Indian Hills resident and cyclist Glenn Lucky in his recovery room in north Carson City on Feb. 18.
Photo by Scott Neuffer.
The last time Glenn Lucky rode his familiar trike was at the end of November. He threw out his back in early December and has been recovering for more than two months at Ormsby Post Acute Rehab in north Carson City. The injury has caused moments of dismay, but during a visit in his recovery room Feb. 18, his smile could be described as exuberant.
For example, when asked if he would ride again, Lucky responded, “Oh, hell yeah!”
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Lucky, now 72, has lived four decades in Indian Hills, becoming a local legend for his three-wheeled bike trips between north Douglas County and downtown Carson City. In 1988, he rode across the country to Washington, D.C., raising awareness of disability and money for research. In 2006, he pulled a semi 100 feet in a Carson parking lot, just for fun.
Lucky’s attitude matches his tattoos. “Wild Child,” “Party Animal” and “Pay Up” are some of the phrases tattooed on his arms. Even in a wheelchair during the visit, he advised, “If I’m having a bad day, I make it into a good day.”
But the complications of his condition haven’t been easy to navigate, nor has figuring out Medicare payments for physical therapy, Lucky said.
“My bones and muscles are different than your bones and muscles,” he said. “When my back goes out, it goes out.”
Lucky added: “I got to learn how to walk all over again.”
He said staff at the facility “treat everyone like royalty.” Still, he craved the world outside the facility doors.
“I miss getting out there,” he said. “I miss everybody.”
Lucky didn’t know how long he’d be in recovery. He wouldn’t mind more visitors.
“They are more than welcome to come by and see me,” he said.
Ormsby Post Acute Rehab is located at 3050 N. Ormsby Blvd. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, according to staff.
Lucky said he would enjoy seeing different faces.
“Nothing against these people. All that live here are nice.”
He reminisced about riding south to Gardnerville to visit friends. He said he’s had a positive attitude through the ordeal so far. He wanted to assure people he would return.
“Don’t give up on me,” he said.