Backroads Touring - Kansas

Roger Baugh · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject: Steve Starkel Update ....

Will use this thread to keep everyone posted on Steve's situation ...

For those who weren't at the Stampede ..... barely five miles or so into the advanced ride Saturday morning, Steve was unfortunate enough to catch a section of paved road that had collapsed (perhaps from recent heavy rains), and he was thrown from his bike and severely injured. The decision was made on the scene to LifeWatch him back to Wichita.

Speaking with Steve's wife, it looks like Steve has suffered a slight brain contusion, partially collapsed lung, broken collarbone, fractured scapula, and eight cracked/broken ribs. He is scheduled for shoulder surgery at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita .... as soon as his breathing is stabilized.

Many thanks to Jeff K. and everyone who assisted getting Steve's vehicles back to Wichita .... one less thing for the family to worry about.

Am sure any well wishes to Steve on his full recovery will be appreciated.

Thanks, Roger
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Nil Carborundum Illegitimi
Baugh Graphic Design - BlogSite
'07 KLX250S

Ty Wood ( Minnesota ) · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject: Our buddy ( STEVE )...

I just logged-on to check out the ride re-cap(s)...

My heart sunk, when I read this about Steve. Sad

STEVE...You will be in my daily PRAYERS my friend. I pray that you have a complete and quick recovery. I am so sorry to hear about your mishap.

This must have been an un-seen and nasty section of torn-up road...as Steve is an excellent pilot.

I'll be sure to inform Daniel Holliway ( who could not attend this year ) due to his recovery from a bad accident. I know that Daniel will also keep you in his prayers. We're pulling for you Steve !!!
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Ty Wood ( Minnesota )...but BORN in KANSAS.

- Why can't we ride on the golf course ???

2002 BMW R1150RT
2006 KTM 625-LC4/Supermoto
2007 KTM LC4-640/Adventure
2008 KTM 530EXC-R ---> ( Moto-VIAGRA )!!!

Greg Mitchell · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:25 pm Post subject:

Just a small correction to Rogers report. Tim Edwards and I went to trailer Steve's bike back to camp, and the road where the accident occured was a gravel road, not paved. There was an old culvert under the road at the spot where the pothole was. The hole was about twenty inchs around, but at least 2 feet deep. Porbably due to erosion from a leak in the culvert. Looked kinda like a sink hole. When we picked up the bike, the hole had already been covered by the county, and a road closed sign appeared at the start of the road. Hum??? (form you own opinions). Talked to Steves wife at noon today (Sunday) and Steve will be moved from ICU to a private room tomorrow. Our prayers and best wishes go out to Steve and his family for a speedy recovery. This type of accident could happen to anyone of us who ride the backroads, but thanks to the proper equipment, (especially the helmet), Steve will be with us again in the future!!! Heal quickly Steve!! Greg Mitchell Sad

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T-Bone
1995 DR350SE
1989 Transalp
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unparagoned316 · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

My girlfriend and I went up to Wesley to see Steve around noon today. He seemed to be in good spirits but in a lot of pain. I asked him about surgery but he said they were not sure if they were gonna do it or not. He did seem relieved when I told him there wasn't much damage to his bike, considering. Its just too bad that out bodies cannot be repaired as easily as our bikes. Keep him and his family in your prayers, just as I will.
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DrtBik aka Danger4u2 · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

I was the first rider behind Steve. From the injury report you guys know what I saw. Steve went down hard. I was to the right side of the road and never saw the hole until I went back to see why he wrecked. One minute everything was fine and we were riding along, the next second he was on the ground. He was riding standing on the pegs, my first thought was a catastrophic left foot peg failure. After I got stopped I jumped off my bike and ran back to him. On the outside I was calm and collected but in my mind I was freaking out. One of the riders from behind me helped me lift his bike from his left leg. When I returned my attention to him there was no movement, no response and no breathing. I was so happy when he took that first breath of air. Now I know what my friends were thinking when I was injured real bad in a 2004 dirt bike wreck. Steve: As a previously severely injured rider I wish you all the best in your recovery. Sincerely,
David JungRoth-- DrtBik aka Danger4u2

The picture does not do justice to the size of the hole. I have a size 12 boot.

Steve's helmet did it's job.

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Go faster than everyone. You only worry about what's in front of you
2008 KX500AF 2stroke 500 in KX450F frame
2007 KLR650
2004 KX500 Street legal dualsport

Mr. Clean · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

Slowrider · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

DrtBik, I'm really glad you got a photo of the hole. I got down and inspected it with the Deputy but didn't have the present of mind to take a photo. That straight edge was about 10 inches down and the hole went down at least another 18 inches below that opening. It looked as though it might go some distance either direction also. The Deputy said he thought it looked like a culvert that had ruptured due to irrigation water. I didn't see any irrigation equipment but it could also have been caused by years of run-off. He said he was going to call the "county roads people" and have them come out and take a look. I'm fairly certain that's who was arriving as we were all leaving. When Greg Mitchell and I went back for Steve's bike, the hole had been filled in with gravel or something and they had also put up a "Road Closed" sign near the intersection. The woman who lived in the house where we left the bike said she had noticed the hole but had never stopped to take a close look. Unless they really packed it full of gravel and dirt and also fixed wherever it's coming in from the ditch, the problem hasn't really been resolved.
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Tim Edwards
Honda GL1800 Goldwing
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DrtBik aka Danger4u2 · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject:

This one gives you and idea how deep the hole was.

_________________
Go faster than everyone. You only worry about what's in front of you
2008 KX500AF 2stroke 500 in KX450F frame
2007 KLR650
2004 KX500 Street legal dualsport

Roger Baugh · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject: Steve - Update

Just got off the phone with Steve ....

He's pretty darn lucid about it all. Recalls everything up to impact. Breathing is still hard for him, so we kept the conversation short. I'll go in and see him tomorrow and report back ...

Later ... Roger
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Nil Carborundum Illegitimi
Baugh Graphic Design - BlogSite
'07 KLX250S

kaw4scute · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject:

Hey Steve, so sorry about you getting banged up. My wife & I will be praying for your recovery. May God meet your greatest need!! Take care, RD

gagnaou · Missing Member Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

So sad to read that! I was checking to see all the pictures and see how you guys had fun and that is not at all what I was expecting!!!

Steve's a great rider, it must have been not visible at all.

WE will keep you in our prayer Steve!

Luc

tcarlgren · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:16 am Post subject:

Steve my thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. I was with the group about 8 riders back and didn't witness the wreck. Thank goodness for GPS and cell phones. We were able to meet the sheriff and EMS at the closest highway and lead them to the scene.

Todd

smitty · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:46 am Post subject:

Although we have never met Steve, you and your family are in my prayers.

I have been "ejected" over the handbars once before and know from experience the protection that helmets provide. Much like Steve, without a helmet on, it seems like neither one of us would be around today. I was a little luckier then Steve and only suffered a concussion, fractured elbow and many bruises.

I am a huge advocate of wearing a helmet anytime I get on my bike and I hope that if anyone out there who is reading this and does not wear a helmet each and every time they ride will consider doing so.

Have a quick recovery Steve and I look forward to meeting and riding with you someday! Wink

Jesse Smith
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Smitty

'05 DR650
'07 KLX250
'98 T509
'81 XS650

Roger Baugh · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:14 pm Post subject: Steve Update - June 10

Went in and visited with Steve this afternoon for about an hour. Considering what he's been through, he's in real good spirits, and has excellent recall. He's also demanding a credit for the BBQ he missed Laughing

They're running respiratory therapy on him at the moment .... keeping the lungs clear and getting the remaining fluid out from the one punctured lung. He's not sure what follows next as far as further treatment/surgery.

I asked the ATGATT question, and Steve told me that at the Stampede, he didn't think he'd need his chest protector ... and left it at home. He then went on to say that he will be wearing it every time he gets on his bike in the future. We both agreed a protector is no guarantee of non-injury .... but one never knows how far an ounce of prevention may go until it's called upon.

If you want to give him a shout, the number at Wesley is: 316 962 2000 Am sure he'd enjoy hearing some friendly voices.

Best, Roger
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Nil Carborundum Illegitimi
Baugh Graphic Design - BlogSite
'07 KLX250S

Roger Baugh · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:45 pm Post subject: June 11

Steve called me this morning ....

This guy is a real analyst Think

He recalls seeing what looked like a tiny fence post hole in the road, and so didn't give it much thought. His analysis ... the hole collapsed further under the weight of his front wheel ... creating the chasm you see in the previous pics.

Steve thinks his shoulder surgery will occur either Thursday or Friday, followed by a couple more days hospital rest ... then he'll get to go home.

He's a true Outrider!

Later .... Roger
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Nil Carborundum Illegitimi
Baugh Graphic Design - BlogSite
'07 KLX250S