shit happens

After Stephen Murray, who broke his back last year during a double backflip attempt at the AST Dew Tour finals, and after Jimmy Levan, who hit his head hard on the ground while fooling around on a skate (with all the crazy things he did on a BMX, it had to happen on a skate!), now Mike Aitken went down. He, too, smashed his head (not wearing a helmet, eh?) on the ground while riding some trails in Pennsylvania.

I’ve always had mixed feelings about the fund raisings that took place after those incidents. I’ve always thought that a BMX pro rider ought to have a solid insurance. It actually never occurred to me that it was the insurances that wouldn’t let them in. It seems that’s what happened to Mikey. This, and the fact that he’s got a wife and kid, but more importantly because I’ve always loved his riding (seen him live at the X-Games 2001 in Philly!!) made me make a donation. See, it’s a bit of a selfish move ;) I really really want Mikey to get out of coma and back on his bike so I can enjoy more of his awesomely flowing BMX riding.

…and wear a goddamn helmet!