Life changes fast......
Before I can tell the story of my accident I have to give a little background. Beginning in 1999 I took up cycling as a hobby / way to get in shape. This quickly changed into a great deal more. To say that I loved that zone that you get into as the miles slide by would be a huge understatement. So with that in mind I guess the other thing I ought to mention is that there are no pro, semi pro, or amateur cycling racers that haven’t caught the side mirror of a passing car across their shoulder. The result of course is you get tossed over the handle bars with a dislocated or at the least bruised shoulder blade.
So September 10, 2001 started as a beautiful day in Orlando, FL. It was clear and warm, but not to hot. The perfect weather for a “short” training ride. I had been training for a 150 mile charity ride and even though this was not supposed to be day on the bike. I couldn’t resist calling my coach to get clearance to just go 50 miles. With the go ahead, I was on my way.
50 Miles at my moderate pace of 25mph had me at my halfway mark in about an hour. After refilling my 3L water pack I started back towards home. I only got 500 feet…...
As I was crossing the main road to head back down the other side, I was struck broadside by a delivery van traveling at 55mph. The impact point was just behind the saddle of my bike, I would like to say that I don’t remember anything else from this point on, however I remember it all. That being said, I warn anyone reading this that if a detailed description may trigger a adverse reaction, Please stop reading now!
So…. on impact my right tibia was broken in 2 places causing a compound fracture, my right femur as also fractured. Both myself and my bike, that was still attached to me by the locking cleats, were at this point lifted by momentum onto the hood of the van where the right side of my jaw was broken by the impact with the windshield. As the driver slammed on the breaks I was thrown, according to witness statements, 10 to 15 feet where the bike and I landed, me flat on my back. At this point I would like to remind you that I had only minutes before refiled the 3L waterpack that I was wearing on my back. This was a blessing. According to my doctors the cushion created by the bladder before it burst saved me from breaking my back. After landing I slid another 10 feet, breaking the bones in my right hand and severing the bones on right ring finger. I was lucky and witnesses called 911 and shortly after I stopped moving the ambulance arrived. After reaching the Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center. I learned that in addition to the injuries I already mention I had suffered a break to the left side of my jaw as well as the center. I had 6 broken ribs, a fractured right hip, broke the bones in my right foot as well as 4 toes. Broke my nose, the cheek bone and the orbit on the right side of my face. I had a large amount of gravel inbeded in me, and now carry a unique scar on my right calf, that was created when the cog wheel dug in. Internally I had a lacerated liver, 1 inch was removed, a perforate bowel, and my descending mesentary artery was severed. 3 things saved my life that day. #1 the water pack, #2 the helmet that I had only been wearing for 2 weeks to that point, and #3 my finial position left me bent in a way that I did not bleed out.
It has been years since that day, and I would be lying if I said I lived pain free. In reality, it is amazing what you can learn to adapt to. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the day my life changed, and while I would gladly change the way things happened, in the end change is good.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope that no matter your situation that you find peace every day.
