Video: The Tom Wheeler Project, Part 3 Finale

Jan 9, 2013
by Film This Tyler  
The Tom Wheeler Project, Part 3

by EyesdownFilms
Views: 23,322    Faves: 114    Comments: 21


Things have come a long way since the last video when I had started my journey back on two wheels and one handed. From day one when I was told I would never ride two handed again, I was sure there would be a way, and I remember being in the hospital thinking of ways to make a mechanical system to assist my riding.

Chris Porter (Mojo Director) and I were chatting one day back at the Mojo HQ and I mentioned my ideas. The next thing I knew I was sat in the Ability Clinic in London with Chris waiting to meet Justin Rix. This was the first stage of creating the Mojo arm brace, a carbon fibre sleeve assisted with a custom Fox damper.

Shot from yesterday shoot of Tom trying out the new arm brace.
  Everything changes when I have the arm brace on. It gives my arm all the support I need when it's strapped to my bike, it makes me feel like nothing has happened. The brace offers me way more control than riding one handed, but my ability is still restricted.

Once back on the bike with both hands I had a few tracks in mind that I really wanted to tackle and get under my belt; before I knew it I was hitting up all my old trails, but I was hitting them at a good pace. It felt so good to be back on my bike, better than ever!

I’ve grown up racing and have always been obsessed with bike set-up. I know that any talented rider can adjust to ride any bike well, but I’m also aware of the benefits of having a bike set-up to help aid your abilities. About 5 months ago I was working at an Orange Bikes Demo Day and got talking to Michael from Orange. We were discussing the benefits of a 29er, and he was kind enough to offer me a prototype 140mm 29er that they were developing to try out. The bike had a longer wheelbase and lower bottom bracket, which really appealed to me, and I was really keen to see if the 29” wheels could benefit my riding.

I feel very comfortable on the bigger wheels, it’s given me extra confidence and my riding has reached a level I had felt it never would again.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me through these tough times. Like many of you, riding is my passion and the idea of injuring myself so badly that it might stop me from doing the thing I love gave me the determination and drive to work out ways around it and get back on it!

For blog use. EyesdownFilms.tv

bigquotesAlways look forward, never look back. - Rhys Wheeler (Brother)

If you missed the first two parts, they can be viewed here:

- Part One
- Part Two

Words: Tom Wheeler
Video and Photos: www.EyesdownFilms.tv

Music
Cirkulär – Rundgång
Sippin productions / Sippinkollektivet
SippinProductions.blogspot.se/

Aether – Thirds
AetherBeats.com

Beatfux – Cheese Steak Jimmys
Soundcloud.com/Beatfux

Posted In:



Author Info:
EyesdownFilms avatar

Member since Aug 11, 2011
46 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Kona Bicycles' Parent Company Appoints New CFO, Intends to Sell Brand
65946 views
Downhill Bikes of Sea Otter - Part 1
48218 views
Brian's Randoms from Sea Otter 2024
46076 views
Randoms Round 3: Dario's Treasures
45275 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in 10 DAYS!
40547 views
Randoms Round 1 - Sea Otter 2024
38756 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Araxá XC World Cup 2024
38329 views
Spotted: Frameworks Racing DH Bike with Electronic Fox Shock & Unreleased Enve Rims
38120 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

104 Comments
  • 38 0
 Awesome that you are able to ride again dude , much respect to you for getting your head down and dealing with it , I think I would of been so depressed and negative that I could not push my self to this level.

I think I may of seen you at forest of dean back in the summer ? Some dude with 1 arm on the bars was ripping down there faster than 50 percent of the fully mobile riders there !
  • 13 0
 That would have been Thomas Banister! Hes been a big inspiration to me. Tom W
  • 6 0
 Wow so cool to see ya back shredding those trails dude. The new brace looks to be working well. My only worry would be if you had an off or had to bail would you be able to get off the bike quickly as crashing attached to the bike could do you more harm man
  • 8 0
 I'm currently in the process of making a release system, I made the decision to continue using the brace without a release system because it was so much better than riding one handed. I've had 46 rides with the brace and had one crash, but thanks for your concern and it's high on our list of things to get done. Tom W
  • 4 0
 You has less crashes with one brace than me with two. Epic. Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Excellent that's good to hear and once again well done will continue to follow your results Smile
  • 3 0
 I have an idea for a release system. How about something like an SPD? When you crash, you usually end up twisting so you will end up releasing. Just a thought, keep the rubber side down and your head up! richie..
  • 2 0
 46 rides and one crash? You have a much better ratio going on than I do.

Awesome to see you still out there doing what you love, and not letting anything get in the way of that. Much respect to you and best if luck in the future.
  • 5 0
 Thank you for sharing this. My wife has lost almost 70 % of use to her left side due to being in a RTA . It's been a long road to recover and still away to go and I played her this vide and it shows her what is possible . So big thanks . Never give up
  • 3 0
 I'm glad it can help, thanks for the kind comments. I'm sorry to hear about your wife and hope her recovery goes well. Tom W
  • 4 0
 Wow, what an inspiration! Fair play to you fella. It's the behind the scenes that people don't see, that's the hard part. After suffering a fractured calcaneus, even making a cup of tea (was on crutches for six months) was impossible, you simply just get on with it. If I ever met you, I would gladly buy you a pint to say thanks for giving me the drive to keep up downhill racing!
  • 4 0
 im sick of all this gwin shit this trek racing that about on net at moment when there is guys like this ripping it up with 1 arm THIS IS WOT RIDDIN IS ABOUT... iv just found my new hero....... thank you..... ps u rule keep u the good work......
  • 2 0
 Hi I had same injury almost 11 years was told would get no movement back every but have managed to get shoulder moment back but not just how you feel silly thing like opening a bottle or eating a bag of crisps ppl don't see these things they take them for granted. Stay strong the anger passes and there's always a way round things mate all the best from one guy to another with same injury big hug as no just wat your going through .p.s can I borrow the arm thingy I'd of killed for one of them lol
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the comment, haha yeah I'm always getting my self in sticky situations. The day I have no teeth, opening things is gonna be a right pain. Tom W.
  • 1 0
 No the feeling bud but it's amazing how quick you can adjust I no I did. Was far from me first crash and be my last lol I've broke my back shattered left knee broke my chest bone had my face rebuilt and loads of little ones but still here and still ride when I can. After seeing your arm split me and mate gunna build a fiberglass one for me so I'll be able to ride harder then I do now. If you ever need a chat mate with some one who's been through the same as you mate just drop me a line its a hard thing to deal with when no one round you can understand wats going on inside. So keep strong bro even though it feels it at time your not alone mate all the best for the future mate. Lee H
  • 1 0
 If you need any help with it just let me know. My email is tom@eyesdownfilms.tv. I would be really interested in making you a damper if needed.

Tom W
  • 3 0
 Much respect! Thanks for the reality check. I often get down on myself being 41 years old and thinking that my best riding is behind me. Progress isn't given, it's earned. My humble pie tastes great!
  • 2 0
 It is very inspiring to see you back on the bike doing what you love. And to think, many people with no excuses whatsoever sit on their asses doing nothing their whole lives. You're living life to the fullest dude!
  • 1 0
 So awesome... The skill it takes to run all the controls on one side (with one hand!!!!) is mind-blowing let alone him riding AM tracks like that aye. What an inspiration. Keep charging mate, you're proof positive that you can't keep someone who's a rider at heart off his/her bike aye.
  • 1 0
 What an amazing story! You don't hear about something like this very often, but when you do, it always changes something in you. Whenever I face what little adversity I have in my life, I think about these stories and it always helps me move on. About a month ago I cut off part of my finger mountain biking and just two days ago I was able to confidently go for a ride in the hills. Even 4 weeks off the trails was extremely hard for me, and I can't even imagine what you have been through. Best of luck with the brace and keep shredding man!
  • 1 0
 Hey Tom! Dunno if you remember but I emailed you a good while back about brake set ups and was just wondering how you were getting on with yours after a long term test? I ended up settling with overlapping 2 Formula brakes, taping the levers together and running both brakes off the one lever. It works better than one rear brake but it's not perfect. Glad to see you are further innovating and coming up with ways to improve the overall ride quality. Brace looks really interesting, I was actually thinking about things like this after my last crash as grip for me seems to becoming more and more limited but I wasn't keen on strapping myself to the bar.
  • 1 0
 The brakes are going well, I have some clear images of my brake set up here - www.chopmtb.com/2012/12/20/race-bike-tom-wheelers-orange-29er-prototype/2. I run both brakes individually covering them with two different fingers and Its now second nature to me. I'm in the process of making a release system so being strapped to the bike will no longer be an issue. Tom W
  • 1 0
 Oh sweet, so the thumb brake thing wasn't working out for you? Interesting to see that you are using 2 fingers for the brakes, I tried that for a few weeks but found it was making my joints go all creaky and giving me crazy arm pump haha. I might try it again and fiddle about with positioning since you say it has become second nature, are you running the rear on top of the front? Hard to tell in the pics. So I read about the release system, hope you get one dialed!
  • 1 0
 I run the back brake on top, this in a natural position and then the front underneath. I use the back a lot more than the front, I was already used to riding with just a back brake from my dirt jumping days on my bmx. Tom W
  • 1 0
 just one word to say: INCREDIBLE
I can't believe what I saw, that tells us to never give up and fight for our dreams.
Hope the better for that guy and all people who lost parts of him body
  • 1 0
 be good to see you doing some comps and beating people! showing people that its how much effort you put inthat matters and not how able you are. easy to take the basic things for granted. good luck mate.
  • 1 0
 for any one that has not seen the video tom bannister rode the champery wc track in 2012. you two guys are legends delt a shitty deal but still enjoy riding and still tear it up major props to both of you
  • 1 0
 I would really like to see that aye...
  • 1 0
 m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=UrXvg1ERTc4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUrXvg1ERTc4

Such a talented rider with no fear!
  • 1 0
 m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=UrXvg1ERTc4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUrXvg1ERTc4
  • 1 0
 You're inspiring, Tom. Nobody deserves to have an injury like yours, and I wish you the best in continuing to recover. You do look super comfortable on that 29er though, glad you're still finding ways to enjoy your passion!
  • 1 0
 Its unbelievable how you managed all this. Not many people would have that much power. Hope you will enjoy every single day riding your bike!!
  • 1 0
 Well done fella. You should change your middle name to ''TROOPER'' because thats what you are. Props mate. BTW what and where is that sweet trail?
  • 1 0
 The trails at the end are the Forest of Dean and Cwmcarn.
  • 1 0
 Awsome! I used to race the Dragons a few years ago when you did. Its inspirational to see you ripping again after what happened. Respect!
  • 3 0
 you ride better than most guys I know...keep it up! good work man!
  • 2 0
 I was at the race when this happened. Awesome to see your making massive progress!! Truly inspiring.
  • 1 0
 Huge props to Mojo for getting involved and helping out. I'm sure there was a LOT of time involved. What a great way to give back.
  • 1 0
 RideOn! Your speed and style on the 29er section was unreal to think you have just use of one arm! Please enjoy your new ride! Happy Welcome to 2013
  • 1 0
 Good on ya mate. Too many people just give up or let other people tell them what they cannot do.
  • 1 0
 Brilliant video, thanks for sharing Tom. Great motto too, always look forward!
  • 1 0
 If he falls down ? The arm remains attached to the handlebar? Eheeh, supercool
  • 1 0
 That is correct unfortunately, we are in the process of making a release system. Tom W
  • 1 0
 I shall never moan about aches and pains again,remarkable true determination
  • 1 0
 Whats that front fender?
Other than that great to see you riding with both hands on the bars man!
  • 1 0
 www.powa-products.com
  • 2 0
 Tom is such an inspiration to all of us! keep it up.
  • 1 0
 Awesome news! So glad to see him back on a bike and riding it properly again!
  • 1 0
 You are very Inspiring, your passion with biking is unbelievable...2 thumbs up mateSmile well done to you!!!
  • 2 0
 what mud guard is that????
  • 1 0
 www.powa-products.com
  • 2 0
 So...How many people looked at there phone at the start?Smile
  • 1 0
 inspiring tom! just getting back on the bike is an amazing feet... but you are hauling ass and doing it with style!
  • 1 0
 I'd be interested to see more about how the brace was designed, made and functions. Glad it helps you ride so well.
  • 2 0
 You can find some info here - www.chopmtb.com/2012/12/20/race-bike-tom-wheelers-orange-29er-prototype/3
  • 2 0
 And he still is sooo fast! so sick
  • 1 0
 Thats one determind dude!!!!!! Really eye opening vid, shows what can be done! Inspirational Smile
  • 1 0
 Some people deserve all the best things from life .. you're a true inspiration Tom .. and you still rip the trails ... !!
  • 1 0
 Congratulations on your hard earned recovery!!! Ride on!
  • 2 0
 That's such a nice bike
  • 1 0
 WoW!
Does one lever control both the front and rear brake?
  • 1 0
 I run two levers, both front and back are on the one side. It can be hard work covering both on long rough downhills. (www.chopmtb.com/2012/12/20/race-bike-tom-wheelers-orange-29er-prototype/2) Tom W
  • 1 0
 Amazing Guy. Keep it up dude!
  • 1 0
 very humbling, thats it I am going for a ride right now!
  • 1 0
 A true fucking legend !!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 WHAT ??? I'M ITALIAN!!!!!
  • 1 0
 What an inspiration...AWESOME!
  • 1 0
 Amazing how people love to ride bike.
  • 1 0
 bealtifulllll, congratulations GUY!
  • 1 0
 ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS FU*EN WOW BRO JUST WOW...keep on man keep on
  • 1 0
 So inspirational. You're a legend dude.
  • 1 0
 This guy deserves a lot of respect!
  • 1 0
 You are a hero dude, remember that! Keep up the love on pb! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Is that an Orange Gyro? Or a Five?
  • 2 0
 It's neither, It is a prototype 140mm 29" Strange.
  • 2 0
 i want it
  • 2 0
 Speechless
  • 1 0
 right on brotha, u r inspiration to the lot of us. Ride on.
  • 1 0
 Mate,you still Rip,respect !
Where are the trails at the end ?
  • 1 0
 That's Cwmcarn.
  • 1 0
 Thanks,i didn't recognise it for some reason
  • 1 0
 Excellent !!! that love to MTB and love to life !!! great video !
  • 1 0
 What an absolute legend and inspiration! loving seeing things like this.
  • 1 0
 True inspiration! All the best to you!!
  • 1 0
 inspirational stuff, theres just no stopping some people!!
  • 1 0
 Are you ever going to regain use of your right arm???
  • 1 0
 No unfortunately not, I only have one nerve remaining and the recovery is very limited. Tom W
  • 1 0
 Shame the advances in medical technology aren't faster..... im sure something to fix that will be discovered in the near future. Cheers for the reply and Good Luck with your riding man. Inspirational!
  • 1 0
 Inspiring...That's love for biking...
  • 1 0
 See The Face at 04:27. That is what we talk about bike... yeah Buddy...
  • 1 0
 Inspiration, great to see how far you've come, keep it up
  • 1 0
 Amazing!!! Great passion, keep it goin.
  • 1 0
 Mate you are a legend, keep up the awesome work
  • 1 0
 What a hero
  • 1 0
 nice riding buddy
  • 1 0
 Big Props to You man !
  • 1 0
 True inspiration! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I'm stoked for you man.
  • 1 0
 Inspirational !!
  • 1 0
 inspirational
  • 1 0
 big respect
  • 1 0
 I am really touched!
  • 1 0
 Rad!
  • 1 0
 Pretty cool , all guts







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.052591
Mobile Version of Website