What do you do when a horse bucks you off? Well that is a good question. Most people would tell you to get back on the horse, but in this case after having a near death experience with my bike in Lassen National Park just 9 weeks earlier, it was a hard decision. Do I give up something I love or get back on?
On that fateful day of August 7, 2015 my life was dramatically changed forever. I was left with a broken leg and ankle and a need to heal. When I went in for surgery the doctor told me that I would heal according to how good my diet and eating habits were. I was glad to hear that because that was all I did was to eat right. I wanted to beat the odds. At 7 weeks I was told to put some weight on the leg. Then at 8.5 weeks I was told I could walk without the protective boot or crutches and I was good to get back to a more normal life. Wonderful!
That next weekend was our boy scout troop’s 50-mile bike ride for their merit badge and I didn’t want to miss it.
As I set my final plans in place there was that fear. That thought of when it will happen again. The more you put yourself out there the greater the chances of being hit again. Fortunately for this ride we had a lead car and a follow up car with caution all over to warn approaching traffic so I felt this would be a good opportunity to get back into it.
The drive out into the Nevada Black Rock Desert was beautiful. The sunset was spectacular. The evening was cool and invited a restful sleep.
We camped next to a hot spring and the boys and other leaders found their way into the pool of murky hot water and a relaxing time together. As for me my leg was quite swollen and a hot soak did not feel good to me. Later that evening we had a great fireside and I was able to share my stories of miracles of my accident and how I could be with them for this ride.
Sleep finally came and was very restful with morning following with great anticipation for a great ride from Gerlach Nevada to Pyramid Lake. 50 long miles with a dozen boy scouts. The weather was cloudy and cool with a slight drizzle of rain for most of the ride. The boys had some good fun putting coins on the railroad tracks running by the camp. It was all just a lot of good boy fun.
Most of the boys completed the entire ride but all met at the lake for a good swim and some good food. The ride for me was a test. It was a test I had to pass. I had to make sure I was back on the horse. This was a group ride but a personal test for me. Many times, I felt like giving up. What would it hurt for me to quit? After all I had just broken my leg and really should not have done this. But no, it did matter. It mattered to me and who I was. I was the You Can Do It Guy where Can’t has no place. I was living the challenge. “Within each of us there are limitations. However, within those limitations there are mountains to climb and goals to reach. Reach and climb your mountains, achieve your goals, live your dreams. YOU CAN DO IT!”
I met the challenge and passed the test.
View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Boy Scout Troop 50-Mile Bike Ride page.