Quick's comeback! - By Tommy

Last year I started my 'The 4 Points' ride to the four most extreme points of Australia using pedal power.

I covered 3638 KM and raised over $60,000 before being hit by a car - which put me in hospital.

My parents were right behind me, so they saw it all unfold. They knew before I did that I was going to be taken out by the Holden Commodore. Mum thought I was dead. They are both amazing how they kept it together.

Reality did not hit me until I was lying in my hospital bed and received a call from a good mate. I was talking to him, when I started to unravel. All my emotions hit me like a train. It was only a day after the crash, I was probably still in shock.

My injuries were severe, a shattered pelvis, which needed 15 screws and two plates in my ass. A fractured sacrum I got a long screw for that too.

My thoracic (Th) 8, 9 and 10 vertebras were fractured, plus a hairline fracture of the femur. Really, from the waist down, I was pretty broken.

In the early days, I wasn’t sure if I was going to ride again. My recumbent bike, body and mind were all worse for wear.

But there was a moment in a TV interview where the reporter asked me if I was going to get back on the bike, and without needing much thought – I said yes.

I said yes, because I am still a young guy, and I had a challenge to finish. It’s just not in my nature to give up. I didn’t give up at 12 when I had my stroke, so no giving up now.

I was in hospital for a few weeks, then I started rehab. You know the drill, hours and hours of repetitive rehab. Broken bones hurt like hell, but unlike the brain they are faster to heal.

I’ve progressed from building strength, to sitting and standing, which took months. Now I am walking with a stick and climbing stairs. I’ve found riding the recumbent bike easier than walking because I can clip in, and I don’t need to worry about much apart from my knee rotating inwards because of a weak glute.

It’s been a year, but I am nearly ready to complete the rest of the 5500 KM in my 4 points challenge. I have about a month before I head off, so I am using Stride4Stroke for the rest of my preparation.

I would love it if you could follow me throughout November as I get my moving minutes, and my confidence up.

Thanks – Tommy