Comeback Ride
Tough times were behind me, but there was still a long way to go to fully recover. After surgery for a broken leg caused by a crash in Tuscany, I worked step by step to get back—and I made it back on my bike.
The crash happened on July 23rd in a roundabout in Tuscany. After two days in Siena hospital under strange conditions, I was transported back home. On July 26th, I underwent surgery in Baden, where they placed a 20 cm titanium nail in my leg. As soon as I left the hospital, I began walking and doing exercises.
By August 10th, I “jumped” back on the bike for the first time, pedaling on the home trainer. It was tough, but I pushed through. Finally, on August 20th—just four weeks after the crash—I did my first road bike ride. Getting on the bike was difficult, but once I was in the saddle and had turned the cranks a few times, it felt manageable.
I wasn’t exactly riding with power, more rolling along, but an average speed of 26.4 km/h wasn’t bad. I chose a flat route, which included a roundabout—this time without crashing—and a challenging climb over a highway bridge. I was thrilled that everything went so well and that my new titanium companion in my leg caused no issues.
bike: Pretty Betty Specialized Tarmac S-Works
starring: Gerry Samer
distance: 36,65 km
climbing: 91 m
time: 1:23:19 h
