This post was written by Omer Kem on February 23, 2009
Crashes happen. Never at the right moment, but I have always figured that it is not a questions of if, but when. My Tour of CA ended on Tuesday. I was helping chase back on the bunch after a enormous climb and hit a road reflector in a bad way and ended up sliding off the road. What was initially thought to be a broken femur turned out to be a fractured Pelvis. It hurts really bad. I am fairly tough and have broken quite a few bones crashing and this is by far the worst thing I have gone through. But, it could have been worse…..
While I say that hurting yourself is part of cycling, there is some very psychological about affecting your ability to walk or pedal a bike. I ended up on crutches and can’t ride for a while and it scares me. Breaking a collarbone is so much better because I can sit on the trainer and deal with the pain and trauma through exercise. Now, I can’t walk, I can’t get out of bed, I can’t do anything, I can’t make myself lunch, I can’t ride. Riding is my life, my job, my hobby, my passion and I can’t do anything. Depression is not severe enough to describe how it feels. But, it could have been worse.
Me, being who I am is already thinking about coming back. My team wants me to be there, but of course don’t rush things. I am scared I won’t be as good as I was. This makes me think about whether I was any good to begin with. I wish that I had someone to talk too. I don’t like being the guy who complains, so I usually just say that I will alright. Hoping I can convince myself as well as who ever I am talking too. Reassurance is hard to come by when you actually need it. I just want to wake up and have my leg work. But….. it could have been worse…..
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Posted under TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
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Hey Omer; Your Tour of CA crash happened right in front of my husband and me, at our driveway gate, on that curve in the road. I thought you might like to hear thoughts from our vantage point: after you falling and sliding on asphalt for 25-30 feet, you were incredibly silent. And although we wanted to assist you, we knew it was better to wait for the SAG car. You handled the entire situation with a calm demeanor (maybe it was shock, not calm?!), never once uttering a bad word, nor any temper. Although you were shivering and obviously in terrible pain, you remained professional and stoic. We were impressed with how incredibly strong you are, physically and mentally. Although right now it may feel you’ll never be back to normal, you showed you have the mental and emotional capibilities to be even more powerful and successful when you return to full health. Our best wishes are with you for a continued cycling future.
I have just one question: do you have the blanket that I gave to the ambulance crew, that they covered you with?
Take care,
Debra
Catastrophic accidents, especially those that make it difficult or impossible to walk, are very hard to cope with. I tore my ACL when I was 40 and the realities of using a cane, crutches, two surgeries and several years of PT were sobering. My knee, 8 years later, will never be the same, but I know now I can come back from damn near anything.
You are a professional athlete, your discipline and ability to train hard (and effectively) are attributes that will make your recovery and possible return to cycling possible.
If your goal is to return to the peloton, then focus on that and use the skills you have acquired in the saddle to make your goal a reality. I benefited from the ministrations of a highly skilled and incredibly supportive Physical Therapist. Without his help, I could not have believed I would get better. Find help that is supportive of your goals and you will be successful.
Good Luck!
David
Hi Omer,
Hang in there, brother. I took a fall and broke my pelvis 1/29/08. Six weeks on a walker not allowed to put any weight on the leg . . . longest six weeks of my life. I did what the orthpedic doctor told me, did my physical therapy for a month after, and have been riding since May of ‘08.
You’ll be back out there stronger than ever and riding like the wind.
Best wishes for a quick and full recovery!!
Injuries are always frightening. It’s normal to have doubts and wonder when, or even if, your body will heal. It will, though that may be hard to imagine right now.
You didn’t make it to the pro ranks by accident. Nobody does that. The mental and physical talents you have that allowed you to reach that level of racing, you still have those things – determination, the ability to suffer, well, that one most of all, really, as bike racing is all about the suffering. You’re still the same person with all the same talents.
It’s like the beginning of a long climb. You never do think you’ll see the top. But if you’re patient and keep going, you’ll get there. It’ll take time, but you’ll get there. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends for help. They can make things so much easier.
Best wishes for happier days. Look forward to see you racing again soon.
Gavia
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