Kyle Strait Air-Lifted from the Red Bull Rampage Course After Crash in Practice
Kyle Strait and Cam Zink have teamed up on their line again this year.
Kyle Strait has been air-lifted from the Red Bull Rampage course by helicopter after a crash on the drop that leads him into the top of the Oakley Sender zone. He rear wheel cased and got bucked a long ways down the landing.
Luca Cometti, who has been documenting Kyle's Rampage campaign this year, posted on Instagram that "Big dog had a big tumble. Going into surgery soon to stabilize a broken T6 vertebrae. Also broke T4-T5 but those are stable. @kylestrait all the healing vibes."
We hate to see anyone take a slam like this, and wish Kyle the best in his recovery.
We hate to see anyone take a slam like this, and wish Kyle the best in his recovery.
Healing vibes to Kyle.
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Not saying that Rampage isn't gnarly, but there aren't multiple fatalities every time they have it.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before someone checks out at one of these really high risk events though.
Why do people think that reward is only measured in cash. The meaning of life is dopamine. Get it however you can
Something about putting a camera on the riders and luring them to take bigger and bigger risks through promises of glory so a promoter can make money off them crosses the line for me
Nauseating.
-Theodore Roosevelt
So true. Its why we mere mortals keep breaking stuff and jumping back on the bike to push ourselves 6 weeks later, too.
my mom is always like, "this is not a safe job for you."
and i'll say: "mom, i'd be doing this anyways, so it might aswell be my job."
Source: www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/father-son-take-isle-man-tt-deaths-five-2022-2022-06-11
I'm not sure that adds much to the conversation around Rampage and I always figuratively watch with my hands covering my eyes. Here's hoping Kyle is ok and the other riders stay safe today.
You're upset about a problem that doesn't appear to exist.
I'm sure the racers approach it the same way that most skilled athletes look at doing dangerous things. I'm an older guy and I've been forced to abandon some of the risk activities that I pursued throughout my life. But while I was still climbing big walls, paddling big rivers and climbing and snowboarding big mountains I always firmly believed that my skills and athleticism would protect me (despite lots of empirical evidence to the contrary).
If you do dangerous things your belief in yourself is your greatest protection. I never tried anything that I wasn't at least pretty sure I'd be able to do.
I'm sure everyone at Rampage, or for that matter the Isle of Man believes they're going to succeed.
It's invitation only right? and you weren't invited so,..no worries.
Only the best of the best get the chance to send it....they are all adults and clearly aware of the risks Involved ...for what ever reason they do it..I'm betting very few do it for any financial reward...
By that logic, why not do major league gladiatorial games? Just pay them enough and watch them kill each other.
There is so much more to life and the risk of rampage is absolutely enormous. It really is matter of time before this shit happens when the risk is that high and for what exactly? Do they just keep going until it does happen? They need to be smarter of they want to actually live a healthy life in the future. Particularly when they have kids. My wife looks after her quadraplegic uncle some days and that shit ruined so many lives when it happened. Two of his sister's are now his full time carers, their children got forgotten about for a few years when it happened then they eventually get roped in to help too. His mum had her life destroyed by it and of course he no longer has a good quality of life a spends most of his time paranoid about having a UTI. Everyone in the family is affected by it so these guys really need to have a look at themselves. It's not just them involved.
These are the type of people who throughout history would've been making huge leaps in human evolution with new discoveries and inventions, uncovered by pushing the perceived boundaries of the time. They are the reason you can live a sheltered and comfortable life in modern times.
A world made up of people with only your mindset would be dull and stagnant, and a long way back from where we are today.
My attitude to risk taking is probably more liberal than 95% of the population but i am willing to draw a line particularly when the activity is extraordinarily high risk. Lots of people who have achieved great things make bad calls and hang on too long.
Also, I would say there is very little or no correlation between people who take high risks in extreme sports and those who are innovators in business or even back in the day exploring the world. They had totally different motivations and I don't think they would look too kindly on what would be seen as a child's sport by people from that time (all sport was considered a frivolous past time back in the old days that could result in a life ending/altering injury due to the fact medical care was so limited). As far as I'm aware most of silicone valley isn't out there freesoloing rock faces....I know lots of engineering graduates and none of them are into extreme sports but many of them are well on their way to the top of their field....funny that.
Anyway, I hope Kyle heels from this as it is potentially a life changer.
These aren't reckless risks, they are calculated risks. These guys know their abilities and while luck plays a part, it's a relatively small part. Just because some people are able to push themselves further than you doesn't make them reckless.
The first ocean voyages, flights, space missions, and countless more world changing events were not possible without extreme risk.
These engineering graduates you speak of are learning from material compiled with information that hasn't always been known. Guess how a lot of this knowledge came to be.......people taking risks on the unknown and finding out what can be done.
* how is it possible that anyone has been at every Rampage for 20 years?!
I went to the U of U Hospital and they fused T2-8.
The most humbling thing was that I recovered in a neuro rehab where I didn't see much other recovery.
{{{{{{{{{{{{healing vibes to Kyle}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Honestly, I don't notice unless I think about it. Mostly. I do have pain and temperature sensation issues, which could be way worse. And they've improved over the years even though I was told that would not happen. I have an incomplete lesion on my spinal cord and I technically have Brown Sequard syndrome, where I have criss crossed sensory symptoms. The temperature sensation, or lack of it, is most notable in hot springs/tubs, and only on my left side. Closer to the injury, I drew blood stubbing my left toe more than once and didn't feel any pain. On the right side, if I'm really fatigued, I have clonus like spasms in my right leg. I also have a babinski reflex on my right foot. [I married a Physical Therapist, not that I listen to her suggestions!]
but mostly I don't even think about it. And still do lots of fun stuff.
... I've had other recoveries too. All good so far.
Take care and hoping for positive outcome/full recovery.
However, considering the upvotes that seems to be a statement that can always safely be made…
Here’s to a speedy recovery Kyle.
Surgery went well, on the road to recovery now. He has feeling in all of his extremities and was able to walk a little bit today with a spine brace and help from the DR.
Well wishes are simply showing empathy or showing someone that they are on their side emotionally. If that showing of empathy bothers people it's more a sign of antisocial personality disorder than it is a sign of intelligence.
Kyle is one of us...when you saw him at the bike park or the trails, he was always friendly and willing to take a pic or chat with a grom. What other sport do you have close access to one of the iconic athletes in the sport? As mountain bikers, we share have a unique ability to have a shared experience.
There is a very valid conversation that need to occur about the financial protections needed to compete in these events but in the meantime we should sending healing vibes and figuring out how we can help one of our own.
him and 90 percent of the comments are about it’s too dangerous or no it’s not. f*ck off.
Kyle is legend ; would have been more fitting to see him end it on his own terms.
Going to go throw my first sui tomorrow. Probably end up in the hospital.
I hope redbull/sponsors look after these guys if they get wiped out!
Get well soon mate
How is Kyle doing?
cam: kyle, were you sick this week what was the problem?
kyle: I broke my back
cam: what do you mean by that?
kyle: my back in broken
cam: a vertebrae?
kyle: spinal