After the Serious Accident

[chatnoire]

It sounds like things are slowly coming along for you. That's really great.

I don't have much to add from the bike crashing experience, but possibly my best friend's story will help?

She was thrown from her horse a couple years ago, broke multiple bones, 5 days in the hospital, pins, etc. She was completely unable to use both arms for about 3 weeks, relying on friends for everything (and I mean *everything*). 6 weeks in, she was itching to get back on the horse, and at 12 weeks, they ok'd it for her...and the horse she was riding (a 26 year old school horse) fell....and she broke her arm again.

The second crash affected her so much more than the first. Like you, she was lucky to have awesome insurance, and eventually went on to buy a new horse (the previous ones were school horses and leased horses) - and working with her new horse she was able to get to the point that she felt comfortable riding, walking, doing dressage, trail rides...but she stopped jumping. It just wasn't what she felt comfortable doing. But she *still* spends hours each day at the barn, fussing over her horse.

I hope that you get to the point where you can be ok with the limits you feel you need, but the ability to go to the point that you are comfortable with riding again.

[featuretile]

Hi Kajero,

It was a little too soon for me, but that was the schedule of my group bike camping tour from Napa to Santa Cruz with international guests. I went from the 28 miles I had managed to get up to after the accident to 30-46 miles a day. In 8 days, I rode 242 miles. That does not mean I felt as confident as before. I really tried to keep a distance between me and the other riders. I sagged over the 2 big mountains with steep ascents and descents. I seem to not have as much energy for the climbs, and I really don't feel like going downhill very fast. Basically, it wasn't as much fun as before, but I needed to prove that I could still do it.

I also ride a Ruby Compact 48 and it is very comfortable.

The biggest difference to me seems to be my attitude. Before the accident I was focused on keeping up with the faster riders. Now, I just want to get home safe, and if they pass me, they pass me. Hopefully, it will get more fun again.