Everything can change in a second!

I heard the car accelerate quickly, then the eerie crunch of carbon fiber, aluminum, and the thump of my body. I saw my bike explode underneath me, I felt the impact of the windshield then the course pavement across exposed skin on my face, hands and legs. The body parts identified themselves one at a time; The head strikes the pavement, the face slides, the knees grind across the tarmac, my back and hips twist as I flipped again still attached to the bike frame, my arms never had time to react, the hands still gripped the bars as if I continued to control the bike through the air. I gazed through the scratched lenses of my Oakley's to see water bottles and gel packs strewn across the street, I laid there in shock for a moment, what just happened? “Oh my God”, I thought for a moment! I just got hit by a car!!

I have read plenty of articles written by accident victims and just as many written by the family or friends the cyclists have left behind. Most of the avid bike riders I know realize the dangers of the road bike, we strap our helmets on like soldiers preparing for battle, the route we intend to ride is discussed with family along with a time frame. The phone is packed in the pocket for emergency response, bracelets and identification bands are fastened to the body, the brightest and most vivid colored jerseys are worn as to be noticed from afar, we kiss our families good bye and head out. What should be a peaceful, relaxing form of exercise starts off with a routine similar to that of a Firefighter or Police Officer reporting for duty. Like many others, I go through this process because I love where the bike takes me, I love the journey, therefore I prepare for the battle. Unfortunately all the preparation in the world can not protect me from the actions of others.

I’m lucky to be alive today. I was hit by a speeding motorist who never seen me until I was on her windshield. There were no cell phones, coffee, or kids creating a distraction, just a driver caught up in her moment. The decision she made at that moment could have changed the lives of my wife and children forever. The decision I made that morning to prepare for battle changed the outcome of what could have been the cliché ”He died doing what he loved”.