Welcome back to the Bull Pen.
As bikers we all are familiar with the old saying "it's not if but when" relating to being involved in a motorcycle accident. Having been involved in several serious accidents myself I still don't believe we should accept this as the norm. One such man who defied the odds was Former Wisconsin State Senator David Zien. I have always looked at Dave as a larger than life kind of guy and still do. I have had the pleasure of riding with Dave and getting to know him a little better over the past few years.
It's with great regret that I share with you that Dave was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on March 14th. The accident occurred when an SUV traveling in front of Dave on Interstate 10 attempted to change lanes, lost control and flipped onto its side. Dave who celebrated his 61st birthday on March 15th, tried to take evasive action but was unable to avoid the overturned vehicle. 24-year-old Ryan G. Matheny of Marietta Ohio was driving his SUV with a suspended driver's license. Matheny, the driver of the SUV, only had minor injuries and was cited by the Florida Highway Patrol for Improper Lane Change and Driving With a Suspended Driver's License.
According to Florida Statute 316.085(2), "Improper Change of Lane" is only a $60 fine. The driving while his license was suspended could result in probation, or possibly even be dropped by the State. Are you kidding me???
Dave was flown to the Tallahassee hospital for treatment. The collision resulted in Dave having his left leg amputated above the knee, and two plates being implanted in his right hip to treat his fractured pelvis, emergency surgery to repair his bleeding spleen & multiple head lacerations & a broken left hand.
As Dave begins his long road to recovery, many of you have asked what you can do to help Dave & his family. As you can imagine, the direct & indirect costs will be astronomical. Please join me in helping Dave by donating to the Get Well Foundation for Dave Zien. Please place account #5284063483 in the notes section of your check and send to Wells Fargo, 2910 Mall Drive. Eau Claire, WI 54701.
For those of you who don't know Dave Zien, let me share a little background about this exceptional man. Dave served as a Wisconsin State Senator from 1986 - 2006 and has been a "man of the people" both in and out of office. Dave earned a Purple Heart while serving our country in Vietnam as a Marine.
Impressed yet? Read on. Dave holds 118 long distance riding records. As a legislator from 1986 to December 1, 2006 Dave logged 1,327,500 total miles on two wheels. Now you may be thinking, did this guy ever work? You bet he did and I wish other elected officials worked as tirelessly as Dave does.
In addition to being a riding machine, Dave initiated the first major veteran's monument that recognizes motorcyclists...Wisconsin Veterans Tribute located at Cadot, Wisconsin.
Dave also helped coordinate the largest object left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. (a handmade custom Harley, 1998) and was inducted into the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museums at Anamosa, Iowa, Pickerington, Ohio and Sturgis, South Dakota.
When not riding, Dave has run 11 marathons (26.2 miles each) carrying a 3X5 USA flag on a pole to honor fallen veterans and as a reminder of POW/MIA's.
Dave's accomplishments are legendary but here is one that will blow your mind. While Dave has logged over 2 million miles in the saddle close to half of them were on his 1991 Harley FXRP. On April 4th, 2009 Dave hit 1 million miles on his trusty scooter. That's 1 million miles on one motorcycle. This is a world record.
Dave, you & your family are in all of our thoughts & prayers. We all wish you God Speed during your recovery and thank you for all you have done for us. God Bless you Dave.
Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Saddle Tramp editorials or volunteering for the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
Comments(1)