It’s just part of the deal.
I’ve handcycled nearly 33,000 miles since 1999. I’ve no idea how many hours I’ve spent within literally a couple of feet of speeding traffic, but honestly there’s never been much fear.
Last week, I guess the law of averages caught up with me.
I stopped at a stop sign next to a four-wheel-drive pickup. I turned right; so did he. The first sign of trouble was the screeching sound of my back wheel against the side of the truck. I could have slapped the truck’s rear tire, but I was busy trying to steer away.
Sadly, railroad tracks got in the way as I bounced off the truck, wobbled a couple of times, and flopped onto my side with the bike to top of me in the gravel between the tracks.
A whole bunch of cars stopped, including the guy who hit me, and as about twenty folks rushed toward me one big thought surged through my brain: “I hope my bike’s not damaged.”
That’s right. I pretty much knew I was okay—well, I couldn’t move my legs, but aside from that I was pretty sure I wasn’t seriously injured. But my bike…
The other driver was absolutely horrified. I did my best to reassure him, within our terrible insurance-driven culture that prevents making statements about injuries at accident scenes. Paramedics checked me out, verified that I’m paralyzed, and treated some rather impressive road rash. They wanted me to take an ambulance ride, but I couldn’t leave my bike.
I’d ask your prayers for the other driver, who seemed tormented by his innocent mistake. I so wanted him to relax and know it would all be okay, to stop after the fiftieth apology, to allow himself some grace. He was literally shaking and crying, and I hope he’s been able to let all of that go.
As for my poor bike, some pieces and parts are pretty bent up. But they’re things, and they can be replaced.
In case you missed it, when I bounced off the side of the truck the rear tire was so close I could have reached out and touched it. That means if he’d been a foot or two back, he would have run over the front of my bike—and me.
I’m grateful.
Please leave a comment here.
Yeah!!! Glad you are fine. I know it hurts to have your bike damaged (been there done that!) but glad it was the bike and NOT YOU!!! Thanks for all you & Becky do to inspire all of us. Much appreciated. Keeping you and the driver in my prayers!!!
PTL! You are safe and The Good Lord will provide for the bike.
So glad that things turned out all right. Glad you were not seriously injured.
Giving thanks to God that you are ok, Rich. I’ll be prayin for the driver, too…I think I would have had a similar reaction. Love you!
So thankful you’re ok, Rich. And your bike certainly can be replaced or repaired! Blessings to you and Becky on this Fall morning. Jim