Friends Gather In Support Of Injured Cyclists
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One is in critical condition. Video by tmj4.com
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PEWAUKEE - Hours after Jeff Littman and Lauren Jensen were struck by a car while cycling on an open Nashotah road, friends of the cyclists gathered at Littman's Attitude Sports here.
Littman had planned a grand opening for his new fitness center inside the bike shop. Friends wanted to make sure that happened.
"We train together," said Billy Ochowicz of his friends. "It's just a really great, tight community of athletes and cyclists that are pulling together to try and get Jeff through this.
Friday night, Jeff remained in Froedtert Hospital with a severe head injury. Lauren was already home recovering from her broken collar bone.
The big turnout at Jeff's bike shop might seem unlikely to those who don't know Jeff, but his friends didn't want to be anywhere else.
"Jeff is really the closest thing to being a saint on earth an angel on earth," said friend Pam Kassner as she stood in the bike shop. "He is just the kindest most giving person."
"Usually athletes hold their cards close to their chest," said Phillip Godkin as he tried to explain the outpouring of love for his friend. "They don't want to share secrets. Jeff will teach you everything you want to know."
Friends of the riders know Lauren is going to be fine. Still, they need Jeff to be fine too.
"They don't make them like Jeff," said Kassner. "They're very rare. He's the type of person that we need here. You know it's not his time yet."
Jeff was seriously injured in a bike race five years ago. His rib cage is now almost entirely titanium. He bounced back from that horrendous accident to ride again. Friends are counting on Jeff showing that same toughness this time.
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