Those pesky trees sure do get in the way! What a sad case!
Mike
http://ulsterherald.com/2013/05/17/mountain-biker-seriously-injured-in-gortin-glen-crash/
Mountain biker seriously injured in Gortin Glens
May 17, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Scott McAleer, who is recovering at home after his biking accident in the Gortin Glens.
A teenage mountain biker has called for the creation of proper trails in the Gortin Glens after a serious crash last week has left him needing medication for the rest of his life.
Scott McAleer, 15, was cycling with friends on Bank Holiday Monday when he collided with a tree and ruptured his spleen.
Finding difficulty breathing, his father rushed him to the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre in Omagh and he was sent immediately to Enniskillen hospital.
A scan quickly discovered he was bleeding internally and had lost two and a half litres of blood.
Although he had no visible bruises or marks, Scott ruptured his spleen in five places and was rushed to surgery at the South West Acute Hospital to have it removed.
This means that Scott will be more susceptible to catching infections and being sick and has been told by doctors he will have to take medication for the rest of his life.
The former motocross rider said, “I have been riding in the glens for the past three or four years and had been on this trail countless times. Last Monday I landed wrong and went flying into the tree and ruptured my spleen in five places. I thought I had maybe broken ribs as I found it very hard to breath.
“A few hours after the accident I was in theatre having my spleen removed.”
The bad news for Scott, however, is that he won’t be able to get back out on his mountain bike for at least another couple of months.
After being discharged from hospital on Saturday, the Drumragh College pupil said he hopes the trails could be upgraded in the future to make safer for others.
“Mountain biking has really taken off and is becoming really popular. The Gortin Glens is on our doorstep and is great but I would love to see proper, safe trails found in other areas as the tree I hit would probably have been cleared.
“I know accidents can happen to anyone but anything that can be done to make the trails safer and prevent somebody being seriously injured would be great to see.
“I have been to Blessingbourne and had planned to go to Davagh Forest where the trails are specially designed and this makes a huge difference to safety. I can’t wait to get back out on my bike in the glens in a couple of months as I really do love it.”
Survey to look at potential of forest park
Gortin Glens Forest Park could become a centre for outdoor tourism activities in the coming years.
An Omagh District Council study is currently investigating the potential of creating purpose built walking and mountain bike trails as well as a high rope courses.
Chris Scott, from Outdoor Adventure NI, told the Ulster Herald this has the potential to attract a huge volume of tourists to the area.
He also believes it would have wider economic benefits for the entire community. Chris organised for a council delegation to travel to the Lake District a few months ago to see similar developments.
Providing an update of the plans, a council spokesperson said, “Omagh District Council has agreed to commission Outdoor Recreation NI to undertake a feasibility study to look at the way forward for developing outdoor tourism activities at Gortin Glen Forest Park. This work is being taken forward in partnership with all relevant stakeholders including Forestry Services.”
Chris also highlighted the success of the investment in outdoor trails in areas like Rostrever and most recently Davagh Forest near Cookstown.
He said the natural resources already make the Gortin Glens an attractive location for similar development.
The outdoor activities consultant said, “Omagh council approached us to look at Gortin Glens in a more holistic way, not just in terms of mountain biking but also walking, trails, culture trails, high rope courses to make it an activity hub for the area. We brought a group of councillors and council staff on a very successful trip to the Lake District and gave them a really good feel what was required.
“There is massive potential for the Gortin Glens and is exactly what this area needs. There are lots of bits and pieces of recreation in the area but a large centre like this will help draw people in and enjoy the forest park but also enjoy the other surrounding areas.”