Dammit - this is horrible. I met Chris earlier in the year at the Spark Plug Enduro. Super nice guy, plus he did awesome at the Paris-Dakar this year. I heard he's having surgery today up in Reno. This is all I know from the web:

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My dad is out driving the pre run for Vegas to Reno desert race and called to tell me Chris went down today and broke his back. Last they heard he didn't have movement from the waist down. That is what they heard on run out there so info may be sketchy for sure. They said he did have a Leatt brace on and he broke his back down at the bottom of the back piece. So it might have transfered the load lower. Who knows. I gues he hit a rock in the sand and it kick the rear. Again this is just what they are hearing out there. But they did drive by when they were trying to get him out of there. But the details could be off.

Chris Blais was the Top American at the 2007 Dakar Rally with a 3rd place Overall finish and also the Top American in the 2006 Dakar Rally with a 4th place Overall. For those who might want to know more about Chris:

Chris Blais Racing

Bad news Tom, Chris is a great guy and a real off-road hero. Prayers and good thoughts for our brother.

any chance the Leatt brace is at all to blame?

Clearly nobody knows at the moment and it's all speculation for now.

Latest from various spots on the web:

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Here's some information I found on Thumpertalk: (Pepebaja) "Chris fractured his back, 7P vertebra pre-running the Vegas to Reno course. He under-went surgery yesterday to have it fused. He was about 8 miles out of Pit 8, when he a chuck hole full of silt it was something very small on a flat road, but it really sent the bike up on its front wheel, from what I understand he tried to ride it out but couldn't." (Bajabound) T 7 It was a very tense situation. Helo took quite a while to arrive. J.Campbell was the 1st on scene, TT'er MexiHonkey was next, then a truck, then Jennifer and I. Johnny was AMAZING. I've know him for about 25 years but only recently have I really gotten to know him. He is so strong, positive, a leader, and inspirational. Jennifer too impressed me incredibly. She showed so much strength and positive action in such a bad situation. I am a fortunate person that she'll have me. Kent Kroeker (a truck guy - KORE Off Road) was also an incredible person to have at the scene. His knowledge, word choice, and attitude impressed me to no end. I am thankfull and proud of everyone who helped in the situation. I was a nothing part of this situation, the others around were so fantastic. Gabe Williams, Sunderland Racing, Quinn Cody, Dave Pearson, Darren Skilton, and some others but I don't know who they are. Prayers Chris.... The amadistric37.org website message board has updates

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More: "Patty called: She said that Chris was always awake and that he said he is in surgery now and that it would take @ 3 hrs. He should be out around 9 tonight. It is in his lower back and there is something (a bone fragment?) touching his spine she said, the way I understood it. He thought that he could feel his legs, but that the doctors said he probably cannot at this time from the swelling. The doctors said that neck brace he wears probably made a world of difference." "I just spoke with Nick, and he said Chris made it through surgery OK. The doctors were happy with the way the surgery went."

Oh, that is terrible news....
Chris Blais is such a great guy and a fantastic rider. Just goes to show how quickly it can happen to even the best of us.

Fortunately, it sounds like he got qualified help as soon as possible.
Our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

-- E-Ticket

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Here's the latest off the District 37 board. Best Wishes, Destry www.destryabbott.com Originally Posted by ~Gidget~ Quote: Hi Everyone ~ I'm only home for about an hour and I will read all of your wonderful posts later tonight when I get back up to Chris in Reno. I want to read these to him via our laptop. I need to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to ALL OF YOU and to ALL OF OUR OFF-ROAD FAMILY for the outpouring of love, concern, thoughts, and prayers. I cannot tell you how much all of this support means to us and is helping us get through this tough spot. Chris' spirits and attitude is nothing but positive. He said he has NO REGRETS and would not change a thing. He said he may save someone's life by being a good example because he feels that the LEATT BRACE truly saved his life and his injuries could have been way worse. More details on the accident later... I don't have time for much info right now. I promise to get on here some time tonight or tomorrow and give more accurate details and information. We truly appreciate all of you for all the phone calls, visitors, text messages, thoughts and prayers. I'm speechless and cannot even begin to tell you how amazing you all are and I mean people are coming out of the woodwork for Chris and boy, it really says a lot about our OFF-ROAD FAMILY! People who live in Reno who we've never met are coming in to see Chris and offer up their homes and cars for us to use. Amazing! Thank you all and God Bless!!! Feel free to call me. It truly is helping me. I know I don't always answer but I am trying to call everyone back within 24 hours - 714-423-4180. I'm hanging in there too and just trying to be strong for my hubby. Next week might be a different story so you better call me soon! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

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This is from Mikey Childress on the District 37 board: Quote: Well here is the scoop...We are going to put the donation thing on hold for a little while.....I have talked to several people about this and when you take donations for a person....sometimes insurance will pull there coverage. So Quinn Cody is going to talk to a lawyer today and see what steps we need to take for this process. We dont want to make it harder on Chris even though we are all trying to make it better..I will post more info when I know.

Sorry to hear he has been hurt!

I may burn in hell for this, but at the same time, It kind of bothers me that everytime a major superstar gets hurt, they get some kind of charity thing going.

Now, granted, I donated to the David Bailey fund a while back but at the same time, here are my thoughts.

Being a 100% thinking investor, and businessman now, I have put my racing on the back burner, and dream of the days when I could race for a living, but know it is just not feasible for me, nore do I want to take the risk of losing it all for a sport that just does not give back much.

Yet these guys do it for a living, get paid pretty good for it I'm sure, and at the same time don't you think they should have adequate insurance, and a back up plan just in case this happens.

An insurance rider that says If I get hurt seriously I get X amount of dollars just like Jeff Emig did?

Also, how about the poor guy that hurts himself, and does not get the fame and fortune for it, and has to suck it up.

For example last year when I tore my Achilles tendon, and hobbled around my house trying to make it happen?

Granted, I did not break my back, but at the same time, I have major protection for myself, and my business just in case something like this happens.

Am I being unreasonable in being a little sour about the charity stuff?



Either way, I do hope he gets back up to full speed, and all of you working racers, please do us all a favor, and have the right insurance, it is well worth it just in case...........

rob russell wrote:

An insurance rider that says If I get hurt seriously I get X amount of dollars just like Jeff Emig did?

A special Loyds of London policy?! How many of the very top guys have that set-up?!

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Either way, I do hope he gets back up to full speed, and all of you working racers, please do us all a favor, and have the right insurance, it is well worth it just in case... Granted, I did not break my back, but at the same time, I have major protection for myself, and my business just in case something like this happens.

I have looked into "dangerous activity" insurance.
Can you share what company covers you in a race?
What do you consider "major protection"?


In our brotherhood of racers, one big way to show strength and love is with $.
When people are in need or hurt, they ask for money, or take what is offered.
Not because they want to, mostly it is because they simply have to.

The feeling i get when i sit with a 16 year old in a wheelchair,
and write him a check for his recovery, is better than any hole shot or race win!

This is a great chance to give to those that need it.
Do you know what people say when you give to them?

They almost always say "God bless you!"
How rare it is to be blessed by another, in our society!

Be a part of the sport that gives back to it's own.
Send love in the form of a check, or a card, or a letter.

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Cards and letters for Doug Henry can be sent to Yamaha Motor Corporation, attn: Racing Department at 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA. 90630. Doug plans to appear at the October 1st Supermoto race in Reno, Nevada to sign autographs and greet his fans.

Fallen heros inspire our lives,
we need to support them directly.

Anyone who takes a fall can count on me to help in anyway possible.
The best is to give before someone needs to ask!

(Personally i believe the more you give in this life, the more you get out of the next one!)
(That is why there are so many snakes in Texas! - KARMA!)
(That is why we are here now and we get to race motorcycles in Oregon!)

Hope, Faith, and Charity.
The 3 sisters. Tall and mighty.
All connected, all the time.

Peace through giving and getting blessings for something besides a wet sneeze!
r

Thanks for the inspiration.

We just have completely different mindsets on the world of motorcycle racing.

I care and support my Tennant's from my rentals and really take care of them well!

Kristi and I pride ourselves on being one of the fairest, honest landlords out there.

I also really appreciate my many suppliers, and neighbors of my rentals, and the list goes on and on.

It is a great win win situation.

I have even had rent come in a few months late, for a few that I know are in some tough times, and we ride it out together, and they love the respect, and caring that comes with that.

As far as the sport of motorcycle racing, when I spend about 2-3 hours total writing up a race report that I try to make fun to read, and really try to show the value of my sponsors products so it does not sound like a huge sales pitch, and not One of them even replies with a thanks, it is pretty lame!

Also, look at Rory Sullivan, kicking butt, and he gets 2 or 3 compliments from about 92 views?

I think, me you and Tom where the only ones?????

And the list goes on and one.

No, I fell that this sport is a pretty selfish one, and you have to be very thick skinned, and ready to drop some serious coin to do it, and it is way dangerous!



As far as major protection:

Great Insurance program through my wife, and also with our Real Estate Business.

And reserves saved up and assets to sell in case the worst happens.

Life is just as simple as choices that you make on a hour to hour, day to day, month to month basis.

You chose to work, or you chose to play, and the second one does not pay to well, and when you get hurt playing, and you have not worked enough to cover the cost of playing, then don't expect the world to come help you out?

Again, this attitude only comes from my personal experiences of pouring my heart and soul into racing, and not to mention at least a down payment on a house, and not getting back hardly a THANK-YOU, so I chose to now spend my time energy and money into something that at least is paying me, and going to provide me with a secure retirement.

I'm glad not everyone thinks the same, the world would be a pretty boring one at that!

Peace Rich..........

R&R,
Good comments. I look at it this way, that the only person in life who is going to take care of you, is you. I also find it challenging to partake (or not get overwhelmed) when so many notable people get injured. I attribute it to our current, global times, where the world has shrunk. Can I help any rider who gets injured that I hear about? Hardly, especially at my meager income! In this case, I've met Chris and will make a donation out of a brotherhood and fellow racer respect. There are so many others I do not know. If (Heaven forbid) I ever got injured, I would be uplifted by getting help from my friends. I've had personal friends end up in the same situation as Chris and I've helped as best I can. I figure it's better than donating to an administrative sponge like United Way or something, as I know the donation will go where I want it. I still remember being floored when Magoo got paralyzed and actually winced when I heard of David Bailey's injury, then Fonseca, then Doug (Mr. Inspiration!) Henry, now Chris. In these internet times, it does seem overwhelming, but you just do what motivates you. You shouldn't feel awkward if you cannot or do not feel compelled.

As far as support from other racers, I view it just like word-of-mouth advertising: if someone's happy with a product, they'll tell one person. If they're unhappy with a product, they'll tell 10 people. Same thing here with race/ride reports, if it sucks, people will clamber all over it - if it rocks, hardly a peep. I've been writing race/ride reports for years and once in a great while I'll get a kind word from someone that actually took the time to read one and it gets me stoked. At the Devil's Head ISDE, Keith Cayton made a kind comment about my Friday Funnies and I was floored! Sponsors really don't have to respond to a ride report, since that's what you signed up to do. If they sponsor you for another year, assume you did good!

Rob, you are right in pursuing something that has an ROI. Racing is just like guitarists: there are a gazillion and only a few make the big time, so don't forget your day job.

My .02,
-Tom