The accident that tried to once again stop me.
WARNING:.......Graphic images below.
On July 25, 2015 I was tested.
Training to ride the 300 miles to CENCI this summer I have never felt better. My century training ride (100 miles) on this day was easily in site. I had road from home near Calhoun to Owensboro and spent the morning on the Greenbelt. On my ride home at about mile 72 I went over a hill near Troutman Hills on hwy 798. Without warning a medium sized dog walked into my path.
The dog was not aggressive. It was a hot summer day. I may have flushed him out of the ditch and I think he was as surprised as I was. I had no time to react. I hit the dog and then went head over heals and handle bars. I did a barrel roll onto my head and shoulder. The impact so violent my helmet was cracked and the back of my seat behind and under my butt was was even damaged.
On a blind hill I was fortunate not to have lost consciousness. I began collecting my water bottles and other items. I turned my back on a vehicle that came from the visible side of the hill so that he would not see my injuries and stop to help further creating hazard.
I got back on my bike and began coasting downhill. The air felt good. Not wanting to stop, now realizing I was then in shock, I tried to use my phone to call for help. The phone cover was full of blood and sweat keeping me from dialing until I got the case apart. I was still rolling when I dialed 911. I explained to the dispatcher what had append ant that I was on 798 nearing 136. She told me (thanks to her skill and enhanced 911) that I was not near 136. I had not yet crossed hwy 250. She suggested I stop and I promised I would once I had a house number.
Soon a first responder (I think it was Colton Stratton who latter agreed to take my bike home) stopped to ask if I had seen the accident. I told him I thought he was looking for me. With one look he said, "Yes I think I am" and told me to stop. He got me to stop.
Neighbors came out. Ironically their dog was with them. Not the dog I hit this dog knew I was hurt and licked my face before the owners could call him back. Colton stayed with me and helped me evaluate my injuries as I too began to lick my wounds. Soon the ambulance came and still in shock and wanting to refuse transport Medic Melloy helped me get a look and convinced me it was time to take a ride in the truck tp tje hospital to get checked out. (ambulance) A couple hours and a couple thousand dollars later I was x-ray'd, CT'd and sowed up. Now all I needed was a ride home.
Judy was spending her last night in Florida with grand-kids. There was no reason to spoil her fun too. No way she could help other than pray and God was already with me. I called Travis Swope who's friendship is young but true. Travis came to my aid. Soon Travis had me home. Thank you Travis.
I found my bike on the porch. Thank you too Colton.
I also need to thank the 911 dispatcher, the ambulance service, hospital staff and other FD department personnel from both Easter and Central district and more.
I was discouraged but this would prove to be only a set back. I began physical therapy with my goal in mind and resumed training one week later.
Note: Many have asked about the dog. I have not seen it before or since and only hope it got home. I hit it hard. It was not aggressive to me. It only wanted to cross the road.
WARNING:.......Graphic images below.