It was just another day. I was out for a training ride on my road bike. The course I took was mostly uphill from my house ending with a steep climb up Dannemora Mountain. At the top you can fill your water bottles at the spring. While making my descent, heading for home, I was reaching speeds as high as 40-45 MPH. Then it happened. A Jeep Liberty coming up the mountain turned left (in front of me) into a driveway, then proceeded to back out into my path. Well that was the end of my riding for awhile! I slammed into the passenger door and was instantly knocked unconscious!
My injuries included three broken ribs, a collapsed lung, closed head injury (concussion), and paralysis to my left arm. Having a closed head injury I could not respond to EMT's request. I did not have ID. I was a John Doe in the ER, Intensive Care Unit, until I was recognized later by someone that I helped with Bicycle Rodeos.
I spent 10 days in the hospital, and can only remember 3 of these days. I am still doing rehab to my left arm/shoulder; my deltoid muscle is not receiving any signals from my nerves. However, I am glad to report that I am back in Uniform...finally! You might find it hard to believe that I am a Police Officer and also a trained Police Cyclist and Police Cyclist Instructor. I credit my training and the fact that I always wear my helmet to saving my life. I have since found ROAD ID and always wear it when I ride!! Pedal On,
