Originally Posted by
theril
I am looking for some advice, and not quite sure on the best location to post. I apologize in advance to those that see this through the cross posts…
I am currently participating in a writing class, and have ridden for a while (blessedly) free of major injuries. The story I am developing focuses on a character that suffers a major accident during a mountain bike race (set in Colorado) – enough that he is told he “will/should never competitively ride again”.
Here is my question. What type of injury, or combination of injuries, would be enough to make a doctor reach that type of conclusion? The rider should still be able to recover (over time, with rehab, etc.)… My original thought was some form of back injury, where part of the spine would need to be fused … does this seem feasible, or are there any other suggestions?
If it is or could be a downhill race, there are some spectacular possibilities.
Somewhere on the web (perhaps on youtube) there may be a video of a French downhill racer wiping out right in front of a nest of cameras.
Her accident was replayed over and over on European television.
There is also an interview with her, in the hospital after the accident.
She said she had broken most of the bones in her body in previous races. This one was different, though. She was seriously considering quitting for good. She said she did not want to be in wheelchair at forty.
She had serious internal injuries and back injuries.
*****
Paralysis from a neck or back injury is a possibility for your story. Chris Reeve fell off a horse, and landed on his head; his story is on the web.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Reeve#Injury
Some people with these sorts of injuries are able to come back, even after poor prognoses from doctors.
Recoveries from brain injuries also surprise doctors at times.
Good luck with it.