Okano and Shapley Recovering From Recent Crashes (Update)

For those who may not have heard already, Cycles Veloce Club President Mike Okano was involved in a serious crash while competing in the Masters 50+ 1/2/3/4 criterium at the Dana Point Grand Prix on Sunday, May 1, 2011. Surgery was required to repair a fractured T12, as well as a damaged T8. Mike was finally released from the hospital over the weekend where he will begin an extensive healing and recovery process. The good news is he is expected to make a full recovery, but Mike reports  it will be six months minimum before he can even begin considering getting back on the bicycle.

Meanwhile, Russell Shapley, having survived Dana Point unscathed, suffered his second collarbone break this season in a crash a couple days later at CBR’s El Dorado Tuesday Twilight Racing Series. “Lucky” for him, the clavicle was a clean break so surgery was not required. While pretty chewed up, he’s able to get around while wearing his shoulder brace again and is reportedly healing slowly but surely.

Please keep Mike and Russell in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like, you can help lift their spirits by leaving a comment for them below. Your words of support and encouragement will definitely be most welcome.