This morning (Jan 4th) at approximately 9.30am the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the scene of a mountain bike accident in forestry near Thorpe in the Motueka Valley. A 66 year old male from the area crashed while riding, landing heavily, sustaining injuries to his ribs. The rider was assessed by the helicopters onboard intensive care paramedic before being flown to Nelson Hospital for further treatment.