I thought my cycling life was over…

April 25 started out as a beautiful spring morning, as I began a routine mountain bike ride with a few buddies. We were climbing our way up a mountain side, burning calories and enjoying the sun peaking over the surrounding mountains. Just as I crested over the climb and began my descent, everything changes very quickly. My front wheel washed outward toward the left, as I was thrown to the ground directly onto my right hip. The impact was violent. After a bumpy ride to the hospital in my buddies Jeep, I was facing white gowns, rolling hospital beds and bright light overhead. An orthopedic surgeon had a grim look on his face as I was informed I had an acetabular hip fracture consisting of 6 broken pieces. I then spent the next 2 days in traction preparing the hip for surgery.

After five hours of surgery, I looked like this:

The first question I had for my doctor was, after all this madness, will I be able to ride a bicycle again? His answer, I believe so.

Fast forward to August 23, 2020:

After 90 days of none weight bearing exercises, I happy to report I can walk without a cane and 95% limp free. And can I ride? Yes, I’m currently riding 7 miles per day as part of my therapy, and it feels so good. It’s been quite a fight, but I’m “in it to win it”.

Lessons I’ve learned:

1-Never take your walking for granted.

2-It can all go to zero within seconds.

3-Positive thinking, prayer and meditation work.

4-Never ride a mountian bike with smooth tires on a mountain trail.