7 bones, 1 lung, 1 year, 1 new bike, 5700+ miles

So today is the anniversary date of my bad wreck last year. Wow! it's been an amazing year of recovery, growth, and falling back in love with cycling.

To those who don't know the story....I fell (just me, got distracted) broke 5 ribs, my arm, deflated my lung, had a chest tube, my lung collapsed again when they took the suction off so we had to suction again and then some. In the hospital for 10 days. I was back on my bike again before the year was over for some VERY easy tentative rides. my arm was still in a cast. Mr. bought me The Lovely Madone the day after the wreck as an affirmation of his support for my cycling and as encouragement for me to recovery and ride again.

Prior to the wreck, I had only ridden a cumulative total of about 2,500 miles (over two summers). This year, so far, I've ridden 5,700+ miles.

I rode a metric century today to celebrate life and recovery. I would have ridden longer but could only carve out that much time from the needs of moving the in-laws. It was beautiful weather, high 50's, light wind, blue sky! I wore the USA jersey with the matching armwarmers! :D :D

64.5 miles, average 17.2. (I thought I should have been able to maintain a higher average (I was trying for 18mph average, getting in and out of my neighborhood slows me down :o ), but traffic got a little heavy on my return and I was tired too, so I didn't push.

Glad to be alive and riding my bike!!!

Brava !!! That's a great story. You have much to be proud of. :cool:

Congratulations! Silver-lining at the end of the tunnel, eh? :D

Didn't you break your arm while trying to bathe at home right AFTER you got out of the hospital from your broken ribs and collapsed lung? Poor Silver.

What an inspiration you are! :p

Yes Lisa, she did break her arm in a subsequent fall in the bathroom, but the x-ray revealed the broken wrist that was overlooked in the ER following her wreck.

:D :D I, for one, am glad that Silver is still around and going strong.;) :D

So glad you did not park the bike. You truly have had a wonderful year and it speaks volumes of your determination. I hope the next year is equally as good to you.

I can feel you breathing down my neck at BikeJournal - thanks for pushing me!

hey that is awesome! I think I will go out for a bike ride (maybe I can get over my fear of DC drivers!)

Wow. You go, girl.

Wow Silver it is hard to believe that was just last year. Congrats on your determination! :D

that 's what I call love!

Thanks for sharing your story!

It has been neat to see how you have used your accident this to help other riders who have had accidents.

I am happy for you - it is great that you overcame your fears and have this to celebrate today - just imagine what it would be like if you hadn't got back on the bike and today rolled around!

You must really have some get-up-and-go in you, girl! :D :D :D :D

YAY!!!! Go silver! You've for sure helped me alot over the last year... I rode 10 miles farther than the day that i crashed on the one year aniversary after my wreck j ust to kinda say HA :) KEep it up!

Thanks for "listening" to me. It was such a significant day for me and I wanted to share that. I rode alone and didn't see anyone else out riding. Knew you ladies (and men) would understand.

luv2ride: You've helped me out too! Keep at it!!!

Hi Silver -

The ride of celebration belongs to you. You know what you went through one year ago because it was something you couldn't give away or escape from. But, you survived and got back on the bike.
I still remember my first night after my wreck. I think you and anyone else who has crashed knows what this is like. You have to dig deep to handle the moment. But, your body begins to heal and you become stronger.

Continue to ride safe.

Barb

Congrats Silver. Ride strong, live long...Your accomplishments this year shows your determination and abilities...

Well done!

Congrats Silver! Thanks for sharing your story with us and allowing us to come along on the ride to recovery and beyond. Sometimes we don't know our own strength until a challange like this comes along. You should be proud of yourself and all your accomplishments!

Congratulations on your one year anniversary of a huge hurdle dealt to you in your life. You have went to the exreme with your progress.

My crash was two years ago on Labor Day and when we ride on that day, all the thoughts come back. I watch the clock and think what I was doing at that time. My crash was a far cry from yours as I only had a fractured shoulder, but I can relate with your feelings of getting back in the saddle. The number one thought was how quickly I would get back to riding, and how the love for the sport has increased over time. I finally found a town official that might have some clout in improving the roads. I will contact him after election day (I am optimistic he will be re-elected). He is also a cyclist

~ JoAnn

your recovery and determination are inspirational!

Wow Silver, thats incredible. Congratulations!

congrats on your efforts and recovery. i hope to have your courage and determination. i wear the cyclist you sent and it brings me strength. some day i would love to make an opportunity to ride with you. Dawn ;)

Happy Anniversary! You're an inspiration!

YOU GO GIRL ! ! ! !

Way to go Silver!!! You are definately an inspiration! Thanks for sharing:D

Thanks for sharing this celebration with me. This forum has been a great encouragement to me.

However, my wreck was small compared to what invsblwmn is going through right now. invsblwmn, I think of you often and hope that every step goes better than anticipated. I think that you are strong in a way that never even hoped to be. I wish I could do more to help you. It will be a priviledge and honor to ride with you. :)

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Originally Posted by Tater

Well done!

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Hey Tater! How's the mileage towards the goal going?

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Originally Posted by silver

Hey Tater! How's the mileage towards the goal going?

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Its going great! After today's ride, I will be at 5470-ish. I think I have to average something like 52 miles per week to end the year at six thousand. But, I am aiming to have that six by the end of November. That, of course, depends upon how cranky Mother Nature wants to get. :rolleyes:

That's a very inspirational story Silver. I'm sure you have inspired many women here on this forum to up their miles...I know you've inspired and encouraged me. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by silver

Glad to be alive and riding my bike!!!

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Congratulations, Silver! :D

Congratulations, Silver (and many of you other post-ers)

Thank you for your inspiration, for sharing your story, for riding and riding and riding!

I picture you riding now and you're just one blur of speed and protective butterflies! yay!

Hugs,
~T~

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Originally Posted by silver

Mr. bought me The Lovely Madone the day after the wreck as an affirmation of his support for my cycling and as encouragement for me to recovery and ride again.

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That just tugs at my heart. I'm so glad you were able to make a complete recovery and I think you've come back stronger than you anticipated. Your testimony is so very inspiring.

Sliver, you - and your supportive husband - have continued to be a source of inspiration and I am pleased you want to acknowledge the "anniversary" and reflect on such a successful year of recovery and courage.

Silver, thanks so very much for posting this. What an encouragement you are!!