SLIDESHOW: West Seattle rallies to help an injured friend

Eirik Rice, who was injured in a motorcycle accident April 30 on Avalon Way was the focus of a benefit event Sunday, June 5 at the Brickyard BBQ in the Admiral District. The event featured a series of live bands, auctions, raffles and was attended by many of his friends and family. The spelling of his name, is something he attributes to the actual spelling of his namesake Eirik the Red of Viking fame. CLICK THE PHOTO ABOVE TO SEE MORE

Patrick Robinson

Sun, 06/05/2011

When Eirik Rice rode his motorcycle down Avalon Way April, 30 he was outfitted with all the right safety gear. "My dad always taught me, don't go riding unless you have all the right gear." His father gave him good advice.

As he neared the Luna Park Cafe he noted that a car had pulled up to the stop sign at the end of s.w. Manning Street, an S-shaped jog of a street that links Admiral Way to Avalon.

"He must have thought he could beat me or he didn't see me, but it was very quick. I ended up hitting him," as the car came out on to Avalon. Rice skidded for only 10 feet but the impact was enough to break his right leg in four places, at the thigh with bones protruding, his knee, his shin and his foot. He was taken to the hospital and since then has had surgical work to add metal plates and screws. "I can't go through a metal detector at the airport anymore," he joked.

Rice, who has lived in West Seattle for some time (and is past owner and bar manager of the former Bohemian Restaurant) was humbled and honored Sunday, June 5 by an enormous outpouring of support organized by his friends at the Brickyard BBQ in the Admiral District. The event featured live music from a series of bands, auctions of items donated by 17 West Seattle businesses, and dozens of his friends and family members in attendance.

"It's my first accident on a motorcycle after riding for almost 40 years. I feel very lucky I came out of it with a broken leg. You've got to do what you do in life, have your fun and take your chances. This event is amazing, to see all the faces I haven't seen since the Bohemian closed. It's been a really, really good experience with a lot of surprises today."

His father, Rick Rice said, "I just want to say thanks to the people of West Seattle. I'm amazed every time I come here and I see what my son is involved in with this community. I've never really seen anything like it as far as the community gets involved when people need help. It's wonderful."

Organizer Michelle O'rourke, Manager at the Brickyard BBQ and one of Eirik's close friends said, "Everybody has given us gift certificates and made this thing come off without a hitch. Amazing." She said the event would raise thousands of dollars.

Rice figures he will be in a wheelchair or crutches for the next three months and it will likely take up to a year to fully recover but expects to walk somewhat normally again once he has fully healed.

O'Rourke reports that the benefit raised more than $4500 which will help Rice with his medical expenses.

You can participate and help Eirik by donating through Facebook at: http://goo.gl/YuwF2

The list of contributing businesses includes: