Mike Aitken Injury & Fund Updates
FatTony
- October 07 2008
- 16,641 views
- 141 comments
You can now view updates on Mike Aitken from his family on mikeaitken.com.
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Official Press Release From The ARF (Athlete Recovery Fund)
Mike Aitken is a Professional BMX rider in need of our help. Mike is an icon in the sport of BMX and is someone who rides with incredible style and passion for the sport. He is also a proud husband and a father. Read the message below from his brother Jeremy Aitken:
“Mike Aitken has been hospitalized in serious condition. While in Pennsylvania over the weekend, Mike was seriously injured when he over-rotated a 360. He is currently in the ICU unit and has not regained consciousness. His injuries include a fractured eye socket, sinus and both sides of his jaw. A CAT scan shows no swelling on his brain. As soon as any changes in his status are available, we will pass them on. Thank you for your faith, prayers, and support of Mike and his family. They are needed and greatly appreciated.”10/6/2008
This is a time when we can pull together to make a huge difference in Mike’s recovery. No amount is too small and if everyone pulls together and offers a little bit we can make a dent in the medical bills to come.
Ways for you to help:
www.5050bmx.com There is a link and a Paypal account set up for Mike and his family.
www.athleterecoveryfund.com Click the “Make a donation button” and because ARF is a 501(c)3 Non Profit the PayPal fees are less than most anywhere else, meaning more of your donation goes to Mike and his family. All donations made at this time go directly to Mike Aitken and his family.
Mail a check to:
Athlete Recovery Fund c/o Mike Aitken
27636 Ynez Road L-7 #284
Temecula, CA 92591
Write check payable to Mike Aitken
Athlete Recovery Fund is in the process of providing a grant to also assist Mike and his family through this tough time. While extremely unfortunate this is the reason why we started our charity. For the PayPal and mailing address we are simply helping coordinate donations with the approval of Mike Aitken’s family. For large donations or concerns about receiving tax deductibility please contact aaron@athleterecoveryfund.com.
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We posted in the news earlier this morning that Mike Aitken took a bad crash in Pennsylvania yesterday and is in the hospital. 50/50 BMX has set up a donation fund to help him out. Expect to see more updates on this post with fund raisers and other things you can do to help out a fellow rider in need.
Click here to go to the Mike Aitken Fund on the 50/50 site and make a donation.
To upload photos or videos, 
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October 6th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
how bad was the spill? Knowing the wild shit this guy does i’m guessing it wasn’t an easy one.
get well soon mang!
October 6th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
sorry i just read the first post on keeping the details secret out of respect. That can’t be good, best of luck Mikey. Your part in Fitlife blew my f-ing mind! Im hoping to see a lot more in the future.
October 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
He´ll come back soon.
Best of luck for him and his family. Must be a bummer for his wife and his son but as i said before, he´ll do it.
That no-insurance thing is a kind of shitty, but in some way it his fault, isn´t it?! A Pro-rider without health insurance…irony?
I´m wondering if he keeps that ridin´ up after that crash…i mean he has a wife an a son…hmm, don´t know, we´ll see.
October 6th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Yo, you got some nerve, you have no idea what the troubles are to get insurance as a rider, You should just keep your mouth shut, when you do not know what your talking about.
October 6th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
yea I’m with elf you do got some f-ing nerve. I met mike for the first time on Friday and he is a rad ass dude. what happened to him sucks and could happen to anyone that rides.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Dude I think Mike Aitken is an inspiration to anyone who rides due to his effortless style.. I mean did you see him at the salt lake city stop on the dew tour? Mikey is definitely one in a million as a rider… Get better soon Mikey
October 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Watch your mouth, out of respect for his friends and family. This is not the right place to be a “no it all”
October 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
God bless him and his fam.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
all of us surely will praying for your quick recovering mike,blessings for you an for your wife and son too.
guadalajara mexico salute you. get well soon buddy¡¡¡¡¡
October 6th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
terrible news, mikey is a great rider. i’m hoping he pulls through for at least his family’s sake.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
the guy talkin shit really needs to shut his mouth. Mikey you are an icon to millions of riders. i know that you have it in you to keep throwin down.FITLIFE GET WELL MIKEY. god bless your famliy and yourself
October 6th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
shame on Fit and S&m for not taking care of there riders and making sure they are covered. I dont care if elf takes issue with what i say either. Riders put their health at risk for their respective companies, and they dont have them covered? No one pushes themselves harder than mikey, fit should have him covered.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
All the more reason to vote for me…. Health Insurance.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I met mikey last year on the Props Rock & Roll BMX tour in Grand Rapids, MI. Quite possibly one of the most down to earth characters i’ve ever met, that of course being said about his personality. We all know he flies off everything imaginable on a bike. One thing that struck me is how proud of a father he is and how excited he was that his son was already taking on an interest in BMX. My thoughts are with you and your family! Get well bro, there’s too many good riders getting stuck with bad luck.
STAY STRONG
-Steve
October 6th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Mike is a good friend of mine and i don´t appreciate people disrecpecting him saying he should of had health insurance or some bullshit like that. Get educated people! We all need to come together and realize that this isn´t about Mike not having health insurance, it is about our twisted heathcare system which places profit over people and the bottom line over everything else. In the capitalist system if you do not have the ability to pay for a particular service you must suffer (the case that mike may have the abilitly to pay for insurance is irrelevant). If you can´t pay for healthcare, you will die from preventable disease. If you can´t afford food you will stay hungry. If you can´t afford to go to school you will stay illiterate or die in an imperialist war in some far off land killing innocent poeple for resources because you couldn´t afford to go to college. These are fundatmental human rights that should be guarenteed under any respectable social contract!
So please let´s come together to support my dear friend and not argue about trival things that completely miss the problem at hand.
Get well mikey and i will buy you all the root beer you want from the Pie!
October 6th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
This isn’t about Mike not being able to afford insurance, he could. He’s just too high risk for companies to be willing to cover him.
As far as Fit is concerned, Rob-O loves Mike like a brother and flew out to be with him as soon as he heard. So don’t go bashing Fit for not taking care of Mike.
Bottom line, Mike is an amazing rider and an amazing person. If you want to show him your support donate, because that’s all we can really do to help him at this point.
You’re in our prayers Mikey.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Dude that’s horrible to hear, I’m sorry you down and out right now Mike I really hope you get well soon, one of my friends is out there ridding with you told me what happened. huge bummer, Get well soon dude!!!
October 6th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
hey just showin some love from california, i love ur ridin, sick ass hell, i hope i can get close to as good as you, get well so u can go do some more videos!!! FITLIFE, GET WELL MIKE!!!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 12:32 am
mike aitken is amazing. super cool guy and amazing rider. you can hate me for this, but i think helmets are more important than image. he wouldn’t be in this position if he wore a helmet. it is a shame that such a talented rider is going to be out for no reason
October 7th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Here’s the scoop.
“Recently, Mike traveled out to Pennsylvania to have a week of riding at the infamous Posh trails. Mike over-rotated a 360 and hit his head pretty bad, and it is believed he had a seizure when he initially went down. He’s currently in the hospital and is being watched closely by the doctors. He is on assisted breathing, doctors are giving him medication for pain and are medicating him to keep him unconscious for the time being. He currently has movement in his right leg and arm but only when pain induced, his left side is responding normally. The doctors say that this is fairly normal for an injury of this type and are hopeful for his recovery.”
The entire 5050 crew loves you like true family. You know this!! Get well soon brother!
October 7th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Haha!! Hell yeah Yoda, good words! Utah misses you man!
As for Mike, he’s made all the right moves to do what he can for himself and his family. He’s the dude that helps someone else out before helping himself. So much good energy around that guy! Get well soon man! Soda’s on me.
October 7th, 2008 at 1:36 am
if thats true then holy shit.
even if its not get well soon mikey. your too good of a rider to let health insurance to be your downfall. besides if the most copied rider quits riding who are we all going to copy haha.
i wish you the best of luck and im going to pray that you make a full recovery.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:25 am
It’s so harsh to see comments like that on such a touchy subject. Riders push themselves for their own reasons and nobody should be looked down upon for pushing their abilities. Sounds like most of these kids posting comments have their parents pay for their bike parts, and more importantly, their living expenses. Please realize that an amazing person who is so dedicated to this sport is going through what sounds like a life changing experience and show him some support. God bless Mike and good luck through the recovery, we all know your capable of anything.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:43 am
I have lived and have rode BMX in Utah all of my life. Mike Aitken has always been the nicest guy. Just to chat with him and see him ride, is like a different world. From the time i started BMX, until the moment i write this, he has ben a solid inspiration to me. If you are petty enough to write such crude and unjustified comments, you certainly have no place in BMX, and moreover, to anyone else that cares. If you really care at any rate, I am certain that most people dont have health insurance as it is. It takes a lot of guts to not have health insurance in his line, but it takes true dedication to a family, where you risk life and limb to support them. If anyone has anything else to say, in any mannerism that Mikey will stop or is a anything else but a respectful and dedicated person, please take it somewhere else. To all of those that know him, watch him, respect him… Please send what you can- especially best of wishes and prayers. To the Guys here in the SLC, we know who we are. We need him back, as does the entire BMX community.
Best Wishes Mike- to you and your family.
October 7th, 2008 at 4:48 am
I havent been following freestyle for quite sometime now so I’m not too familiar with mikes recent riding but last year was one hell of a dark year for bmx with stephen murray’s crash and I hope we dont have to share that kind of sorrow and shock again…get well soon mike!
October 7th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Get well soon, Mike!
My thoughts are with you and your family!
October 7th, 2008 at 6:06 am
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU MIKE, GET WELL SOON!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 7:06 am
mike you will be in my prayers and also your family for your recovery. get well soon
October 7th, 2008 at 7:24 am
guys, guys…i think u understood it the wrong way. Mike is definitely a huge inspiration for riders…for me too, i´m happy to see anything of him, his videoparts are mostly the best in my eyes and i watch them over and over again.
Maybe i need to apologize. I´m from Germany and i got to say, it is not that hard here to get a health insurance (it´s described in the law to have one, so it´s a duty). We´ve got private ones and state-offered insurances, so everybody is able to have a health insurance.
I really didn´t know it´s such a trouble there to have insurance, i´m sorry.
October 7th, 2008 at 7:28 am
I really didn´t know about your health-insurance-system. I thought it is might be the same as here (germany), because here it´s not legal to don´t have insurance.
I´m really sorry.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Like many professional riders, Mike’s BMX career makes health insurance companies consider him too high of a risk, and he is deemed “Uninsurable”. Despite multiple attempts to obtain health insurance he is currently uninsured. The donations that have been offered and support that has been shown are greatly appreciated.
mikeaitken.com
October 7th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I hope he get well soon and can ride like before!
God bless you Mike!
October 7th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I defenetly hope that Mike will be OK soon.
Because its like Dave Mirra said on Sentenced to Life”Hes one of the most talented,creative,interesting raiders if ever seen.He´s pretty untouchable.”
so best wishes for Mike and his family
I stand behind you
October 7th, 2008 at 8:54 am
you’re a fucking idiot. shut your mouth.
October 7th, 2008 at 9:04 am
first and foremost mikey and the aitken family both mine and my wifes thoughts and prayers go out to you. secondly people you shiuldn’t worry about if he was wearing a helmet or if he has health insurance this is a great inspiration to all of us we should be more concerned about helping and supporting him and his family best of luck mikey to you and yours
October 7th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Mike Aitken is a fantastic talent in our sport. He is a respected personality. He is a family man. He is in the BMX business. His accident is tragic, but sometimes out of the ashes can come something good.
“Wear your helmet” is one such good.
For those who would blame our medical system, The United States will continue to be capitalist. The system here is not the enemy. The true enemies are ignorance and the evil that exists in the hearts of men. These are relatively independent of a society’s system of provision (capitalism or communism). For what it’s worth, take a look at the corruption that occurred in non capitalist systems like China, Korea, Nazi Germany, and Russia.
Aitken is in the BMX business. His sponsorship of Fit bikes generates a good deal of revenue for Scott and Moeller and Fit Bike Co. That said, insurance is a cost of doing business for them both. If they can’t insure their riders (whether coming out of Mike’s salary or Fit Bike Co operating budget), they should look into another business. Riders are the front-line sales force. Without sales, there is no Fit Bike Co. Riders like Mike Aitken deserve protection from risk, whatever the cost. If they can’t be protected, we must do a serious re-evaluation of the BMX business.
As a team manager I speak from experience on the following.
The cheapest insurance policy for a professional rider is about $35. It is a helmet. As team manager and Fit Bike Co big cheese, the best thing Rob-o can do to protect his investment is to require (or at a minimum, encourage) his riders to wear helmets. If - hypothetically - Rob-o actually encourages his riders NOT to wear helmets, I couldn’t express how careless a business decision that would be.
If Mike Aitken was wearing his helmet, he might not be with us. If he wasn’t wearing a helmet, he may have avoided this whole mess by wearing one.
Mike Aitken inspires me with his riding. He is an asset to BMX, and BMX can’t afford to lose him. Or Gary Young. Or Dennis McCoy. Or Mat Hoffman. Or Ruben Torres. Or Joey Harding. Or Dakota Roche. Or…
Sincerely,
John Dale
RedEndo BMX
Tucson, Arizona
October 7th, 2008 at 9:53 am
As some of you know, I was at the trails with Mikey when he crashed as were a number of other guys. Everyone there stepped up and did their very best to help get Mikey to the hospital asap. He’s in good care now, and if you’ve ever met Mikey, you know that he’s one of the toughest dudes there is and he’s going to pull through this.
His wife and parents are at the hospital with him. I’m not going to give any details or information here, I’ll leave that up to his family. Mikey’s dad has been feeding information to his son, Mikey’s brother, Jeremy Aitken to pass on to everyone. And he’s been working with Aaron Cooke on the fundraiser stuff.
I’d like to ask that all of you reading this step up and rise to the occasion. Don’t write dumb or uneducated comments. This isn’t the time or place. If you’ve read through the comments here or read the blog on 5050’s site, you’ll know that Mike has tried for years to get health insurance, but has been denied because of his profession. He has gotten it for his wife and son, which shows what a selfless and caring husband and father he is. Please lend your support and donate anything you can to help them. You can give donations through the blog at 5050bmx.com.
We’ll be posting any press releases or information the Aitken’s have for you here on the site.
Thanks,
Keith
October 7th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Mike literally has people from all over the world pulling for him. I think he’s going to do fine with support like that, that’s a lot of positive energy.
As for the insurance thing; It’s an ugly situation. I’m a health insurance agent myself and I see “uninsurable” people a lot. Professional BMX riders really need to form a union to get group insurance or some form of health coverage. If any major company or rider is willing to work on this; I would gladly volunteer whatever services I can. jaredpabis@gmail.com
October 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Why is he an idiot for expressing his thoughts? Do you know what would´ve happened if fit (or other companies he is riding for) would´ve cared for that insurance thing?…he wouldn´t need donations.
I think the statement of redendo (far down) is very good.
best wishes from me Mike!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I didn´t know that he tried to get insurance so often…what the hell is going on over there with your insurance-companies? I mean he will definitely go through this, but why the hell isn´t it possible to get insurance as a professional rider (with such a great attitude, too)?
Great comment by the way…!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Couldn´t just healt insurance companies offer teams/companies/sponsors that group-insurance thing?
October 7th, 2008 at 10:11 am
No one here is disrespecting Mike, everyone wants to see him happy and healthy and recover quickly. I think people just hate to see a young man who is a husband and parent of a small child be put in a situation where he is unable to take care of himself. I don’t know Mike’s situation personally, I don’t know if he COULDN’T get health insurance, or couldn’t afford the premiums, or if he got dropped by his insurance company because of what he does for living. All of those are a possibility.
But pro stuntmen (which is essentially what pro BMXers are) should accept and realize that being severely injured is something that WILL happen to all of them eventually. More people need to realize that.
This won’t be a popular view but people need to take as much responsibility for themselves as they can. There are WAY too many riders out there who totally ignore this kind of thing and as a result it becomes someone else’s responsibility to care for them and pay for them because they either wouldn’t or couldn’t.
Maybe I’m not understanding this, but a healthy man in his 20’s can get coverage for, at the minimum, catastrophic injuries, for usually less than $200 a month, usually way less. Not sure how Mike’s career plays into that though.
But none of that really matters right now. Get well soon Mike.
October 7th, 2008 at 10:27 am
sorry to bring this up - i dont really see how any of this is a rider/company owners fault when a profession doesnt allow you to gain insurance. My heart goes out to mike and his young family 100% as it does to every rider who goes down hard and is put in a scary or life threatening position, most recently jimmy levan. I have one opinion and one opinion alone on the matter and that is america’s healthcare system is truly disgusting. You can get mad at this and say its inappropriate like you did to that german dude above but its the fucking truth and you would be better off politicising yourselves in order to (at least attempt to) bring about change rather than ask for money off people. sorry - this isnt another euro/american rant and believe me when i say I will be donating to his family, Ive travelled and ridden my bike in america a lot in the last 5 years and ive loved every minute of it. But Ive also been hospitilised there and hassled about insurance details even when i was covered…and its unlike any experience ive ever had - Seriously, your country holds peoples lives to ransom. period
October 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I just want to wish the very best of luck to Mike and his family in this time. Mike is a huge inspiration to every bike rider I know, and I am sure that he will be in alot of peoples thoughts and prayers, as he will be in mine. Mike has given so selflesslly to us in the bmx comunity, now the least we can do is help see him cared for, and on road to recovery. Please visit mikeaitken.com and donate what you can to his family. I know that I will.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:16 am
When did this turn into a debate?! Shut up and stop worrying about why or why not he had health insurance. Stop worrying about whether he was wearing a helmet. Stop worrying about what he was doing. He’s hurt, and needs help with medical bills. So instead of spending all this time trying to prove a point, go make a donation and actually help out.
Get well dude.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:22 am
who’s ever close to mike tell him or someone to go to this website if havent all ready, to see if they will help with his injury
http://www.athleterecoveryfund.com/index.html
October 7th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
not everyone in America can afford health insurance i cant and i broke my leg and ankle with out insurance its a bitch to pay back.
October 7th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
part of the reason is that insurance premiums are not only ricidulously expensive for individual working families but even more expensive for individuals, especially men who are at more risk of innjury or sickness.
To add insult to injury, wages have remained stagnate in the US when adjusted for inflation but the cost of healthcare has been constantly increasing at a rate which many families just can`t afford. That is just a small reason why there are 46 million uninsurd people in the US. The US spends more money per person on health insurance than any other industrialized country but yet we have a situation where 46 million people are without insurance, not to mention those who have insurance but can`t afford the deductable when they are sick or injured and are forced in bankrupcy. A recent study by harvard university discovered that 50% of families that go bankrupt do so in part because of medical expenses.
When I turn 26 I will be forced off of my parent`s insurance and have to find my own and to tell you the truth and unless i am employed by a large corporation who offers an HMO I am in trouble.
I will become on of the 46 million uninsured too.
We have a moral obligation to disrupt through subversion and sabotage to place the needs of the many over the greed of the few.
Mike, i love you!!!!!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I hope Mike gets well very soon, and all these injuries that has been beated our riders maybe an advice about the limits that bmx are reaching, we should take some actions in preventing those kind of injuries just for the well of ourselves and the future riders too,
Get well very soon Mike you deserve it!!
October 7th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
mikey you are my biggest inspiration and on of the best riders out there. not only are you one of the best you are the greatest you care more for others than you do yourself wich shows how you made it this far in the game. my heart and prayers go out to you and your family get well soon. i will send as much donation as i can afford.
get well soon
Bob yingling
October 7th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
apology accepted.
but only because you are from germany where not having coverage is almost unheard of. It is and idea that we do not have in the US. It is estimated that .3% of the population in Germany do not have coverage so it is to be expected that you found it so strange that mike didn`t have coverage. In Germany it is something that you just don`t have to worry about because it is guarenteed by the state. speaking of irony, the US is the self-proclaimed most wealthy nation in the world but somehow has 46 million uninsured.
October 7th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
get well soon bro, i just started to realize what an amazing all around talented rider mike is, bmx needs more like him
October 7th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
You and your family are in my heart Mike….All the love you’ve put into bmx is out there times a million pulling for you!!
October 7th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
To Mike, his family and friends, I only wish for a speedy recovery, he has a great support system in the action sports community and I’m confident their support will help pull you through.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
That really is a topic i need to inform myself about. Didn´t Mister Moore produce a movie about that? It makes me a kind of sad to hear all these facts!
I´m sorry for a lot of people now and especially Mikey!
October 7th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
good site.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Accepted. Wish and pray the best for Mike!
October 7th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Good luck man, hope you get well soon. My wife and son have health insurance but I cant afford it for myself rite now. I have some idea of what your going through. I broke my foot in 4 places riding not to long ago and owe an amazing amount of money. God bless you and your family.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
MY GOD, WHY DON’T WE ALL WASTE OUR TIME ARGUING INSTEAD OF PRAYING? SAYING HE SHOULD OF ISN’T HELPING HIS SITUATION RIGHT NOW! HE IS A FATHER AND STILL RIDES/RISK’S EVERYTHING FOR…”THE LOVE OF BMX” AND SO DO I! GET WELL MIKEY AITKEN WHO IS THE GUY WHO DONATED ALL OF HIS MONEY HE WON IN UTAH’S DEW TOUR TO STEPHEN MURRAY AND NOW NEEDS OUR HELP….TALK ABOUT A GOOD GUY!!!! WE LOVE YOU MIKEY!!!!!!!!!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
legends live forever….mikey will be ok….
October 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
was he wearing a helmet?
October 7th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Good luck to mikey and all his family.
I’m french and when I saw than bmxer and a lot of people can’t have an health insurance in states I think that the amercian system is really crappy.
I hope see mikey on his feet and on his bike soon.
He is one of the most stylish rider and this makes a shock to see that a pro rider as him can be in this situation and that he need donations to take out of this situation.
Better thought to him and his family, STAY STRONG MIKE !
October 7th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
John I feel the need to respond to this.
I can only hope your comments about Fit Bike Co. are out of frustration and they are not implying that Fit Bike is responsible for this. The action sports community is a family and Fit Bike is part of the family and is just as upset about this as you are.
Just to inform you on why Fit Bike cannot provide insurance to their sponsored athletes; there is NO employer, employee relationship. Most, if not all, sponsored athletes are contractors and are paid as 1099’s. Legally, neither Fit Bike nor any other sponsor can provide benefits. If you know of any, please contact me, as I would like to discuss it with them so we may put an end to this.
Who am I and why should you care;
My name is Jeff Suarez; I’m the President of the Action Sports Advisory Group. The Action Sports Advisory Group is trying to educate the athletes so they can avoid these types of situations. We have found solutions for the athletes and need help reaching out to them so they can find affordable Health Insurance and Disability Insurance. We made our first attempt at the Utah Dew Tour event and regrettably missed the opportunity to speak directly to Mike. We have solution to these problems and just need the athletes to work with us. You can help by directing any professional athlete to us so we may assess their situation and find solutions.
John I hope you will help the Action Sports Advisory Group achieve our goal of making sure no other professional athlete goes without insurance.
Best Regards,
Suarez
Action Sports Advisory Group
Jeff Suarez President
631-266-2200
jsuarez@actionsports-ag.com
October 7th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Get well Aitken! We feel for you man!
October 7th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
They probaly wont give him insurance cause they know he will use it and it will cost them money,insurance is such a scam it makes me sick.
GET WELL SOON MIKEY TRAILS WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT
ALL HAIL THE KING OF STYLE
October 7th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
wow!!!
get well soon mikey!!!!!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Get well soon Mike. Prayers are out for you and your family man. Never forget the time he took me to these trails near his house in the Trans Am, best time of my life. Such a nice dude with such terrible news.
October 7th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
how did he win dew tour if he doesnt have insurance im pretty sure u cant compete with out it
October 7th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
My prayers are with you Mike. You’ve got my donation!
October 7th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
get well soon mikeyy. hope your back out riding soon, loved your part in fit life
October 7th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
get well Mike and hope everything goes good on the future.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
If mike didn’t have insurance, in his line of work, he gets what he deserves. It’s irresponsible of him to put himself into a coma when hew has a wife and kid to support! what an idiot.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Get well Mikey! God bless you and your fam.
October 7th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
jason… your a dick! Mikey is a trail rider do you have any idea how hard it is to 3 a set at trails that your not used to ridin? Damn Mikey got balls and he kills evry dirt jump hes near. Hope you get better and DansComp supports ya!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
im not gonna get in on the whole insurance debate. id just like to say get well soon mike, youre an incredible rider
October 7th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
god bless, stay strong
October 7th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
i would buy a fit with an allstate sticker on it…
October 7th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
To provide insurance for their riders, ALL Fit or ANY company has to do is hire a rider on as a salaried employee, and put them in their group plan. Pay the riders a low salary, to insure they qualify.
It’s that simple- if Fit or any of the bike companies want to do it, they can. They don’t, THAT is why riders don’t get covered.
Ultimately, it’s still Aitken’s fault for riding without insurance….He should have made that an aspect of his contract.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
one of the best trail riders.
mikey get well soon buddy.
“stay strong”
October 8th, 2008 at 1:02 am
get well soon mike!!!stay strong
October 8th, 2008 at 4:47 am
What News, my prayers goes out to him and his family.I am from South Africa thats how far the love has spread for mikey recovery.His done so much for the BMX lifestyle we can only support him and pray for HIm.his the best at what he does and a great person to.i met him once but watch almost all his vidoe parts from Rythum to Fit life.SOrry but i had to post someshit showing concern and not criticing like some fucking retards. who dnt know what they talking about.
God Bless you Mikey.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Putz… q paia esse lance do Aitken, piloto q na minha opinião é sensacional, melhoras para ele, espero em breve vê-lo mandando vários transfers na base!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 6:02 am
get well Mike.I hope you
October 8th, 2008 at 8:41 am
The BMX world is in mourning……………….. You are an inspiration to many all over the world including me all the way from South Africa Cape Town and i know that u will recover soon. God Bless.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:14 am
serisouly a shock. i was standing a foot way from him on a roll in on the thursday, its heart breaking.my prairs are with you buddy.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:51 am
FUCK YOU JASON!!! I cant even believe you can say something like that. (he gets what he deserves?, put himself into a coma?, what an idiot?) Your ridiculous!! thats my friend your talking about (more of a brother to me) and one of the best guys I know! Never a dull moment with him, laughter none stop!! You’ll get whats coming to you kid, all i can say is NEVER show your face in the s.l.c.
Get well Mikey love you man!!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Trust me, if he ever comes out of it, he’ll admit what a dumbass he is.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Yo my thoughts and prayers go out to mikey and his family he is an asset to the sport and an Icon some thing neds to be available to cover these athletes so they do not have to worry about this stuff ok Mikey stay f-it
October 8th, 2008 at 11:57 am
There is something in place. The Athlete Recovery Fund. We are working closely with Mike and his family to provide support at this time. Visit our website for updates http://www.athleterecoveryfund.com
October 8th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
yo buddy get better soon. i need you to keep doing those 360s so when we are training thunder and nubles, you can buzz my back with your tires as we are crossing threw sections at the trails. We will do some more high 5s on the style jump. Get up get better. The 300 line is waiting for us to dial. Mike is the t rex of bmx. We love you mike.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Love from SLC. Get well soon Mikey! We all know you will.
-stingray
October 8th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
God bless you Mike, you and your family are in my prayers
October 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
RIDE BMX PLEASE RID OF THE COMMENTS PART OF YOUR SITE, THERE IS WAY MORE BAD THAN GOOD OUT OF IT. IT’S NOTHING BUT AN ANGRY CHAT ROOM. I CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT PEOPLE WILL SAY ABOUT SOMEONE LIKE MIKE. SHAME ON YOU ALL.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Get well soon buddy everyone is going to miss watching you ride for a while:(
October 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
You should contact my office. We can help you.
Action Sports Advisory Group
Jeff Suarez President
631-266-2200
jsuarez@actionsports-ag.com
October 8th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Jason stop commenting! If you have nothing positive and supportive to say about my friend then stop talkin! seriously this is not the place for negative energy! Just stop!!
October 8th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
my heart goes out to mikey hes one of the coolest cats you’ll ever meet get better mike and come ride tanner!!
October 8th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
It breaks my heart to have something this sucky, happen to such a nice guy! Mike, I am always impressed how much you appreciate your friends, how excited you always are about being a father, and on your positive view of life. My best wishes to you and your awesome family. You are Rad, I know you are going to shake this. Get well soon.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
God Bless Him. I hope he recovers fully and is rippn’ again soon. One point though, when is it going to be time that these pro’s and all riders see that at the level the riding is at now that riding without a helmet is just plain stupid. What a waste it would be if Mike or any other rider could not ride anymore or even worse all from not wearing a helmet. Maybe he would still have been injured but who knows. I know Jimmy would be better off if he had worn a helmet in Europe and recently flying down that hill.
Come on, this level of riding requires a helmet.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
mike im sure i speak for everyone who has ever picked up a bike when i say that you are an inspiration to us all. Get well soon.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
DAMN right CAM! Mike will be better in no time! we have seen him take it and he bounces back because he is tougher than techno-viking!
keep everyone`s spirits up back home in SLC and at the trails!
email me cam!
October 8th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
i think this is the worst thing to happen to such a good guy, it just sucks to hear about stuff like this happening to the good guys and the proud fathers
get well soon mike
October 9th, 2008 at 3:16 am
the reason he doesnt have insurance is because him along with most of the rest in his sport cant get coverage caus noone will carrie it. so that is sopmething that sport needs to stand up and fight for all these athletes for!
mike is my wifes cousin and we are keeping him in all our thoughts and prayers right now.
we love you mike!
paul, mary, abby, and sammy
October 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
our thoughts are with you and your family. we know how hard it is to have a buddy get hurt pretty bad. so our thoughts are with you fuzzy and matt and all of his good you guys hang in there as well. LITTLETON,CO (LTC)
October 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
don’t get mad at me, get mad at Aitken for turning himself into a vegetable.
WEAR HELMETS KIDS. Morons.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
What? I just got back into the states didnt no Mike got hurt!!!! How bad was the crash?? I finally just got better after i blew out my knee 540in a spine
October 9th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Donate to the fund, or if you’re going to buy parts and spend it on yourself, buy everything that is an Aitken signature part, so that he recieves royalties.
October 9th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Jason… if u ride.?.?.u kno a helmet is not going to help u that much…i broke my jaw got knocked out and had 27 stichs in my eye socket while wering a helmet… and i just slid out on a rool over… so this stuff about wering a helmet is bull… come on… u should watch what u say… ive seen alot of people get hurt wering helmets… and honestley its just in ur head… that u might be safe w/ one… ur a joke jason… STAY STRONG MIKE! LOTS OF LOVE FROM AZ!
October 9th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Have Faith & Trust in the Lord through him everything is possible.
Mike you are gunna make it, We will see you back on your bike. This is your life and you are strong in your heart, if you weren’t you would not be the person and rider you are today. Many, Many people look up too you!!! Your gunna make it Mike…
Az….
October 9th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
get well soon mike hope you have a quick recovery brother i was reading some of the replys and jason your a scumbag i hope your dick falls off you fag
October 10th, 2008 at 2:06 am
get well soon
this in no way his fualt
things like this happen helmet or not
to anyone and everyone
stay strong mike
i hope you make full recovery and keep on sherdding!
October 10th, 2008 at 10:10 am
It iss a shame to hear this because I just saw Mike in Vegas and to hear he had a bad fall like that i can understand the pain his family is in. I’ve hit my head a lot of times and been knocked out because of it with helmets. This is serious and I hope and feel he will recover because he is an inspiration to me and I only got to ride with him once at the fox jam at the banks. Hope to see to soon healthy to ride and I missed you at my local skate park mullalys in the bronx
October 10th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
you are a true inspiration on my life mr. aitken. i know that you’ll read all of this one day soon and be humbled by the support you have from all of us in BMX. thank you for representing the real side of BMX.
October 10th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
so i guess from the sound of the injuries he took the bars to the face then the ground. That sucks. Aspecialy when thanks giving is around the corner. GET WELL SOON MIKE AITKEN! and wear your bucket if u can.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:57 am
i hope he get well soon, i am a doctor and i ride flatland almost 15 years now, and by now i have seen serious accidnets in my job and in my favorite sport, and by what i already read this is serious ,and he need all the support.
thats why this sport is not like any sport out there , in here there is part of passion , a part of life a part of determination.
I respect all the persons are in the sport 100% (like mike)of time , unfortunatly for me i have other rode to take, let support mike and his familiy.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am
get well and get back on your bike your are an inspiration for thousands…
October 12th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Dear guys,
I and the rest of the BMX community here in the Philippines was saddened by what had happened to Mike Aitken. He is just an inspiration to every BMX rider around the world. I just came back from a competition in Busan, South Korea 2 weeks ago and I have represented my country as an Asian Extreme Sports Federation (AXF) official to the TreX Games in Busan. Many came to compete and I have seen a few accidents that happened due to sick trick execution. I understand that most of or all extreme sports athletes are uninsurable due to the danger of the sports they’re into. Same here in our country. The national team is not in anyway insured and won’t get any financial support from anybody if they get injured. Our country is not a rich country and our athletes are mostly unemployed but in this case, we want to help. I am organizing a benefit BMX jam and rock concert for Mike Aitken on Halloween, Oct. 31. The proceeds of the concert will be donated for the immediate recovery of Mikey. It is our way of showing and thanking Mike for all the things he contributed for the development of BMX riding in the whole world. For the details of this jam and concert, you can email me at montymendigoria@yahoo.com. TO MIKE: Stay strong brother. Things happens for a reason. God is there to guide and heal you. You have touched a lot of people thru your riding skills. It is time for us to give it back to you. Get well & “MABUHAY ka” Mikey. (means Long live Mikey)You are in our prayers.
October 12th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Well, thats too bad about Mike. Wonder how long it will take the Americans to `Unite` and lobby for proper socialized health care, so that this type of thing doesn`t happen to anyone, not just someone YOU care about. `Affording` health care - what a fucking joke - take some responsibilities for yourselves, and remember, last time I checked you folks down there still live in a democracy, so get what you want out of it. Having to resort to a help so and so fund is primitive and barbaric. Peace
October 12th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Thats the AMERICAN SPIRIT! And when it happens again and again…?
October 12th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Best wishes to Mike and his family. I think it is a fucking shame everyone can’t have health insurance.
October 12th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
hope you get better mikey. good luck to the family. your in my prayers.
GOOD LUCK
October 13th, 2008 at 2:24 am
are you serious you faggot
October 13th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Dude I agree. You need to shut your mouth. I always waer a helmet and I got 25 stitches in my cheek. I doesn’t do much. I good if your learning to ride or some shit. And thats so fucked up to say “Thats what he deserves.” Your an idiot. you need to stop posting comments because your fucking stupid. Go die.
October 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
get well mikey… all the happy valley crew is behind you one hundred percent…..
October 13th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
boas melhoras!estamos com voce!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
YEAH SHANE!!!!
you got the right idea
who cares about the no insurance thing and no helmet thing
and stop posting such ingnorant comments about how its all his fault and he gets what he deserves. you must be real proud of yourself, talkin shit on the best BMX rider in the world, and getting this much response from it.
Mikey, you’ve been my hero ever since i first saw you ride in Rythym. I know you’ll pull through.
you have the best style in the world.
God Bless man.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
get well soon Mike AIKEN !!!!!! BMX ECUADOR
October 15th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
man this is harsh . since roadfools 2(buck chocklate)mike has been a massive influence on my riding .I myself am waiting 4 surgery to continue riding (ankles suck) . what will happen to our life style if this sourt of thing keeps happnin shit is getting out of control im in my 30s now and i gave up on proggression long ago . kids need to step back and see that what there doin is almost impossible(but how).helmet or not who cares we here in nannup w.a will all try and help somehow.
much love dude your flatys will always give me a hard onn.
N.R.C (nannup riding crew)
Kim Johnson…
October 16th, 2008 at 11:03 am
comonn mike!
get well sooon…
shit hapens, with everybody… dont care with he wasnt wearing a helmet or stuff, he was doing what he loves to do, without being scary of being happy! u ride like hell mike!!!!! best wishes from BRAZILL
October 17th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Mike aitken….Legend…ive been looking up to him the day i started riding. i saw him on the tv and i wanted to ride.he is my inspiration….hold on mike..youll get through this!!! ride on man, ride on!
October 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
mike aitken…. he is the one rider that inspires me to ride… he is a legend. your in my prayers bro
October 21st, 2008 at 5:00 am
mike will be in all of our prayers here in long island, we are devastated by the current events that have fallen upon such a great rider. we are hoping for the best for him and for his family…good luck mike, owen, and trista. best wishes and prayers…
October 21st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Jesus Christ you guys do not shut up. “Loaf” you had to wait to hear from Mulligan to realize that maybe you should not speak about things you know nothing about? 6 guys told you the same thing, but Mulligan gave you insight? When horrible things like Mike’s crash happen, just shut the hell up if you do not have support to give. NO SHIT, we know it would have been better most likely to wear a helmet, or better if he had insurance, but these are the politics.
At the end of the day, you can get broke the fuck off riding BMX, comes with the territory. If you want to assign blame, than that must lie with the individual. Mike’s got big balls because he does not let that shit taint the level of riding he is capable of. Clearly he doesn’t hold back, like some of us pussies, me included. When I have not had insurance, I back my riding way down to avoid serious injury. Don’t like to, but in case all hell brakes loose, I need to be covered. Thats my own choice, can’t bag on others if they do things differently. That is your choice if you like wearing a helmet, or not wearing one. It is your choice to do what ever you put your heart to. I hate seeing guys not wear helmets, I have been air-lifted twice from riding BMX. The first time I had a helmet, the second I did not and barely lived. I can’t ride without one, I need to know that my noggin is covered, its just not worth it to me.
Bike companies should require their riders to wear helmets, shit put it in the contract. I used to ride at the SAN JOSE RAMP CLUB with RYAN N,JOEY G, CHAD K, ROB DARDEN, PUKER, A.COOKE, CAM BIRDWELL to name a few. We always wore helmets because the owner of the park made us, so when we were still teenagers honing our craft, our heads were covered and if you saw the wrecks I saw on a daily basis, NONE OF US would be still riding today. These young kids read the magazines and see everyone not wearing a helmet so they follow along. All fun and games til you get knocked out. I feel for Mike’s close friends and family, I do not wish that shit on anyone. Riders should be saleried employees by the way, I bet welders have coverage, shit even team managers.
If you have no insurance, and are not placing top 10 every comp you ride, than get a second job, or “real” job and pay your dues like everyone else. Sounds shitty, but you will have coverage at least and will still be able to ride your bike. No 401 riding a bike.
OK. If your a rider and you have a son or daughter. Are they allowed to ride the local park without pads and a helmet. Chances are you will not let them do so which makes you a hypocrit like many of the people running this country. Get your shit straight and walk the talk coming from your mouth. Make a fucking choice, cannot believe I am venting this much about a no brainer of a problem. Do you wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle? If you do, again, stop, they do not do anything but weigh your head down and its hard to see your pedals. See how fucking stupid that sounds? Well thats how you sound, make a choice. GET WELL MIKE! WHEN YOU ARE BETTER YOU WILL READ ALL OF THIS STUFF IN THE COMMUNITY AND REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH INFLUENCE YOU HAVE. YOU WILL ALSO REALIZE HOW MANY PEOPLE LOVE YOU AND THAT THEY NEED YOU AROUND MY MAN. I enjoy your riding just as much as the next mark. Peace. I do not read hate mail, only love mail, too much hate in the world already.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL,
Squirrel
October 27th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Being a doctor in the field of brain research and a bmx rider it’s been established that the use of a proper helmet can reduce the trauma and impact of most head and brain injuries that occur in 80-90% of all accidents.
October 27th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Oh this is no means a nock against mike, he is an amazing rider and I do feel sorry for him. But at the same time, I know it’s far more costly in both emotional and monetary value to society to have cyclists not wearing helmets. Frankly it’s sad to see people sweeping the “riders should have a helmut comments on” under the rug. How many star riders do we have to loose before people realize the benefit. Just ask Matt Hoffman.
October 28th, 2008 at 12:25 am
mike aitken is like the john cardiel of bmx. pure gnarliness and heart. get well soon mike.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:47 am
I love Mike Aitken, pure style, totally evolved, completley effortless. Not to mention one of the most humble and genuinely real people i’ve ever had the pleasure of riding with. I know you’ll pull through this with flying colors mikey! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Just ignore this Jason douche bag. It’s obvious he’s just trying to get a rise out of people and to be honest it’s really tasteless and you should be ashamed of yourself. Mike Aiken is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met, go up to him at a spot and he’ll talk to you like your old buddies. Obviously the dude doesn’t make much money, he rides bikes for a living and has a family to support. I feel bad for you that you don’t have enough control over yourself to not say something as ridiculous as “he deserved what he got.” Really I just feel bad for what an ignorant dumbass you are.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
my son is 3 and loves to watch bmx videos on my computer mike your his favorite rider and mine too. we hope you get better and keep riding. he keeps asking me to look for your videos too see if there are any new ones. best of luck
April 4th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Mike Aitken is hands down the best biker in the world right now he rides with amazing style and is just an all around amazing rider, dirt, street, or park. get well soon Mike.
April 8th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Mike Aitken is one crazy ass rider and extremely entertaining to watch in videos. Best of wishes and prayers go out to you man. Get well soon, we miss you!