I started off riding bmx as a kid and went into racing motocross and through my motocross career I ended up having multiple surgeries repairing broken bones before the age of 18, so I hung up my helmet and decided to work on school. A few years later I got the itch to buy a street bike so I treated myself to a new r6 and it was the rush of a lifetime until it was ended suddenly. I was T-boned going through an intersection by a driver and I ended up breaking a femur and having most of my left foot amputated. I wear a prosthesis so that I can walk but when I ride I just strap on a shoe like and it is the most freeing feeling in the world to be able to forget about my injury. I bought a XC bike to help rebuild my muscle in my left leg after all the muscle loss. All the days of hard work and rehabilitation not only rebuilt my leg but also my passion and love for the sport of riding bicycles. I now ride DH and XC and would love to shred someday with Dave Vanderveen!!
I have never been out of the states but would love a reason to go ride Silver Star!! If you ever find you way down to California or want to ride North Star sometime definitely contact me for that ride!
Good on you bro! So many people give up after something like that. I snapped my femur as well(skiing). People look at me like Im nuts when they ask if I still ski and I say, "hell yeah"! Gotta enjoy life! Ride on!
I had a back injury that kept me from doing anything physical for almost 2 years. I appreciate biking SO much more now, the freedom, and it is so weird how biking doesn't hurt. Getting old SUCKS, all the warranties start to expire, but I'm gonna ride till I'm in a wheelchair or in the ground. Cheers Dave, Hope I see you someday!
I can definetly relate. Having gone through chemo treatment when I was 17 right when I was just starting to really get into racing, and then had it all taken away. now 22 I am finally getting back to where I was when I was 17. stay strong Dave Biking is the only therapy anyone needs!!!
Trying to read these replies to my wife; can barely get through them. ...Great stories of inspiration. We are all connected by the passion of riding and I feel a connection to you all.
"almost everything i causes me pain and discomfort apart from mountain biking which turns out not to hurt" same here buddy! strange isn't it? haha i broke my back in four place last year and things as small as sitting down or standing up for too long hurt but for some reason riding bikes doesn't haha
Its amazing. The passion, freedom and getting lost in it that biking gives. To come back to it after serious injuries and excell at it, just simply amazing. Truely inspiring!
perfect description.