Rider Perspective - Tara Llanes

Feb 18, 2011
by Tara Llanes  
This film is about my life as a mountain biker, a champion, a friend, a daughter, and a paraplegic. I hate that last word…but it’s the truth, and this is my life at this very moment.
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Tara racing Sea Otter in 2007 - Sven Martin
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Tara at the 2009 TLC at Northstar - Sven Martin

This will not be my life forever though…I will walk again! This film not only chronicles my issues throughout this journey, but also other athletes who have been affected by spinal cord injuries. Our mission is to show you what our lives were like before our accidents, what we deal with on a daily basis, and what we do to try and make it out the other side. Most importantly though, it gives you all an understanding of what you can do to protect yourselves and what you can do to help! We need your support to raise both money and awareness of SCI’s in hopes that we too will get to ride again! A lot has happened to each one of us since the day of our fateful accidents. So much that you probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you…so…I guess we’ll just have to show you!

This is a pre-trailer to a film with Tara Llanes. The film follows her and other paraplegic athletes overcoming the challenges of their injuries.

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It was around August 2009 when I started talking to Ricky James and David Bailey about racing the Ironman. Both of them are paraplegics and had finished the Ironman World Champs in Hawaii. David was actually one of the first para-athletes to finish the Ironman in Kona and to show people that it could in fact be done. I had been injured for about two years and in that time I hadn’t done much in the way of exercise. Sure, I had gone to physical therapy and worked hard while there, but not hard enough to work up a sweat - I hadn’t done anything that challenged me! This was a world I had never known because for as long as I can remember I was an athlete and this is how I defined myself.

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Physical Therapy to help find the inner athlete again. Goal, the Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.

I had a really hard time mentally and emotionally just getting through my days. All I was focusing on was what I couldn’t do and not so much what I could do. I was feeling soo damn empty inside that I guess I figured if I could just push my body THAT hard then I would physically feel pain, and I wanted that. I also very much needed the validation that I could still compete in an event that would be insanely difficult, even for someone that wasn’t paralyzed. So for me to do it with only my upper body seemed…well, it sort of seemed impossible to me. That’s why I HAD to do it!

The race is a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride or hand cycle in my case, and a 26.2-mile run or for me a race chair push. The course was no different for me than it was for anybody else that qualified for it…meaning there was no special treatment! I had a coach and I had some good insight on what I needed to do to qualify from both David and Ricky.

To qualify for the Ironman World Champs in October 2010 I had to finish the Buffalo Springs half-Ironman in June and do it under the allotted time. It was late October early November 2009 when I started my training so I thought I had tons of time. I started swimming a little and I had been in my hand cycle nearly every day, but I couldn’t start pushing my race chair just yet because I didn’t have it.

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Telluride Film Festival where Anne Keller displayed pics of me at Craig Hospital

I’d been training for about a month and was starting to ride longer and longer, but the longer I’d go the more problems I’d have. I was riding further, which meant I drank more, which ultimately leads to you having to find a bathroom, right? (Oh...and yes, I’m gonna go there. I know this stuff is personal, but it’s all part of what I’m going through.) Problem is…getting me out of my hand cycle wasn’t all that easy. Someone basically had to lift me up out of my hand cycle that was only inches to the ground, and carry me into the bathroom. My bladder was so small we were stopping every 30 minutes and I was dubbed "Tiny Tanks!" I’d come to the realization that if I wanted to do the Ironman I had to sort something out.

I started checking around and found out that a couple friends had gone to a doctor at USC and had a special surgery doubling the size of their bladder. Who knew you could even do that? I made an appointment with him to talk over exactly what the operation entailed and of course what the recovery time would be. He told me that I’d be back to training within a month, tops! After meeting with the doctor, researching the Internet and going over the procedure with friends, I felt like I had done my homework and it seemed like it was exactly what I needed to do, so I made an appointment, and booked a date for surgery. To be absolutely clear though, yes, this surgery was going to be extremely helpful in pursuing my Ironman goal, but it would also be a huge positive in my quality of life in general.

On January 7th, 2010, we drove to USC where I underwent the most heinous operation of my life…and that’s including when I broke my back! As they wheeled me out of the operating room I woke up in excruciating pain. I tried opening my eyes, but I couldn’t. It felt like they were glued shut. Before surgery I explained to the doctors that they had to put something under my knees so that it would take the pressure off my back. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but if they didn’t the rods in my back would feel like they were snapping in half! Well, guess what? The doctors f#@^&!! up and I was paying the price! I had just had stomach surgery, but my back felt like it was breaking all over again! I was writhing in so much pain that at one point I was stupid enough to say to Elladee and my Mom just to "put me out of my misery!" Yeah...it was THAT bad!

I was only supposed to be in the hospital for 5 days tops, but I was there for ten. I was extremely nauseous from all the medication, I couldn’t eat, and had lost nearly 10lbs from all the vomiting. I felt like death and was in so much pain that I wasn’t going anywhere near a pool, a hand cycle, or race chair. By the time I felt halfway decent enough to begin training it was mid-March, and my dream of qualifying in June and making it to the Ironman was over.

So there you have it…my life during those months in a nutshell. That is what this teaser is all about, but there is more to this story. There is so much more! About a year and a half ago I met Aaron Larocque and that’s when we starting talking about making a film following my life and the lives of other athletes that have been affected by spinal cord injuries. My goal of course was to cross that finish line in Kona, but in the end I never made it because of the surgery that would have allowed me to actually compete in it. It’s crazy how life works isn’t it? Even though I didn’t compete, the process I had to go through will still be a huge part of the story. Maybe not the part that crossed the finish line in Kona, but a part of this journey I call my life.

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Whistler Freeriding in 2007 - Sven Martin
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First day in Whistler in 2009 - back on dirt, 4 wheels this time.
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First day in Whistler - always trying to push things a little harder!


Author Info:
tarallanes avatar

Member since Oct 8, 2009
7 articles

173 Comments
  • 149 2
 Fighter!
  • 12 0
 sweet ride
  • 65 0
 such a sweet story, props for hanging in and staying true to what you love and making the best of things. so sorry for your loss. 3
  • 26 0
 She's simply amazing.
  • 28 0
 An inspiration to us all! A lot of people would give up in a situation like that.. Such a feel good blog, thanks so much for posting.
  • 7 0
 gotta help our fellow bikers
  • 7 0
 @ chuckmanbob
a wheel chair is more expenssive than a neck brace Wink
  • 10 0
 RIP jeremy lusk
  • 6 0
 soooooo inspirational! may God bless you for the motivation this provides for all of us. keep at it and just remember, ANYTHING is possible if you work hard enough for it.....so I have no doubt you will walk again someday.
  • 3 0
 very inspiring..
  • 8 0
 shows how much biking can mean to people.. its a lifestyle, not just a sport
  • 4 0
 Some of the best times on PB are reading blogs like this, inspiring, heart warming and motivational. Looking forward to seeing you back on two wheels and seeing you ripping it up on four, there needs to be more people like you.
  • 2 0
 Such an ass kicker! You go Tara!!!
  • 1 0
 You know that movie will be amazingly done, because Aaron LaRocque is filming it.
  • 1 0
 not only tara, but all the others aswell.....fighters!! heros...
  • 4 0
 Hey guys...this is Tara. Just wanted to say thank you for all the rad things you said and yes (deakmaster) biking is a lifestyle and not just a sport!
  • 2 0
 I was playing Downhill Domination when this article was posted. Be strong Tara.
  • 9 0
 Thank you, Tara, Pinkbike and Aaron, for bringing Tara's story to us! I met Tara and Elladee once, and I can't believe the strength of spirit and imagination that they have. What would have crushed mere mortals just inspires her, and she shows that "you can do it!". I look forward to seeing the rest of the video, 'cause the world needs to see and hear these messages! Tara, you go girl!
  • 6 0
 I broke my back 8 yrs ago riding when I over shot a landing and was in a bad car accident 3 yrs ago and had 2 back surgerys,L5-S1 fused. Last yr I was able to get back on a bike and do some downhilling. Its people like you that inspired me to get back up and ride, You have just an amazing drive, wish you the best of luck in the Ironman.
  • 7 0
 1. sweet write up. 2 yet again another sick video from Larock 3. Keep pushing and never give up you will reach your goals we all believe in you!
  • 1 0
 Very sweet indeed and inspiring. I wish they showed or interviewed Stacy Kohut or Trevair, though. Those guys SLAY on four wheel mountain bikes. It was so cool to watch them in the earlier NWD films but really nothing on them after that.
  • 1 0
 The reason Stacy and Trevor aren't in this is because A. It's just a teaser and there was a different story we wanted to tell and a very short time to tell it and B. Because I've come to know a lot of people that have been injured and as much as I'd like to it's just not possible to show everybody. Although that doesn't mean they won't be in it either. Thanks for your comments though. We really appreciate them!
  • 5 0
 You still have the time to train to do the Ironman ! You'll do it because you have the fate. That's why I am amazed by what you're doing. You are so courageous, and a main source of inspiration for many of us, injured or not ! MAD props to you !
  • 1 5
flag MTBbros (Feb 20, 2011 at 23:13) (Below Threshold)
 YOUR ALL FUKIN IDIOTS!!!! SO JUST SHUT THE FUK UP!!!!!
  • 1 1
 hacked account Frown
  • 4 0
 Gawd....we can't thank you all enough for your support and words of encouragement, but THANK YOU!! You know one of the things I absolutely loved the most about racing was meeting all the people involved. Not just all of the other Pros that I traveled around with, but the riders I would run into out on a local weekday ride, all the guys and girls at the bike shops, and even some of the CEO's that I was nervous as all hell to meet! Haha! I loved it because we ALL share that exact same passion for riding bikes. We're certainly not in it for the money! LOL! But we love it more than anything and I think that's what brings people together..ya' know? Okay, I'm seriously getting too friggin' sappy now so enough of that.

Both Aaron and I were a bit nervous putting the teaser up just because it means so much to the both of us and we just wanted everyone to like it. Well, so far things are looking pretty damn good! Smile We have got a lot more filming to do, but we promise this will be a film like no other! It's not just going to be about broken backs and wheelchairs...it's going to be about digging deep into the emotions of it all, wicked riding sections, and most of all....sick athletes! So hang in there because it'll be worth it! Smile No, we don't have a release date yet nor do we have a title for the film. Hmmm....that sort of just gave me an idea. Maybe we'll ask all of you what the name of it should be??

Thank you again everyone from both Aaron and I and remember....Never Give Up!!
  • 3 0
 wow, i wonder how many of those people would have been saved by armour/a neck brace, i wish the neck braces weren;t so bloody expensive, they can have a real impact on someones life, that is one place where the mtb world needs to STOP ripping everyone off, though we may value our necks, that doesn't mean we can afford the price we put on them.....
very moving video as well, thanks
  • 4 0
 If you can afford a $2k - $6k bike you can afford a $300 neck brace or a $100 used one. The problem I have is I can't wear one with my chest protector because it doesn't fit right and I can't move my head enough making it more dangerous.
  • 4 0
 I would rather have a neck brace than a fancy bike like an Intense or Evil. I'm ok with wearing a neck brace, and riding a norco. @rasterman, it took me 3 months to fit my brace into my armour. During those months, biking wasnt even fun, bt eventually I figured out how I should put the settings. I've had a few falls since then, that without my brace, i could've become paraplegic. This is the second most important piece of armour after the helmet. Buy one. NOW.
  • 5 0
 stop wearing armour and just wear the brace! The leatt is far more important then a useless piece of chest armour.
  • 2 0
 Agree with z-man. Helmet and neckbrace. Anything else will heal.
  • 3 0
 not everything else will heal. spine protector is very important. the neck brace wont save you from injuries to your middle and lower back.
  • 3 0
 z-man - appreciate your zeal on the neck brace, but chest armor, useless ! ? 2 years ago i slammed hard off an endo into a boulder while riding a Shore rip and ended up with a sternum injury that left me lying on the trail unable to breathe, in excruciating pain, wondering if i was dieing ! obviously i did not, but had not been wearing upper Body Armor [ 661 ] with a chest protector the [sports ] doctor at the hospital told me i could have had a much more serious injury or even died...my point is : NO piece of armor is useless - i also wear an Omega Neck Brace [ used to wear a Liatt ] and not too long ago i was not wearing it on a rip and missed a BD switchback going too fast with more tire pressure than i was used to, i jumped off the bike when i realized i was could not make the turn and ended up going head first over a 7 foot drop w/ a flat transition - i landed on my head [ full face lid of course ] and after bashing every other part of my bod as well, got up and in absolute disbelief found i was unhurt anywhere beyond being shaken some, and a few minutes later finished my rip and even did another; my point : sometimes no matter what you wear, or don't, for protection, if it's not your time, it's not your time - i even wonder had i been wearing my brace, i may actually have injured myself !
Anyway, good karma ? who knows, but i will still wear it all most of the time and in fact i wont even buy a upper body protector that has a center zipper or if it does, like my Skeletools, i improvise with a home made velcroed chest attachment.
ok, sorry for the overlong rant but, just saying, the only thing useless in any extreme sport is a closed mind about any kind of protection. happy trails. [ ps. since you live in Burnaby i will guess you have done Burnaby Mt. Trails - the switch back i was referring to is the first of two on Nicoles, the steep 90degree one at the bottom of the rubber mat - fun ! :-)
  • 1 0
 elcripple, I know spine injuries will not always heal but I don't believe that a spine pad really eliminates the risk. I used to wear a dainese spine pad and eventually stopped wearing it because if you wrapped your back around a tree, regardless of the pad you will most likely still end up breaking your back. They fold in half and although it may redistribute the impact a little bit I don't believe it can eliminate it. Just like how a leatt brace will not protect you from a compression fracture but is intended to stop your head from moving too far in any direction. jcinkits, I used to have a chest protector but it was made out of a soft foam, I am not sure what kind of chest protector you think would have helped your injury but I assure you the typical foam with a thin layer of plastic would not have been enough to change anything. Just a thought
  • 1 0
 There is always going to be risk. if you crash badly enough in the wrong way a back protector wont help you, but i know from my own experience when crashing on rocks and especialy seeing one of my friends crash they do a great deal. Going by damage it did to his back protector (big scratch right down the centre from a spikey rock) the injury could have been life changing but cause of the spine armour he was able to ride the rest of the day. Usually i only wear my back protector when racing (SDA rules), riding something unfamiliar/dangerous or riding Fort william but thats mainly cause my pressure suit is a little too bulky for every day. Currently trying to find the money for a neck brace.
  • 1 0
 steverr : actually when i did my Sternum injury i was wearing a 661 with 'typical foam and plastic' chest plate, and i assure you, it did help; my doctor [ sports doctor - she rides as well as skis and is a part time injury therapist with a practice in Whistler ] told me there was no doubt my sternum would have been more than bruised [ see my comment again ] so unless you think i am blowing smoke i am wondering how you are so certain a thin layer of plastic with foam would not change anything, when in fact it did - i am always careful to lay out an opinion about safety on this site because the variables in any [ extreme ] sport are always present - so, i'd rather err on the side of caution than make statements that you 'believe' or 'most likely' a spine pad doesn't really eliminate risk of injury, because these things are not about your, or my personal beliefs or opinions, they are about facts, and the history and experience of riders in this sport who have avoided injuries in part or all together by using various body protectors bear witness to their value....just a thought.
  • 3 0
 Thanks, that was lovely. I have a friend that has just left the same hospital as Tara and others were in, they did an amazing job for him. He was lucky and survived a horrific snow boarding crash, but has a long road to recovery. He is alive and we are all blessed with that. The heroes are the medics, surgeons, physiotherapists, speech therapists, nurses, doctors friends, family etc. of crash victims, without their support the road to recovery would be even longer. People like Tara are an inspiration to us all. Keep fighting all with severe injuries, the road may be long, but every step you take, whether mental or physical is 1 step closer to a goal. Keep fighting Greg, let Tara Lanes etc. be an inspiration for your recovery.
  • 4 0
 Man that was seriously inspiring! Fight for the things you love to do and good luck! You've got a bunch of riders here behind you all the way.
  • 2 0
 My brother broke his spine last year riding fort bill... Shattered t5 to t7. Lost use of his legs. Can't say how hard it is to see family go through that. F*cked us all up. Almost stopped me riding but he's amazed and humbled me with is attitude to it all.

He's up and managing to walk now and this weekend we're trying his first 'very careful' ride.... It's all he's wanted to do. Bikes hurt/bikes heal. Been a long wait and there's a long way to go... but it's all about attitude and he's got it in heaps.

I know he wanted to post on here but doesn't do the typing thing... So thanks on his behalf Tara for giving others hope and strength. Keep on battling we're all behind you.
  • 1 0
 rustybones - I'm really sorry to hear about your brother, but that is so great that he is managing to walk!! I mean that is freakin' amazing!! So how did his 'very careful ride' go? You know my really good friend Aaron Baker is a quadraplegic and amazingly enough he walks as well....pretty slow, but he walks nonetheless. Anyway, Aaron has what he calls a trike. It's a road bike, but it's got 2 wheels in the back so that he doesn't tip over when he stops. It's a great bike and that might be something your brother could use. If you want more info I can ask Aaron about it so just let me know.

Tell your brother that there are others out there that have been injured and all they want is to get back on there bike and be able to haul ass and do whips off of 30 foot jumps...me being one of them!! LOL! I just can't wait for the film to be done to show everyone exactly what I'm talking about!!

Take care and tell your brother to keep pushing and staying fit!
  • 1 0
 Rustybones I know the feeling buddy, Its very hard on the family as well as the injured. My nephew was 5 when he severed his spinal cord. He is paralyzed from the nipples down. He is waiting on a delivery of an adapted wheel chair come bike. Im sure ill get him rolling a BMX track at somepoint. I wish your brother and the family all the best in the recovery.
  • 1 0
 Definately an example to be follow. If many people that is probably laying on their houses frustrated with the same trouble could just read all this, they would probably think twice about to gave up or to ride hard!!! Go Tara go Tara go go go Tara Big Grin !!!
  • 1 0
 Respect for all the riders! It is an inspiration to see the motivation they can channel within themselves. It is proof as many commenters have said....this is more than a sport, its a lifestyle and to me its part religion. Freedom and the access to realese the pressure of daily stress is what riding does. Props to you Tara, I hope one day I can shake you hand and tell you in person that you are a true inspiration to all riders! Peace!
  • 1 0
 It was real humbling to watch that vid, such determination. Broke my back riding last year, but i was real lucky. I am riding again. Looking forward to the Tara Llanes classic this year.
www.pinkbike.com/news/tara-llanes-classic-2011-dates.html
  • 1 0
 Amazing people...here's another one.

mattnevergivesup.blogspot.com

One of my best friends, world class whitewater kayaker, rippin' mt biker, shreddy skier, solid surfer, all-around athlete, oh...and (hand's down) one of THE nicest people I've ever met (even before the accident). Unfortunately, mt biking got the best of him one day, and he's now a quadraplegic. I would love nothing more than to see him up on his own feet/bike/boards again someday. Keep pushing it ya'll...it's for everyone out there strugglin' with these kinds of injuries. Peace.
  • 2 0
 Tara was always a FEROCIOUS BMX'er when we were kids and I would expect nothing less of her than this. It has been years since we've seen each other but I wish you all the best my darling. BMX family is for life!
  • 1 0
 Thank you Tara for sharing your story. It is amazing what you are doing- people need to be aware of what people go through after suffering injuries like this and that there is a life after it.
Your story brought tears to my eyes as I also know what it is like to have so much of what you know taken away from you, but I was lucky enough to be able to get most of what I lost back as it was taken away from in a very different way. 11 years ago I was electrocuted by overhead powerlines, I ended up with burns to about 75-80% of my body, along with a few broken bones including a vertebrae in my neck (no damage to my spinal cord tho and very rarely a day go's by that I don't think about how lucky I was) and lost the sight in my left eye. I was 16 at the time and the only reason I lived was because I was so fit- I was very involved with inline skating both speed skating (skated for Aus the 2 yrs before) and inline hockey (was at nationals the week before).
I was so very lucky to make a full recovery- when I say that I mean I can do all the things I want to do but my body will never be the same- I can skate, ride, work, be independent but most of all enjoy my life with the people I love.
When here stories like yours it motivates me to keep striving to make the most of my life and help others make the most of theirs.

Thank you again Tara, I hope this film really helps raise the money and awareness that is needed. and I cann't wait to see it.

Dru.
  • 1 0
 i-like-wheels - Jeeezus...you've been through a lot! Your accident sounds horrific so to hear that have fought through I'm sure quite a bit of pain and also the emotional and mental part of it is simply AMAZING! It is so great to hear that you didn't have any damage to your spinal cord and that you can live your life skating, riding, and can be completely independent. Being independent is absolutely huge in terms of living life the way you want to live it and being happy. Thank you for sharing what you had been through and also letting us know that you're excited to see our film!
  • 1 0
 Tara,

Coming from a guy who broke his neck in 2 places (C1, C2) and back in 2 places (T3,T4) in a bicycle crash ending with a T1-T7 fusion, you are an inspiration! I somehow, by the grace of God, managed to walk away from my accident, and can't fathom what you have gone through and accomplished. Shred on Tara!
  • 1 0
 Tara,

Coming from a guy who broke his neck (C1, C2) and back (T3,T4) in a bicycle wreck ending with a spinal fusion from T1-T7, you are an inspiration. I somehow, by the grace of God walked away from my accident, and can't fathom what you and others have gone through. Shred on Tara!
  • 1 0
 DON'T EVER STOP!!! nothing can replace the rush of fearlessness! looking over that ominious jump. thinking of how much speed you need how to land it and going through with it. Adreniline is way before the air time. when you hit the air you get that breif moment of everything pausing in time then having the slow mo landing and on to the next jump and repeat!
  • 3 0
 Can't even begin to express the respect and admiration I have for those guys. Really looking forward to the film. Thankyou for sharing Tara. Salute
  • 1 0
 The respect i have for her is unreal, and i think the fact she is a woman just makes it even more respectful. There are very few females who ride as it is, and to see someone give it all badly crash, paralyzing her and then giving her all to do it again and continue riding, even after all that pain is remarkable. She is a legend.
  • 1 0
 xTheRoseRedx - Wow! Thank you for your comment. Legend status in my book is pretty high up so I really thank you for saying that!
  • 2 0
 Tara you simply rock at what ever you do. Thank-you for this story of strength & power. ONE LOVE & RESPECT TO ALL WHO ARE A PART OF THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE. This proves that we as humans can do ANYTHING!!
  • 4 0
 Keep riding! do what you love and dont let anything stop you!
  • 6 0
 Mad respect to them all! Salute
  • 2 0
 Wow. Just, wow. No one can make an excuse for not riding, because this proves there is nothing that can stop us from living our dreams.
  • 2 0
 WOW!!! These people are amazing. We can never forget how lucky we are to be able to ride a bike. I hope these guys and gals will again someday.
  • 3 0
 If there are aliens out there,i wish they would come down & cure paralysis for us.
  • 2 0
 Fine woman about big heart for battle !! We should learn from such fine people! Successes
  • 2 0
 wow that made my day Smile i dont no go i would cope with out my bike

THIS NEEDS MORE FUNDING..
  • 1 0
 dh-for-life - Thank you for you comment and YES....WE NEED MORE FUNDING!! You can go to www.tarallanesroadtorecovery.com or www.reeve.uci.edu/donations.html.
  • 1 0
 I may not speak for everyone,but u r trully what mountain bikers are all about,we admire u and respect u and love u too. U inspire us all, thank u.
  • 1 0
 Tara f**king rocks!!! rides harder than most people on two wheels and is an inspiration to all of us, whether you can walk or not. thanks for sharing.
  • 1 0
 Tara, you're courage and strengh goes beyond what I can articulate. You're the embodiment of the unbreakable human spirit and an inspiration to us all.
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know when this actual film is going to come out? I have been searching all over the place and can only find the trailer.., Anyone know the date?
  • 1 0
 With advances in medicine going the way they are it is very comforting to know that one day spinal cord injuries may be fixable. Way to go Tara!
  • 1 0
 Almost true, medicine has improved greatly over the past decade. Stem cells are the way forward!
  • 1 0
 Bad azz! Keep doing your thing and keeping your head up. You should get Andy Campbell in that vid as well if he's not already part of it.
  • 1 0
 thats awesome, super inspiring, and its awesome to see them still going for it and not becoming a victim but becoming a leader in their own self.
  • 1 0
 so good. keep that head up, theres beautiful views you haven't seen, conversations you haven't had, you gotta push through the bad, even if its the worst.
  • 3 0
 I put my Hat down for you.
  • 1 0
 beautiful story stay strong and be true with who u are. its a true motivation to keep pushing threw no matter what stands in your way.
  • 1 0
 is there any place to demo one of these? My buddy is a paraplegic and he wants to get back into the sport after watching this.
  • 1 0
 c-rod - That is AWESOME!! Wait till' he sees the film in it's entirety!! Smile
  • 1 0
 We can't wait! After reading about you and seeing what you are doing he is almost a different person. You have given him a new drive with motivation and determination that we haven't seen in him since before his accident.
  • 1 0
 Unreal dedication. A real inspiration to anyone who has had such a change in their lives. Sports woman of the year right there!
  • 1 0
 agreed .
  • 1 0
 Looks rad, but maybe a bit lazy to sit down all day?
Obviously I'm joking (I have black friends etc) LOL.
Good work Tara, looks tough
  • 2 0
 awesome passionate write up, you´re so gallantly, wishing you all the best... Keep on fighting.
  • 2 0
 My respect to them. Riders spirit goes on & never stop
  • 2 0
 So inspirational, shows how some people never give up on their dreams.
  • 1 0
 yeah big respect too...that´s such a nice history and inspirational....
Good lucky to you Tara!!!
  • 1 0
 Wow that video was intense. I am speechless.... I think we all knew the story but the first hand account brings it home.
  • 3 0
 yes you will Tara!
  • 1 0
 OMG i didnt even know that she had an accident and become a paraplegic, Love the 4 wheeler thou Great Stuff Tara
  • 1 0
 keep going with the training guys! you deserve to walk again! your world ledgendsSmile
  • 1 0
 this is one of the most inspiring videos i have seen in a long time keep on riding people
  • 1 0
 This is truly inspirational. This will give people who are paralized a whole new outlook on life probably. Props to her.
  • 1 0
 We don't realise how lucky we are and what we have right now. Tara you are an inspiration to all.. you will ride again
  • 1 0
 efffin rights. Awareness is needed!! They shouldnt need a video to build donations. Cant wait to see this film
  • 1 0
 Can't watch the vid - internet is way too slow right now. How did she break her back?
  • 3 0
 Keep kicking ass!
  • 2 0
 true hero...and a fighter...
  • 2 0
 They're all fighters! They have my full respect and support!
  • 1 0
 strong, focused and never give up style woman...also bautiful!!!!...the best for you Tara!
  • 1 0
 That rig is pretty rad Razz Major respect for her continuing to do what she loves for sure. Smile
  • 1 0
 Man, I'm all choked up. Such fighters. It will be a beautiful day when these injuries are able to be cured.
  • 2 0
 keep on pushing! great story.
  • 1 0
 what a heart breaker. they certainly raised my awareness. better invest in a neck brace asap.
  • 1 0
 My Daughter and I both find you to be a badass rider and one helluva an athlete, keep up the good work..you are a champion !
  • 1 0
 jasengomez - Smile That was an awesome comment! Thank you.
  • 1 0
 big big respect to them people. moving video to be honest!!
  • 1 0
 thumbs up! and respect. not everyone would be that strong!
  • 1 0
 Yea, thats right you are Fighter! RESPECT!
  • 1 0
 Well that made me just realise how bad I have to get some spineprotection!
  • 1 0
 my brother broke his back in 2009 and it was the hardest time of my life
  • 1 0
 my brother broke his back in 2009 and it was the hardest time of my life
  • 2 0
 mtstuartdownhiller - I'm really sorry to hear about your brother. I know how hard this type of injury is on the person it happened to, the friends, and the family. I've seen it break families apart, but you just have to look at the things he can still do and focus on those. I'm sure he knows how lucky he is to have a brother like you that cares so much. Hang in there and know that his quality of life can get better.
  • 1 0
 Wow, such an inspiration.
  • 1 0
 fair play, that's impressive stuff, so much respect is due.
  • 1 0
 YOU GUYS ROCK!!! KEEP ON!
  • 1 0
 True Athlete! True Spirit!
  • 1 0
 what is the film called my dad who is disabled is inspired
  • 1 0
 parkin2010 - We haven't named the film yet, but we'll let you know when we get nearer to completion.
  • 1 0
 if the term "awesome" needs visual representation....Tara is it.
  • 1 0
 loved it Smile
need to be VOD
  • 1 0
 We loved you then and love you still. Keep pushing Tara! You are a hero.
  • 1 0
 Tedman5 - Thank you!
  • 2 1
 inspiring, now I feel like an ass if I don't train hard every day
  • 2 0
 frank-the-thank - The film is not about making people feel bad if they didn't train that day....it's just about not taking life for granted, ya' know? So what if you didn't train that day...just know that you get to ride everyday and enjoy it!
  • 1 0
 the statement was more about feeling bless for one's opportunities and being responsible to make to most of them. Thanks again for the inspiration and yes I did miss a few training sessions to spend time with my wife and my friends and I didn't feel like an ass. lol
  • 2 0
 respect !
  • 1 0
 Energy going to real issues in the biking community and beyond.
  • 1 0
 now thats true inner strenth you rock for not giveing up
  • 1 0
 gave me shivers makes me feel so lucky keep fighting youll ride again x
  • 1 0
 You are an amazing person!
  • 1 0
 A true inspiration to anyone.
  • 1 0
 body was tingling the whole time i was watching...
  • 1 0
 RESPECT this is what inspires me to ride!!!
  • 1 0
 Love you Tara. Sending you some good vibes, girl!
  • 1 0
 omg massive respect for her well done
  • 1 0
 Everything good in your life! Exciting its history! Inspiring.
  • 1 0
 The only thing i can do now is to CLAP to this boys.
  • 1 0
 respect to her, moving video, nicely put together too.
  • 1 0
 Congratulations for your courage
  • 2 0
 LEGEND
  • 1 0
 they should shoot a video about her...
  • 2 0
 i ment movie...
  • 1 0
 You are an inspiration to lots of people, Tara. Keep up the good work.
  • 1 0
 Dooood! She's buffer than I am!
  • 1 0
 keep kicking ass and pushing hard Tara! you cant keep a champion down!
  • 2 0
 YOU GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE!
  • 1 0
 tara aka stud. id give her a hug if i met her and be like your a true stud
  • 1 0
 great !!!keep up the hard training Smile
  • 1 0
 that was some powerful shit
  • 1 0
 Such a sad story! Keep it up Tara, you got our support!
  • 1 0
 2:42 - 2:59 ...... true motivation
  • 1 0
 Lost for words."DONATE"
Gary.
  • 1 0
 Such a strong to keep going! A hard woman!
  • 1 0
 i wish the best for you, for your life and for your love
  • 1 0
 Tara, where and when do we get this vid ?
  • 1 0
 She's Inspirational and great idea too.
  • 1 0
 definitly a folower of her dreams. glad to see it
  • 1 0
 BIG RESPECT!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 respect
  • 1 0
 coooooooooooooooool
  • 1 0
 so sad but strong
  • 1 0
 Standing Ovation ...
  • 1 0
 FULL RESPECT
  • 1 0
 props !!! Wink
  • 1 0
 saying a word: RESPECT
  • 1 0
 she's very strong person
  • 1 0
 very inspirational!
  • 1 0
 i love you!
  • 1 0
 amazing!!!
  • 1 0
 RESCPEC 4 ALL
  • 1 0
 nice
  • 1 1
 huge respect
  • 1 2
 badass!







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