VAIL, Colorado — In the wake of a cycling accident, Vail local Dick Dime has emerged from his coma, and friends plan a swimming event in Littleton to raise money for his medical expenses.

Dime has been recovering at Swedish Medical Center in Denver.

“He's doing a lot better,” close friend Kat Armstrong said. “He came out of a coma a couple days ago. He did recognize me, and he's learning how to talk.”

Although Dime is breathing on his own, friends say he could face a tough recovery from a brain injury.

Friends hopes to raise at least $5,000 for Dime through the swimming event, Armstrong said.

“He doesn't have insurance,” she said. “We're trying to raise enough money to get him brain therapy.”

Dime, 44, had been riding his bike along a crosswalk in the Denver area Aug. 22 when a car hit him, Armstrong said earlier. Also known by his real name, Richard Paradis, Dime is a fixture of the music scene in Vail, where he served as talent buyer at the Sandbar Sports Grill for more than a year.

If you go...

What: Swimming benefit for Dick Dime

Details: Swim 1/2 mile, 2 miles or 3 miles; participate in a silent auction

When: Sunday; registration at 7 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m.

Where: The lake at Grant Ranch, 7255 West Grant Ranch Blvd., Littleton

Cost: $25

More information: Visit www.dickdime.info or call Armstrong at 970-331-6541