Geejo

I'm in the same camp with Buddy. Been plugging my nail biten tires and patching my tubes for 35 yrs of riding without problems. My Wally World now has a huge "Slime" patch and plug section. In my opinion, the big secret to plugging a tubeless tire is to notice the direction that the nail went in, and insert the plug material in the same direction. Use the included rubber cement to coat the plug for insertion. I personally use the rasp tool as a last resort only. Why make a 6 penny nail hole larger by inserting a rasp that has the dia of a 16 penny nail? Don't forget that there is no law that says you can't use 2 plug "wicks" in the same hole if one doesn't do it. Snip off the excess with side cutting pliers. check for leaks with soapy water or coat the repair with spit. Not smart to do any sidewall repairs, too much flex. replace the tire, save a life. period. lets Ride!

I still have two sets left from Vogel. $35 + $4.95 in USPS flat rate shipping box. pm me for details.

yikes! That's the exact face he was making on his fourth day when the nurse asked him if he needed a stool softener!

I vote for Tricia as Venture Guardian Angel. oh wait, I think she already is................... Tricia: we can't thank you enough for taking your extremely busy & limited time in the middle of packing & moving your residence to put that on the back burner and drive to the hospital each day and assist Tom. you say its what you do....I say its what Angels do. Thank You, is what we say for your generous compassion, and that seems inadequate. For all you have done for Tom during his lonely stay in a hospital far away from his home, you have our utmost appreciation and sincere graditude for a job well done. May God and his Angels continue to watch over you and keep you in their mists. You have a huge heart and are one special person whom Tom and the rest of the Venture family won't forget. Your the best!

To all: I spent the last two days with Tom. Yesterday afternoon while I was visiting, he had his lung drain tube removed. It was a source of major irriation and what he wanted most to be rid of. He was so happy when the 2 Drs. came in to remove it. Just moving the wrong way caused intense searing pain. I thought it was from the broken ribs or collarbone, but Tom could feel the tube causing the pain. When I saw the size of the tube being removed, I can only imagine the ordeal he is experiencing with that tube in his chest. After I left him at 9 pm my first evening, a nurse came in and spent over three+ hours addressing his road rash and reapplying dressings. Tom said that he was able to shift position a bit in bed without sticking to the sheets after that. We agreed that the overall care he is receiving is excellent. One of the day nurses is also a biker..and it shows with the care and extra concern she has for Tom. While I was there, the Venture Riders flowers and Bear arrived, and it just lit up his day. He is amazed that so many care...This Venture group is the best...keep it coming. He is such a trooper, enduring searing pain and having to grit his teeth just to move or reposition a bit. He is able to sit up and yesterday took a long walk with his physical theripist, so he is now cleared to go to his bathroom without calling for assistance. The problem is getting to the sitting or standing position in order to do that without disturbing all the broken ribs. Then another ordeal to reach for and use the toilet paper without moving your broken collerbone...almost impossible without enduring severe pain. To those riders who have been there, done that, I need say no more. Hats off to Cowboy and Randy, who drove for 5 or more hours to secure his personal belongings and assist on getting his police report & claim started, as well as GaWildCat, who has been there since day 1 to help manuveur him so he could sit up, (she taught me) also get him personal items not available and update him on the Venture Riders website posts. In closing, you can see it all in his smile. Each passing day he gets more strength, he is eating very well, and naturally, anxious to get home to Florida. The pain he endured to sit up for the picture and make a couple phone calls is surely a welcome relief to all concerned. Pray for his continued recovery & visit any way you can. Y'all are a caring bunch of riders, and Lori & I are proud to be a part of this Venture family. Lori & George Guerin Snellville Ga.