Founder of Morley Chiropractic, Martin Anderson, recently undertook the Vale Velo 100 Mile Sportive. This bike ride is renowned for its difficulty, and in a previous attempt he was in a serious car accident. Below he tells his story.
Last year I attempted to cycle further than I had ever travelled. I had entered the ‘Vale Velo Sportive Epic 100 miler’ that left York and headed towards Bridlington, before returning in a big loop. At the halfway point, a car pulled out of a side road directly into my path and at 22mph I collided with the vehicle. I remember hitting the car bonnet and regained consciousness on my back further down the road. My bike frame was cracked in 3 places. My helmet saved my life by taking the brunt of the impact.
An ambulance ‘blue-lighted’ me to Hull Royal Infirmary. After numerous x-rays and scans, I walked out with concussion, whiplash, grazes and stitches. Sadly, my wife and I never finished that ride.
A week off work gave me plenty of time to reflect on how lucky I had been. If the car had started moving forward one second earlier, I would have collided with the side of the vehicle, as opposed to the bonnet, and the outcome could have been very different. Huge thanks must be given to the emergency services, paramedics, NHS and in particular, my wife.
On the first of April 2017, my wife and I returned to the same venue and event and joined 4 other riders in an attempt to complete the 2017 Vale Velo Sportive. The weather was marginally better, but still cool and windy. Unexpectedly I had been a little edgy in the build up to and during the event. I thought I had fully recovered physically, but had perhaps forgotten about mental scars.
The first part of the event passed comfortably and as we approached the point of impact, the other cyclists surrounded me like a ‘guard of honour’ escorting me past the site. It was actually a very moving gesture, and one I will not forget.
The rest of the ride, although a struggle at times, passed without incident. Aside of some cramping and dehydration which were easy to remedy, I finished strongly with Julia and I crossing the finish line together. The ride took us 6h21minutes to complete. A friend who had teased me through the year about not being able to finish the ride took the finishers T-shirt and presented it to me in a mock ceremony. That gesture and the medal from the event completed the day in fine style. I completed 100 miles on a bike and lived to tell the tale. I feel like the demons have been laid to rest and I look forward to the next event in May.
The outcome could have been so very different, but by the grace of god I was able to return the following year and finish the challenge.
Morley Chiropractors offer a range chiropractic and injury rehabilitation treatments. When we treat you we not only draw from our education, but our experience. To find out more just call us on 0113 2383693 or contact us here.
