Six months ago today, I was in an accident that turned my life upside down. While it’s been the longest and most difficult six months of my life, I actually don’t remember much of it. What I do remember is due to my obsessive photo taking and blogging about what’s been going on in my life.
Simply, I’ve spent the last six months learning how to live with a traumatic brain injury. This includes relearning how to cope with life’s stresses while desperately trying to hold the good times in my memory. I’ve made some new friends and had my heart broken by those that I had misread their intentions and/or had mistaken for friends. I’m still fighting some of the physical symptoms of the TBI and I’m certainly still fighting the emotional issues. There is very little about the time that has been easy and I still have a long, rough road ahead of me. It could be years before I return to normal, or at least get used to a new normal.
Today, that long, rough road was quite literally ahead of me. I had decided a while ago that on my six-month recovery date, I wanted to do something special. An “epic” ride or perhaps trying something new and seemingly crazy? I opted for the ride.
So, bright and early this morning, I headed out with my friend Chris who has been there for me through thick and thin. We tackled a new route of a little over 30 miles and about 800 ft of climbing. Now remember that long, rough road I mentioned in the previous paragraph? Our ride also included a 2-mile stretch of a winding, undulating, gravel road.
Gravel section of 28 Mile Road
Nothing says "rough road" like a gravel road, but gravel doesn't scare me!
This was definitely one of the most challenging unsupported rides I’ve accomplished. In fact, the only one that can even compare would be the Turlock Lake Road Race route, but number wise, that one was easier, I just wasn’t in as good of shape back in February.
Not a bad way to celebrate six months of recovery.
