Since some of you know my former Matrix teammate, sometimes travel buddy, and friend Thacker Reeves I thought I would pass along some news.  First let me bring those who don’t know up to speed by saying that he left my Richardson Bikemart / Matrix team this year for one of THE top two under-23 development teams in the country; Garmin-Transitions U-23.  This is the developmental team for a Tour-De-France team and would be akin to being drafted by the Yankees or something like that for their triple A team.  He was not going to be paid but other than that it operates like a pro team with pro-level support & management and all cycling expenses would be paid for including flights to/from races.  Then last night happened.  He was injured badly in a car accident and is undergoing serious surgery Tuesday night.  Details about the accident and his surgery can be found in the below e-mail which my team manager sent out this evening.  Please keep Thacker in your prayers.  -andrew-

——Forwarded Message—-

Hey Guys,

Jim and I went to Tyler today to visit Thacker in the hospital. He is in good spirits considering his injury (he’s on pain killers) and he feels lucky to not be injured worse. He and his family were stopped at a stop light near Tyler when an 18 wheeler hit their Suburban from behind at full speed. Thacker was sitting in the very back seat and luckily he had his seat belt on. The car was collapsed all around him his mom said and his bike that was in the back was broken in 3 pieces. He has multiple fractures of his T12 vertebrae and will need major fusion surgery to repair it. The surgery will include a bone graft from his hip. His surgery is scheduled for tonight and will last for about 4 hours. He will not be able to ride his bike outdoors for about 10 months until his back is completely healed. One good thing, Garmin has told him that they will stand by him and he will have a contract for him when he returns. This has given him hope and something to focus on.
I want to encourage you all to say a prayer for our buddy Thacker tonight.

Max

——End Forward—–

So, please keep Thacker in your thoughts and prayers.  He’s a great guy who is more than a great bike racer and has a bright future ahead of him on and off the bike.  I pray that he gets back to full strength and can live the dream that he was about to start living.

Thanks for reading,

-andrew-