Former club president (2004 to 2010) and lifelong student of athletics, Bruce Davie, was in the hospital between July 1 and July 6 following a fairly severe bicycle crash. By some fearful symmetry of his downhill velocity plus angular momentum along the twisty tarmac, and the uphill torque of a hybrid electric car, Californian physicists were finally able to answer the open question of how many sub-Davie particles could be created via a phenomenon they are calling the “Prius Effect.”
The answer from this experiment of one indicates thirteen new particles, called vertebrae, ribs, shoulder blade and collar bone. Those new particles are being held in place by the strong force (also known as titanium plates and screws and a neck brace), at least until the weak force (consisting largely of chocolate and milky coffee) can incrementally anneal Bruce’s bones. The bicycle, constructed of basically the same carbon fiber as the controversial Flex-Foot Cheetah, was returned unscathed.
Now back at the new home in Menlo Park, CA, Bruce recovers under the watchful eyes of his companion Christy Bonstelle and their trained service cat, Paula Bondavie. Bruce is in extremely good spirits, and in conversation spoke of this as a life-changing, life-affirming experience. He may also just be happy because he is repeatedly told that he is “young and healthy” and “really fit” by just about every health care professional who crosses his path. Of course, these qualities are expected of solid Greater Boston stock.
I’m cautiously optimistic that Bruce will pull through this about as well as he did during a pair of knee surgeries; he has proven himself to be a good healer. In his own words about the road to recovery, “I follow instructions and I understand how to trade long-term gains against short-term ones. This is a lot like arranging a marathon training plan. Many goals, & steps to achieve them, like doing my PT and managing nutrition.”
Bruce is eager and available to correspond through all the usual channels, including via his blog, twitter, facebook, email, and for brief periods over the phone. Do drop him a line.
Update: Bruce has suggested that rather than sending him flowers or other consumables to please consider making a tax deductible donation to the GBTC, one of his favorite charitable organizations. To make a donation, please click on the “Donate” button below to use PayPal to charge your donation to your credit card. Please mention this post when PayPal asks for the donation “Purpose.”
Thank you from the Greater Boston Track Club.
