some of you may not know that kevin long was involved in an accident down near fredericksburg on his scooter.  it was not racing related but it was motorcycle related.  he is going to be laid up for a few weeks recovering but he is out of the hospital. 

if you don't know who kevin is, i'm not surprised.  he is an exceedingly good chief referee and a national level motor ref, but doesn't draw a lot of attention to himself.  i have relied on him as a promoter, a racer, and a permit guy and he has always gone above and beyond what was required.  he's a great guy.  he also has some absolutely fantastic stories about riding bikes at tour of california, tour of georgia, et.al.  my favorite is the one of him leading popyvich in the time trial at tour of california.  but for the time being, i will hold off on re-telling and let him relate that story in another forum.  i had hoped to get him and stefan yencha together and try to collect some of the best anecdotes i could from the motor refs.  that may be one of my winter projects.  

below is a photo of the motor corps from this year's tour of california.  kevin is just to the left of the angel.

the inclusion of the angel is actually really appropriate.  at last years tour de toona, aric and i were rooming next to a number of the motor refs and motor marshalls.  i remember one really sad afternoon after a young lady was paralyzed after overcooking a corner in a race.  all of the motor marshalls had taken it very personally.  they see it as their job to keep racers safe.  and even though they often cannot save us from ourselves, they try and try and try.  these guys are often like our guardian angels, keeping traffic at bay or alerting pedestrians to stay off of the course when racers are coming through.  you don't see them often, but they are out there, rain or shine, putzing along on bikes they would probably much rather be running with a wide open throttle.

kevin's recovery will leaves a number of holes as he was working several races in different capacities.  it's the kind of thing you take for granted until it happens.  remember to thank the officials for their help.  they take their own time to support a sport you love.  show them some support as well.

--- posted by scott