On Wednesday night I fell off my bike. This happens fairly frequently, but on this occasion something about the way that I landed meant that both of the bones in my right arm snapped. I wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, it was just one of those things.
Luckily for me Tom and Nigel were on hand to sort me out. I couldn’t move at all because my wrist was moving independently of my elbow and the bones would have poked out of the skin. This was the most painful thing I have ever felt, by a long way. I can’t describe how bad the pain was, but I was making horrible noises and shaking and shivering. The paramedics came in about 20 minutes which was quick considering where we were and gave me gas and air. That is good stuff.
To cut a long story short I have 2 plates in my arm and a cast for the next few months. The nurses at Ashford hospital did a really good job and I am so grateful for the NHS, and all the people who helped me. I can’t imagine how bad it would have been if I had been alone, (especially as my phone gets no signal at the trails).
I don’t want to ride with plates in my arm, especailly with what happened to Tim, so I think it will be 2 or 3 years before I am back on a bike, but I do hope to ride again one day. I am sure you will see me at the woods before then with my camera anyway!
I don’t want loads of sympathy or anything, I know this is a risk I took every time I rode my bike. I am just grateful for the 6 years riding I have enjoyed and all the good memories. Don’t take it for granted.