So, what is it like to get a message from your wife that she’s too sick to ride her motorbike and she’s being told “it’s the only way down” because the support truck and trailer are full. There is no room for you or the bike.
At ten thousand feet at Sani Pass in Lesotho, a small country within Southern Africa, she had to ride down, crashing at least half a dozen times and stopping to vomit as the infection was taking hold. Notifying the tour leaders Jo Rust & Tim Skelton the night before departure that she couldn’t ride, she was told it’s not possible, you must. “There is no other way to get the motorcycle off the mountain”, they said. The morning of departure she again made it clear to them that she was too sick to operate the motorcycle, and was met with the same reply, “You must ride.” Mind you, they were made aware of her situation a couple of days previously with the infection all of a sudden ramping up and becoming much worse in less than 24 hours.
Finally reaching the border of Lesotho and South Africa, Jo Rust approached her and asked, “Ready to go? Only 20 km more!” Her vision skewed and blurred with only the ability to see certain colors, she finally refused to get back on the machine knowing a catastrophic crash was
imminent. After an “Are you sure?” check, they finally asked another injured rider to exit the truck and ride the rest of the way.
A strange decision was made before getting to medical care – they first stopped to find lodging for the rest of the tour attendees instead of going straight to a facility. More delay to care. Finally reaching a clinic, the examining doctor exclaimed that she needed to be transported to a hospital, IMMEDIATELY. An ambulance was summoned and she was loaded in, solo, and off they went. But wait! She was then told by the ambulance driver that payment was due before they would transport her to the hospital. Half delirious, she is handing them cards from her wallet with PIN numbers while they drove to various ATM’s to withdraw cash. None of the cards would function as she was too delirious to realize they were not ATM cards. Finally realizing her error, she messaged another tour attendee to round up the 4500 South African Rand (about 300 USD) so they could get en route to the hospital, a 2-hour ride. Off she went, again alone, pre-septic, in a foreign country, to an unknown hospital without an advocate in the event she lost total consciousness. Knowing she was all alone, she struggled to stay awake and alert until she arrived. Arriving alone, she completed check in and paperwork to be seen by the doctor, something an accompanying advocate could have assisted with. Once meeting the surgeon and realizing she was going to surgery within the hour, she began sending me cryptic text messages while slipping deeper into sepsis. I was 11,000 miles away. “I need you here” she wrote. I went numb.
Into logistics mode I went sorting out flight arrangements, care for our son, house, dog, and all that would be involved. Just before going into surgery, the doctor called me to further discuss the seriousness of the case. “I want to make clear how serious this is”, he stated. “I’m not sure how extensive the effected tissue is; her blood pressure is extremely low.” Keeping it together, I said “Do what you think is right to save her”. He promised he would and would be in touch immediately following surgery. On pins and needles I waited. Eventually, I receive a call and summary of what was found, the extent, and reach. She is intubated and in forced sedation for her own safety. Another surgery followed 18 hours later to confirm that all the infected tissue was removed on the first attempt. I called the ICU nurses to check up on her as I waited to depart. “Please tell her, conscious or not, that Terry is on the way”. I knew she needed to know that. It would keep her going. And, it did.
During the time spent waiting for departure, I spoke to Tim Skelton asking if someone could please go to her. He answered, “No, she is in good hands and I’m checking on her by phone.” I asked if the tour could detour the next morning to at least stop in to the hospital between now and the time I was to arrive to please check on her. Again I was met with “No, it’s not possible. The tour
must go on.” They were only 72 miles away while I was 11,000. I can guess that no one on that tour would have objected to a detour to check in on a dangerously ill fellow rider.
I received constant updates from the surgeon as data is available from the plane and, finally, in Dubai for my layover. Wifi in the airport was good enough to get through to the hospital via Skype to landline. I waited on the phone for ICU nurses to see if she was awake enough to speak with me as she has recently been extubated and brought out of sedation. The phone crackled and I could hear her crying over the phone. “Where are you?” she asked. “I’m 8 hours away. I’m on the way.” I exclaim, keeping it together. The connection failed, and I’m left with that short exchange to satisfy myself that she will be alive when I reach the hospital.
Landing in Durban and making the 90-minute drive to the hospital, we finally lock eyes as I enter the ICU. We exchange a look and read each other as only 28 years together can do. She is relieved and can now finally rest as I’m now sorting out what the next steps will be.
I called Tim Skelton at Jo Rust Adventures to discuss the logistics of her belongings that were left behind. I also asked if they will be visiting her and was told that they are now too far away. We discuss their return trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg after the tour is finished. I asked if they planned to visit, and was told they would be heading straight home without time to stop.
Staying focused, I assist the nurses in changing the daily wound dressings resulting from her surgery. I see the bruises all over her body from the many crashes caused by the ride down the mountain, and I’m sickened. I’ll admit she’s a better off-road rider than I and quite confident when the roads get tough. She clearly wasn’t on her game to crash that many times. More bruises and more questions. More wrong answers given. More and more furious I become.
In no way do I think Jo Rust Adventures is at fault for her sickness leading up to the request for medical care. I’ve spoken to other tour operators before writing this to discuss their emergency plans and protocol for similar situations. Unanimously, they answered that sending someone alone on a medical transport has never been in their plan. Where the grand failures began was to delay medical treatment stating it wasn’t possible, followed by sending her off in an ambulance alone leading to a long search for an ATM for payment. Who would think it would be a good idea to send someone in that condition off in an ambulance, solo, in rural South Africa? And, if that was to be the temporary decision, why no personal visit the next day?
We are still at a loss to understand the thought process behind their decisions to respond.
- – 1st notification that she couldn’t ride was met with a logistical reply about no space on the support truck.
- – 2nd notification that she was too sick was met with “The bike must get down the mountain. There is no room for you”.
- – 3rd insistence of “I cannot ride” was met with disapproval but finally loaded up into the support vehicle.
- – Medical clinic delay while they sorted accommodation for the group, a task that could have been split by the 2 tour leaders.
- – Loaded in the ambulance by herself with NO advocate, tour representative, or friend.
- – Ambulance was allowed to leave without sorting out a payment and Sandy left to organize on her own, finally summoning help from other tour attendees. More delay.
I was 11,000 miles away with the tour group being only 72 miles from her that evening. I begged to have them go to her. “The tour must go on!” I was told. Once again, it was about logistics and equipment with total disregard for human life. I wholeheartedly believe no one in that tour would have minded a detour to check on her.
And when confronted with my dissatisfaction to all of this I was finally told, “We lived up to the terms of service and did all we were required to do”. Really? Unbelievable
This kind of irresponsible action must not stand. To be fair to this tour operator, I consulted colleagues in the motorcycle tour business about how these types of events should be handled. They were appalled to hear of the many failures that took place.
Sandy is fortunate to be alive. I am fortunate to be writing this without being a widower. I am sick to think that I almost lost her. I am so disappointed in how this tour operator handled the emergency and will make an effort to see that this does not happen to anyone else.
There are many reputable motorcycle tour companies operating regionally and globally. I am more than happy to recommend one that suits your needs while having active safety measures in place to respond to emergencies and provide a quality tour experience.
Wow! I had heard that something happened on this tour but had no idea the seriousness. Hoping she’s doing well and glad to hear she survived the ordeal. Who was running this tour? They must be called out!
So scary! Sending our love & support.
Totally unacceptable response from them. Please let me know who they are.
Be well Sandy!
You brought tears to my eyes, and even having visited Sandy recently, I still read with mounting anxiety and anger. Terry, you have good reason to be proud of Sandy and she of you. Sorry you both had to go through this, but so glad you have come out relatively healthy (after all that, it’s still really good) and stronger for it.
Unfu*king real! Prayers for Sandy.
Utterly irresponsible. This should be bright into the public eye to avoid
Anyone else having to go through this. I’m
Sickened by this story.
I’m not much of an emotional guy but this brought me to tears. Sandy must be incredibly strong to have overcome such an ordeal. Can you name the tour company? They shouldn’t be allowed to continue doing business.
Terry, I am so saddened to hear your side of this ordeal. I have also read a story from the ‘other side’ and was a bit shocked they would publish such a thing. Our family has been in the motorcycle tour business for 45 years and this is absolutely not how these things are handled. Best wishes to Sandy for a complete recovery.
Thanks Gretchen. Not the story I hoped to be telling about the trip. I’m fortunate to still have her with me.
Keep doing what you do!
Best,
Terry
A disgusting excuse for a tour company. Hope that Sandy is getting better.
Hi Terry, so sorry that happened to you and Sandy. I think you would really be doing riders a favor if you named the company. I’m going to South Africa this fall and would hate to wind up in their hands unknowingly.
Yes, please tell us who this company was so we may avoid them at all costs. I have traveled extensively in SA myself and am hoping to plan a group tour in the next two years, but can’t risk using a company that acted this irresponsibly with a client. Wishing your wife a speedy recovery!
It is no secret that Sandy was touring with Jo Rust Adventures in South Africa. She had high hopes for the new endeavor of this fellow adventure rider and we are both deeply disappointed with the outcome. Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
Terry, thank you so much for your info. I have taken a few tours, ie India, Austria, Spain.
I would like to know how did Sandy come down with this? Was it a bite?
Thank you.
Tina
Terry.
You told me a little bit about this when Jack was taking his class. I wasn’t really aware how serious it was. That is really scary. Glad to hear she is doing better. It was great meeting you and Jack, he’s quite the young man and excellent rider.
Bob
Thanks for the message Bob. In addition to being a good young man and a capable rider, he’s been doing a heck of a job at home holding down the fort while working almost full time and running calls with the local fire department. We are pretty proud parents..
Best,
Terry
That is absolutely terrifying. I am so glad you were able to get to her in time. Wishing a speedy recovery and hoping everything gets sorted as well as possible. Like the others I too wonder what company this was.
It is no secret that Sandy was touring with Jo Rust Adventures in South Africa. She had high hopes for the new endeavor of this fellow adventure rider and we are both deeply disappointed with the outcome.
Thank you for the kind words and take care of yourself.
Best,
Terry
OMG, what an ordeal! And in Lesotho on top of it. That is really rough country and I actually lost a bike there, the locals Set fire to it!
I am very surprised Jo would have acted like that! I know her personally, although not very well. But I am really disappointed in the way she handled this! She of all people should know how it feels to be all alone with a predicament in a strange country. She was lucky so many people helped her on her tour around Africa.
I am glad to hear that Sandy recovered and I hope this doesn’t put her off doing other tours in the future.
For all international tours to South Africa or any other country Horizons Unlimited would be a good base for information and support. They have a good database of like minded people that in most countries and narrowed down to most areas in each country that could give support and help.
Whereas they could be 20km away from the person in need and you 11000km and they could be quicker to give assistance be it medical, mechanical or any kind of support. Feel free to visit their website or attend Horizons Unlumited hubs that are held in most countries including South Africa.
Sorry to hear your misfortune it’s certainly not the norm.
This is what happens when riders believe their own bullshit, tours, training and all the rest,,, really sorry that you had this experience as there are some really decent tour operators over here, such a pity that you never knew about the Wild Dog forum as we would have made a plan amongst us to make sure she was sorted, once again disgraceful.
Hey Terry, really sorry to hear about the Sandy/your ordeal. Glad she is okay. C-
Just want to say that i live in South Africa and i am seriously into adventure riding. With all respect this is Africa and this is serious adventure riding when you go into places like Lesotho. if you want to tell the war stories you must live the war. If not take a Harley to starbucks
We too have traveled extensively and lived off of our motorbikes for almost 2 years in developing countries, not many Starbucks rides here. I think you’ve missed the point.
Terrible to hear about your wife’s shocking ordeal. I am horrified and ashamed to call myself a South African, I have met Jo previously, and never expected this from her. I know Lesotho very well, I worked there for over 3 years, and understand the altitude and logistics well. Please email me when you are able, I am now based in the US.
Thanks for your message Gary. Please don’t take this personally at all. Our interactions with South Africans during this ordeal were nothing but kind and caring people helping us navigate the situation.
There are always two sides to a story with the truth lying somewhere in between. This post that the company in question pusblished includes a statement from the other women that were on that tour, corroborating their chain of events:
This idiot has the stones to post this. I bet these other women who coroberated the story were the same ones who left her alone to travel to the hospital. Agenda much!?!?
The posted response from Jo Rust Adventures is what I would expect from someone trying to save their reputation and business after such a horrific experience, and a careful rewrite of events to put them in a positive light. This must be the story that will help them sleep at night, remember that conversation Tim? As for the names on the bottom of the letter, some of which were those who allowed her to be transported alone and didn’t insist on checking in on her, I’m disappointed that I/we weren’t able to count on you.
Making this situation public serves no other purpose for us then to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else in the future. Having an incomplete emergency response plan is as harmful as having no plan at all. I have been contacted by several tour companies over the last few weeks to let me know that this story has led them to tidy up their own response plans. This makes tours safer for everyone in the future.
This hasn’t been easy, and certainly isn’t over, but Sandy is out of the hospital and recovering at home after more than 10 weeks. Our family is fortunate to have her here.
What an incredible situation you found yourself in Sandy. I don’t know if I could have survived the fear let alone the sickness you endured. This company looks to be fairly new in the tour game. Perhaps Jo Rust Adventures should sit this one out. Just because she’s traveled doesn’t mean leading others is a good plan. Glad you are ok.
I met this family while traveling through Guatemala 3 years ago and enjoyed spending some time chatting with them. They were a well prepared group with emergency supplies and knowledge. For the life of me I can’t understand why the tour guides were not equally as prepared. Wishing Sandy a speedy recovery both physically and mentally.
So glad to read that you are finally home. I’m hoping this company is no longer leading tours and cannot neglect anyone else.
So sorry you were treated this way. Jo Rust and her company should be out of business!
I’m thankful I found this writing while searching for South African motorcycle tours. How absolutely scary! I looked at the Jo Rust website and there are so many mentions of a “medic” on tour which made my stomach turn after thinking of this poor woman’s treatment. I hope they are dealt with legally and can’t neglect anyone else.
Be well Sandy!
Adrian
How did I miss seeing this horrifying story until now?
What absolute pieces of shit these people are! Jo Rust should not be allowed to continue operating such a shoddy operation. Pack it up, you’re done!
So sad to read about your near death ordeal. I am sickened to hear that a female owned company would treat anyone like this. Jo Rust Adventures willl not see a dime from me or our club. We’ve just booked with a more reputable group in South Africa.
Good thoughts coming your way Sandy!
Andi
How did we miss this story!?!
Jo Rust and her staff should be ashamed of such lack of compassion. And what were these other women doing letting her go alone? And then not visiting her in person until her family arrived for 3 days.
Dispicable, just shameful! I hope they are all faced with such a situation to teach them a lesson.
Furious, -Annie
What a sickening display of sisterhood by all of the women on the tour. Many well known in the industry and should be shamed out of existence. Praying Sandy is doing better.
Jo Rust should be ashamed of herself and staff. Wasn’t Erin Sills on this trip? If so, sham on her too!!
Those who didn’t come back for her are shit!
Yep, Erin was there too as were a few other so called “friends”. Even now so many months later I am shocked, saddened, and angry that they left her to her own without demanding to visit from Jo Rust and Tim Skelton. This group is dangerous at best.
Thank you so much for posting this. We nearly booked with Jo Rust and changed our plan just after seeing this. Our trip is now being booked with Ayers Adventures. Please confirm that this is a reputable tour company.
What shameful behavior by Jo Rust and her staff. Hope you’ve healed by now. Will share this story with others.
Jo Rust and her company treated you like this????
Fuck Jo Rust
Fuck Tim Skelton
And fuck all of those women who stood by and did nothing when you were in need! May they experience the horror of abandonment. I see Erin Sills was on that trip. Shame on her! She should know better. I’m sharing this story everywhere I can.
Heal up Sandy!
Hope Sandy is healed! So scary and so angry at those who deserted her.
How can women treat other women this way? Jo Rust, Moira Zinn, Erin Sills, you are all in the public eye and should know better. I’m calling you all out!
Wow, just wow! Hey Jo Rust, #jorust, #jorustadventures, Tim Skelton, and other shitty women on the trip! What disregard for a fellow rider, friend, and human being. I’m seeing several big names on that tour one of which I thought was super cool when I met her at AIMExpo last year. Little did I know what a lousy friend Moira Zinn, #moirazinn had been to Sandy.
I stumbled upon this story while searching for speed stats about Erin Sills. How can these women sleep at night? This poor woman narrowly avoided death and they didn’t even stop the tour to go visit. Disgraceful, dispicable, and downright heartless. I’ll keep vulgarities out of this post and just say, Shame on you! These actions negate any ounce of respect I had for Erin Sills for her accomplishments. Shame, shame!
I found this story while searching for motorcycle tours in south Africa. Thank you for making this public so we didn’t accidently book with Jo Rust Adventures. Sending good thoughts your way and hope that you are healed and back to a normal life.
So happy to read you have reached the end of this ordeal. Raising a glass to you from the north and sticking some pins in my Jo Rust and Tim Skelton VooDoo dolls.