Broke my leg... still worth going?

[jameshscherer]

I'm from Illinois and I've never been to Telluride before. An old friend invited me to go so I got a 4 day pass and Mary Illium camping pass and plane tickets and time off work and have been very excited for the trip, but unfortunately I broke my ankle the other day and I won't be able to put any weight on it until later this summer. I'm wondering if anyone here has ever been to Telluride while they are unable to walk or if that's even a feasible thing to do. Does anyone know about any accommodations the festival makes for people with disabilities? I have a handicap parking permit which I can use, but I don't know if I'll be able to get to my camp or to any shows, or if there are perhaps designated areas or transportation for disabled people. I plan to give the festival a call tomorrow since I wasn't able to find much info on the website, but I figured I'd check with the Festivarian community and see what I can learn from you. Thanks!

James

[skyrunner]

Hello fellow gimmper, 
  I hear ya, I'm sort of disabled myself. I will send a pm with my info. Yes they do make accommodations for us. 

[jameshscherer]

Glad to hear, and many thanks!

[MaddieRose]

My brother (Hot Sugar) attended the festival one year on a pretty gimpy leg. I don't think he was under quite such strong restrictions (i.e. I think he was able to bare weight on it, but only a little). I'll shoot him a text and tell him to check out this post. He probably has some advice. He usually does.

[VitaminX]

I’m going to be a fellow gimper this year too.  I had the same questions.  I just had an ACL and meniscus repaired in my knee.  Partial weight bearing only until the week after the festival = crutches.   I’m also camping in Illium.  The worst part will be the hill going into the campground.  My wife broke her foot on that hill two years ago completely sober.  The festival is worth any misery I’m about to put myself through. If all else fails, I’ll hang out in camp and listen to the live radio broadcasts and the jam sessions.  With a tasty beverage or two of course. 

It’s probably too late for plane ticket refunds but you could sell your festival and camping passes on this forum quickly.  There’s nothing like a healthy festival experience but I’m not letting a bum leg rain on my parade.  I’ll crawl in if I have to.   

[FaceOnMars]

Not sure if this helps, but consider how thousands of people come to the Telluride Film Festival, yet most probably don't venture beyond town; they mostly wait in lines/ques all day to sit inside a building to view a pre-recorded film.

The point being:  if you're able to at least get around from point A->B without discomfort, you'd be far ahead of the game (vs. Filmfest situation) IMO in so far as:  being outside with LIVE music, incredible scenery, and many interesting people / kindred spirits.

[TheLorax27]

My buddy tore his Achilles and went a few years ago.  He had to use one of those scooters for it.  His finance, now wife had to do quite a bit to help him, but we all pitched in and helped get him through.  We were in Town Park tho so it was a bit easier as we didn't have to deal with the shuttle, but I think you will see the true spirit of festivarians in how many people offer to assist you with anything you might need.  Coming to Telluride is an absolute must and you will not regret it, if you think you can make it happen. 

Sorry to hear that happened before the big trip, but maybe it will present you with things and opportunities that you otherwise may not have had. 

Good luck!

[Hooch]

My brother (Hot Sugar) attended the festival one year on a pretty gimpy leg. I don't think he was under quite such strong restrictions (i.e. I think he was able to bare weight on it, but only a little). I'll shoot him a text and tell him to check out this post. He probably has some advice. He usually does.

I can attest that Hot Sugar did just fine as a cripple...except for when I purposefully hit him in the private parts with my Nalgene bottle (which was hysterical) 

You should definitely still attend but avoid me because I'm bad.

[MaddieRose]

My brother (Hot Sugar) attended the festival one year on a pretty gimpy leg. I don't think he was under quite such strong restrictions (i.e. I think he was able to bare weight on it, but only a little). I'll shoot him a text and tell him to check out this post. He probably has some advice. He usually does.

I can attest that Hot Sugar did just fine as a cripple...except for when I purposefully hit him in the private parts with my Nalgene bottle (which was hysterical) 

You should definitely still attend but avoid me because I'm bad.

 

See you in a week!!!

[Cindy Lou]

CAn you drive your car? If you have a placard you can drive right into town park and park there. If you decide not to come you can still listen on KOTO.org.  My friend Iris broke her leg 2 years ago and was on crutches the whole time and she camped. But she's young and had a lot of help too. It is definitely possible, and people will clear room for you. You can sit up by the sound booth too and not have to worry about a tarp, but bring a hat or scarf to keep wet so you don't overheat.