The Broken Man Benefit and Demo Day

I've brought this back to the top. I'm hearing that 15 to 20 Sport Chalet people will be there. The meeting place has been moved to Cook's Corner, and the post-event ride will start from there as well. If you haven't visited store 38 in Foothill Ranch, you're in the neighborhood. Stop by and check 'em out.

UPDATE: see http://www.thebrokenmanride.com/ There is a link to donate via Paypal on the right side.

The absolute last thing I want to do on this site is promote other bike shops, but the special circumstances of this case make it an exception.

From www.SoCalTrailRiders.Org:

The weekend before last, Tony Gardikas (aka Tony G) was riding in Aliso Viejo, CA. While riding he lost control of his bike and crashed. He landed on his head and broke his helmet in three places, and his NECK in three places as well (C2, C6 and C7). The doctors said that his injury is consistent with the one Christopher Reeves suffered.

Tony also severely bruised his Carotid Artery and his Dr. was concerned about the chance of a stroke. He is not going to have to wear a halo collar, but is in a very rigid (and reportedly uncomfortable) plastic neck brace. As we speak, Tony is not going to suffer from any kind of paralysis nor is he in any further danger of a stroke...he is going to ride again; not soon, but he will ride again.

The Path Bike Shop in Tustin, CA and The Bike Company in Lake Forest, CA are going to sponsor and organize a benefit on behalf of Tony as he has no health/medical insurance. We are going to hold a demo day and ride on March 17 in Aliso Woods in Orange County, CA. Details to follow, but we will also hold a raffle (the proceeds of which will go to Tony G). The raffle will be for some pretty high-end stuff as many of our vendors know Tony G and want to help and are kicking in some really cool stuff. Stay tuned to www.thepathbikeshop.com and www.bikeco.com for more info as we plan the event.

Tony also worked part-time at one of our stores, and is a "bro" to many of the employees he has helped. We all know the risks of the sport we love, but sometimes the price can be too much for one person to bear. If you can possibly make it down to this event, I would suggest it.