A week after almost losing my right ear, I’ve been given medical approval to resume light stationary training. I’ve posted fliers in Ramona asking for witness information on what anyone may have seen. A local business told me it received a call from a woman asking about how to reach authorities. She reported having possible information about a Ford Excursion where I hit the pavement. I hope she has formally contacted the California Highway Patrol. They have little to go on. I was interviewed by the local ABC affiliate last night.
The CHP says there is no physical or eye-witness evidence to suggest I had “contact” with a vehicle. I am thankful for the work, but still feel that someone was there before any law enforcement responders arrived — and knows something. I hope their conscience helps them come forward, so I can fully understand how I came to be lying on my back. Falling to the ground on a moderate training ride where the pavement is smooth and I’ve ridden more than 100 times doesn’t compute in my brain. I had sufficient rear and front lighting. I have zero road rash to my hands, arms or back, which, I believe, points out no time to react before making contact with the ground. I have no memory.
I’ve had fuzzy recollections of floating, looking down and thinking “this won’t be good.” None of them make sense. I’m well aware of what my body can and can’t do. I know what a physical bonk is (four marathons, two Climb to Kaisers, cycling centuries galore both at altitude and along the coast).
Here’s a photo of my helmet. If you ride, please wear one. I don’t want to sound preachy. It’s no guarantee you won’t get hurt. But it saved me untold injuries. If you don’t have a professional team car to manage vehicles behind your group or individual ride, you are at the mercy of motorists, simple as that. I still trust people. I have ridden too many miles in San Diego to believe otherwise.
I want to thank everyone who has helped me this past week — CHP, Ramona Fire, LifeFlight, Palomar Medical Center’s Trauma Unit, the nurses on the 7th floor, Brian Casciari DDS, Bruce Johnson DDS, and Jonathon Wilensky, MD, who sewed my ear and parts of my face back together.
The wounds continue to heal. Forward I go with no regrets.
click to enlarge Giro helmet and cycling cap
