Video: Balance, Episode 5 - Revival

 I thankfully still have but came close. Hats off to you and anyone that's rocking a prosthetic and participating in sport of any kind.

 fuck you very much for that comment abzillah

 There were so many that I drew inspiration from, many in much worse situations than mine. I'm thankful and honored to be an inspiration to others in the same way.
"optimism/positivity) will draw others to you, and bring good things into your life." Right after the crash it was the intense pain that told me I was alive and not paralyzed. How could I not be immediately positive about that? It's all a manner of perspective.
:-)

 if it does not kill you it f**king hurts and if it hurts that means you are alive


one thing I have learnt after my crash

 Cheers to that!! I remember, was a couple good rips for sure. A memorable moment from this year too. Behind you guys on that steep run at committed speed and I couldn't see the trail through the dust. Had to use the force. hehe. If you are ever passing through Kelowna let me know and we'll hit some trails here. Dave

 Sounds like you too have a story of inspiration. If you don't mind me asking, what happened?

 no one to blame but myself... or karma. 3 separate injuries. broken back and torn up knee were sustained backcountry skiing around pemberton. perhaps after 30 yrs of pushing hard on the skis i needed to find those personal boundaries. broken foot was a random rock hidden just below waterline (still thankful i jumped feet first). put together, the cumulative effect of 3 yrs in rehabilitation mode have been greater than the sum of 3 individual injuries - both psychologically and physically. but i've had little nibbles of stoke along the way to keep me going - XC riding, mellow time on the water and out in the pow - whatever it takes to keep increasing my mobility.

 Awesome!! Sounds like the trails may not be too far off. Cheers to that!!

 I guess it depends on the severity of the break and which bone is broken. I lost 3 inches of my right tibia; the leg is compressed in the x-ray. The surgeon put a rod inside the tibia which stretched it back out. To fill the 3 inch gap, bone fragments were taken from my hips during multiple surgeries. The first time it didn't work and had to be done again removing the rod and putting in a bigger one. The second go around thankfully worked. My left talus bone was crushed and it's the bone that attaches your foot to your leg and what would be considered the hinge. This bone along with the scaphoid in the wrist are the worst for getting good blood supply which makes healing more of a challenge and topping it off, the micro arteries that supply blood to the talus were torn away leaving my talus to essentially die. All of my early rehab I did was to promote blood flow in my foot which thankfully worked along with multiple reconstructive surgeries.

 haha.. yes indeed. And a Chilcotin and Endorphin too. One day... Loving my Knolly :-)

 aquaventuresales@gmail.com

 Check this out; www.exogen.ca I used this machine from early on in my recovery. It's thought to stimulate healing of bone and also revascularization. As well as this, my ankle was put in a removable air cast. I took it off regularly and clenched my muscles at first while there was supposed to be no movement. Very quickly I started to move my foot as best as I could. Using an elastic workout band I then started to pull and push with a little resistance. While in the wheelchair I would rest my foot on the floor and do calf raises. Also lots of massaging and hot baths. During the hot baths I would remove my foot from the hot water and cover with a cold cloth and repeat multiple times to stimulate blood flow. As I was feeling signs of recovery I started to weight bear by putting weight in my lap and do calf raises. Then I started to stand using counter tops to hold the bulk of my weight and gradually put more weight on my legs as I felt I could. As soon as I could I started working out my upper body, crawling on my knees in the gym with my casts on, loading weights and such. Although there was no direct force on my injuries, there would be flexing of the muscles which promoted blood flow. Toward the end of the wheelchair I started doing leg extensions and curls with casts on. I even did no leg impact cardio kick boxing in my wheelchair with my wife. Through all of this I never went to physiotherapy as I felt I was doing a pretty good job on my own. Through each surgery I would pretty much repeat this process. At one point my surgeon said to keep up what I was doing as it was working. I've always found "working" the injury to be the best therapy. Keep in mind, this is what worked for me. I would never suggest someone to do something other than what is recommended by their doctor.

 Thanks Tom, I appreciate that. Can't wait for spring to get up to the puddle and ride with you guys!!

 I'm going to leave my bike in my room more often!

 hehe... I couldn't ride so I learned how to have fun in my chair. I was rarely on 4 wheels. Manuals, spins, stairs... woohoo :-)

 The leg x-ray is my right leg and the ankle is my left. Wheelchair for nine months and crutches off and on for the remainder of 2 years. The accident happened Feb 9th 2009. I missed 2 riding seasons and got back on my bike spring of 2011. I had may last surgery scheduled (of which the x-ray with screws was from) for early summer 2011 and had it delayed to September 2011 so as to not miss riding that summer. It was a long road that when I reflect back on went pretty quick. My surgeon said he'll be happy if my ankle lasts ten years. I far exceeded their expectations so far so figure that ten years is conservative. :-)
My right leg is close to 100% although my knee feels somewhat arthritic time to time. My left ankle has limited movement but wearing a brace while riding doesn't bother me. Only set back with riding really is that it's hard to keep my foot planted on the pedal so I'm now running clipped in for all riding. Hoping to change that since jumping kinda freaks me out a bit clipped in. My ankle still bothers me, stiff and painful most mornings especially when cold. Walking on uneven surfaces tweaks it too but a brace is helpful there. Standing for periods of time doesn't feel very good either. Most of the time I can walk without a limp and people can't typically tell I've had a serious injury. It's been a little over 3.5 years and I've continued to see improvements but feeling like my recovery may have plateaued. Considering the extent of the injuries I'm incredibly grateful I've made it this far.

 You're a trooper! I also broke my talus bone (riding at Highland in NH) and have been on crutches or a PTB unloader for the last six months. I also have been waiting on a piece of the talus to regain blood supply, which it finally is. I have never been so depressed and pissed off in my life. I had to give my bike to my brother for the summer because I wanted to ride it so bad.

You humble me! I can't even imagine remaining that strong and positive for two years. You have some real endurance to withstand that and stay motivated the whole way through. My hat is off to you buddy!

 Time will pass faster than you know and you'll be back on your bike. Not saying not to do what your doctors tell you but listen to your body and push yourself as hard as you can. Things that are still tent to stay still and things that are in motion tend to stay in motion. PM me if I can ever be of help. Hang in there...

 Inspirational story, kudos and my respect. I've only had an ACL which, although I wouldn't wish upon anyone, seems childs play to this. I was wondering about why you would ride clipless after all that has happened, but the limited movement explains it, thanks for sharing your story.

Lady luck seemed to be on your side in that the deactivated airbag was still deployed, but what happened to your seatbelt? Did it fail?