressive.
I hope your recovery goes more quickly than predicted and you are able to get out to some limited degree this summer.
Dave
Comment by Dave — May 14, 2009 #
Mel,
Just got back into town and could not beleive what I am reading about you. Crap! Man you are one tought rider!! Get well soon, let me know if I can do anything to help. I will be more than happy to get rid of the tree that did this dasterly deed to you as I myself have had a simular experience on JLS. I will go and cut it down and burn it for you!! To Paul: Being married to tought chicks is really rough when we get hurt, we can’t wine and complain like we would normally do. Take good care of her and will see you both soon.
Jack
Comment by Kelso Jack — May 25, 2009 #