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

[silver]

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!

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 ), 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!!!

[jobob]

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

[SadieKate]

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

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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!

[Mr. Bloom]

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.

I, for one, am glad that Silver is still around and going strong.

[makbike]

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!

[madscot13]

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

[OakLeaf]

Wow. You go, girl.

[Aggie_Ama]

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

[elk]

that 's what I call love!

[Flybye]

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!

[luv2ride94]

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!

[silver]

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!!!

[bacarver]

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

[sbctwin]

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