JB's Adventure Blog: 11/5/06

One week ago, I stood in the shower of a small hospital in a mountainside village. I couldn't close my mouth, blood was rushing everywhere; there was a stranger named Martin in his underwear helping me clean my countless wounds and I thought, 'Why do I do something so dangerous, like racing mountain bikes? I was deliberately trying to be careful. I made an evasive move to the other side of the dirt road to avoid the upcoming blind entrance onto the road.' Of course your mind plays tricks like that when you are in extreme pain and discomfort, and in a strange land. I was extremely frustrated, given the situation, and I had no good answer for myself at the time...

I would find the answers in the next several days. The letters of encouragement and words of praise for my actions of bike racing came pouring in. I had visits from many new friends and had the special help of my coach and friend Hunter.

A day after my surgery that repaired my upper jaw, I received a package full of papers at my Hospital bedside. They were notes and drawings (in English) from the children of a small school in Turialba where Martin's wife teaches grade school. They were full of love and praise and said things like" you are a champion to finish, you are the king of bikes" and "you have a special strength." I was moved to tears. To inspire the lives of others was not the reason I got into the sport. I got into the sport because of the adventure, challenge and euphoria of going places on two wheels. It was amazing to see the amount of brotherhood the sport of cycling can bring, and the nature of people when there are others in need. That is something special about mountain biking.

Now I know. I know the inspiration of believing in dreams, of fighting for a noble cause, for standing up to doubt and fear and to fight when the going gets tough. Now I have one more reason why my dream is worth the possible hardships.

When the time comes and the training once again gets steep, I will feel great strength remembering the encouragement I've recieved from the kids of Turialba and know they're cheering me on.

Recovering the only way I know how; Fast.

:)
Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 5:32 PM 5 comments

Jeremiah: Home and Recovering!

This will be a quick update to let you know that Jeremiah was discharged from CIMA Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica, has flown home and is recovering very well!

Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts!
Erin B.

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 2:35 PM 5 comments

Thank YOU!

Sorry to worry you like that. I guess I just get quiet when I am not on my best form.

I must say that I never felt the collective good will of so many people I love all at once; I am very fortunate have great support from my good friends family and racing fans! Hunter my coach has been great he is staying in the room with me. He really has been making my stay a lot more comfortable and his good Spanish skills sure are handy!

It was a surprise to get a visit from 8 well wishers here last night. Now I have more to bring from Costa Rica than souvenirs. I have friends!

So my face IS swollen but it is getting better. The strange sensations are of my upper jaw feeling swollen and the occlusion of my teeth being a little different.

It sure made me feel better to look in the mirror when it occurred to me that I look like Elija my brother! Well except the black eye of course.

I will keep ya posted; I should be getting a panoramic X ray today to see how things are healing. I really look forward to resting at home with Erin by the end of the week.

I have a great view of couple Volcanoes from my room so as far as hospital visits go this one has been great.

Thanks for the well wishes.

I'll be back! Soon!

Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 10:21 AM 9 comments

Medical Update Concerning Jeremiah Bishop

Updated Sunday, November 5, 2006 - 9 p.m.

On Saturday, Jeremiah crashed 5 kilometers from the finish of Stage 2 at the La Ruta de los Conquistadores. Jeremiah was holding the race's lead when the crash occurred. He completed the stage, finishing second place, and immediately went to a local hospital. Jeremiah was later transferred to CIMA Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Jeremiah is comfortable and in good condition at CIMA Hospital, where overnight Saturday, he underwent a sucessful surgical procedure to repair a LaFort-I break in his face. Jeremiah was also diagnosed with a small fracture in his upper right orbital bone. With multiple contusions in his elbows, face and head and requiring stitches, Jeremiah is feeling better, but still remains sore.

Jeremiah will remain at CIMA Hospital through Monday. He will return home to the US later this week.

Jeremiah's physician, Dr. Oscar Arango, the top maxillofacial surgeon in Costa Rica estimates that Jeremiah will be able to train again indoors within a week of returning home.

Throughout this ordeal, his coach Hunter Allen, and TREK distributor Ignacio Pasos have accompanied Jeremiah.

Jeremiah and his family appreciate the outpouring of concern and well wishes. Jeremiah commented, "I am thankful for the great care I have received in Costa Rica and the help and care from the La Ruta organization, and Trek importer Ignacio Pazos. I really appreciate all the support, phone calls and emails that I have received, I know I will recover quickly."

For further media inquires, contact Media@JeremiahBishop.com

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 11:00 AM 10 comments

Why?

Jeremiah: Home and Recovering!

Thank YOU!

Medical Update Concerning Jeremiah Bishop

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