Post crash pic - the bike
 

[IMG]http://members.aol.com/j999w/crash/Bike.jpg[\IMG]

Recall that back in August I was run down from behind by an SUV driven by a hit and run driver. I got the bike back yesterday. After walking through two dozen crashed and burnt cars at the sheriff's lot to pick up my dead bike, I wasn't in the best of moods. Then the local evening news showed that TWO pedestrians were hit by cars within 3 miles of here, one was killed, the other has serious head injuries.

Very depressing.

jw

John,

How are you progressing physically?

holy $#!+.

I walk slowly and with a slight limp, but am back to work full time. I can ride my MTB about 15 minutes, then the bones ache too much. Looking forward to some easy spring rides on carefully chosen routes.

jw

Original accident thread here

Wow, that's something. Glad you're progressing and are able to get on a bike somewhat. I hope you recover fully. I suppose at this point there's not much point in hoping they'll find the creep that did this?

That's why the DA cleared the bike for me to take ... little chance of finding the scum.

jw

+1
get well soon

Wow,that is horrible.......Do you feel like giving any details? I think if your neighbors/ fellow cyclists and people reading this know a few details you may have a better chance catching up to the a@@hole that could do something like this.I'm hoping you don't have any permanent physical injuries?I was in a pretty serious car wreck when I was a 20 something and it scared the bejesus outta' me-I couldn't drive anything for a long time...I kinda' know how it feels.I wish you all my best.Ask me or someone else here if we can help you.Anyone of us that rides on the road could be in your shoes,please let us know if we can help.Love Someone.

Sobering photo and I've read the original thread and it's devastating to hear of your injuries and your accident. Best of luck with your recovery. Please keep us updated with your progress. Just finished reading of the challenges Graeme Obree described in his book, "Flying Scotsman". It's amazing what the human spirit can endure and keep right on coming back, especially those who have had a great foundation of physical fitness. Hang in there. I'm sure it will be difficult to "feel safe" as you ride but as you point out two pedestrians were struck - so it does beg the question- is any activity safe? From your first thread it seems like you were struck through no fault of your own, it even sounds like a desirable road to ride on. Part of me reads something like this and never wants to leave the house again- especially on my bike- but cycling has been such a huge part of my life for so long (and I get the sense you're the same way) I just hate that some completely despicable coward of a human being should be allowed to take that joy from any other person. I for one am hoping you'll recover completely and ride for another 50 years if that's what would make you happy.

Glad to hear you are slowly progressing John. Also glad to hear that you still have a desire to ride. We should all support you as you defy this attempted killer and return to your bike. How do your non-cycling associates view your decision to return to the bike? I don't expect they are all supportive, no?

Sometimes even I think I'm crazy for wanting to ride again, but the sport has done some wonderful things for me and I love to do it, so all the scum on this earth won't keep me from living my life the way I think is best.

I rode the MTB for an hour today on a bike path with out any bone pain, so I'm BACK ! (and still way out of shape). I'm re-evaluating my riding routes as the urban blight is taking over once beautiful country roads and making them into 2 lane autobahns. I've learned the hard way that it is so easy to loose your life out on the road ... don't take a single day for granted, and for goodness sake, be careful out there!!! ;)

Here's the crash story:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=138308
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=146431

jw

I never really feel safe on the road. In fact, I try and take steps to avoid it. During periods of heavy traffic (i.e. my early morning rides) I opt for the mountain bike on backcountry dirt and gravel roads. So during the week that is what i do. After i get out of town, i usually don't see a car for an hour or so.

In summer months i ride early weekend mornings on the road with my road bike but traffic is usually pretty light. Of course there are times when i do ride in more traffic on the road but in general i try and avoid it. These steps certainly don't guarantee me anything but I figure i'll do what i can to minimize my risk.

Still we are only as safe as the person behind us. IOW, if there is a dangerous driver on your wheel, then all bets are off. Your story drives this home. It is encouraging to see you are riding again, I know you have had a long struggle. Keep it up!

Just an FYI, the left seat stay on that bike is bent and has rubber marks on it. If I was riding 6 inches more to the left (more VC??) I would have gone through the guy's windshield instead of being thrown into the poison ivy. Food for thought.

jw

Good for you for wanting to get back on. I had a motorcycle accident earlier this year and was afraid that I'd let the fear prevail over living life if I didn't get back on.

It's too bad you can't get the coward who hit and ran. Glad you're healing!

http://members.aol.com/j999w/crash/Bike_fixed.jpg
Before and after. Gave it some TLC and it lives ! Different bars, saddle, rebuilt rear wheel, and straightened the rear dropouts in a vice. Of course the dent in the top tube is on the other side, and that left seat stay is still bent. It actually turns, shifts, brakes pretty well considering what it's been through ... I have put about 50 miles on it so far.

Just had to post this as closure for the whole ordeal.

Thanks. ;)

jw

Glad to see that you're back in the saddle!

Good for you, glad to see you're working through this!

Nice job with the rebuild, you both survived, karma we'll take care of the rest.

Take care!
Steve

Bike and rider are back!