The Setback

Thursday started out as a nice morning Bill and I set off to meet with Stacy for our 60 mile ride. Things were going well, blue skys, not too cold and lots of other riders out.

Stacy and I were cruising along about 15-16 mph side by side when I realized there was a wood post at the intersection that I was heading straight for. My mind was thinking how to get out of the inevitable within the next second. I couldnt go left as Stacy was next to me and next to her the center metal pole, I couldnt go right as there was a metal cable, so I tried to just move alittle to the left not to hit it head on....it worked or so I thought until my pedal clipped the wood pole, causing me to lose control....so the fall began.

Although its a matter of a second my mind was already thinking "how bad is this going to be and how much will it hurt." At that moment my left elbow struck the ground so hard I swear I heard the break, then my head hit the ground and I stopped sliding. My brand new helmet did its job, but I screamed in pain as I knew my arm/elbow wasnt right.

After my initial screaming, I realized Stacy was there and yelled to her to go get my husband as I thought my arm was broken. Stacy took off like it was a time trial race :) Another few bikers came up, took care of my gear and called 911. Great group of riders that were sympathtic and willing to help.

Stacy and Bill came back and directed the ambulance to my side as well as called Eric to help with our gear. My first official ambulance ride, not related to my prior law enforcement career. The fire medics were awesome and helpful even though I was embarassed to be using their services.

I get to Mercy-Folsom and the nurses see my TDL jersey and say "hey we had one of those yesterday", yes Jason Weckworth the founder of TDL took a spill the day before, although I'm sure his was on a tougher ride.

So the doctor comes in, looks at my elbow and says, "oh yeah thats broken, but lets take x-rays." X-rays taken and confirm a break, he says I will need a screw put in but I need wait for the swelling to go down and see an orthopedic surgeon.

Dang everyone is saying RAAM is over for me, but I'm not convinced yet. I want to get the screw put in so I can get on the trainer and keep my conditioning up. I've done too many miles and stressed too much about fundraising and making a difference for this not to happen. Right now I can only ice and elevate which is a step in healing. Wednesday I see the Orthopedic surgeon and you know I'll be telling him he only has 6 weeks to fix me :)

Anyway, I thank Stacy, Eric, Tucker and Bill for their positive words at the hospital and hope to ride soon.

As I'm typing this (one handed) Bill and Stacy are out for a cold morning ride in the hills of El Dorado....I am with them in spirit!!!