Hanco and I went to check out a brand new professionally built downhill track on Monday afternoon. We were really impressed. This new track could possibly be seen as the best track in the Western Cape and while doing a track walk, we couldn't wait to get on our bikes and try it for ourselves. This track boasts some seriously steep sections, so many corners, a few rock gardens and some jumps built over natural features.
The friendly farm owner shuttled us up and Hanco let me go down the track first so that he could make sure I would be okay. Although the track was new to me, I trust Bennet's building technique so I wasn't afraid of not being able to ride any of the features. I surprised myself by not hesitating and riding over some seriously scary looking rocks and off camber sections. A few corners into the track my wheel rolled over a rock and into a turn, I didn't quite make the turn and put my inside foot out to correct the bike... and then I heard and felt something "SNAP!"... I managed to move myself and my bike out of the way and shouted for Hanco to come to my rescue. He reacted immediately and was there within seconds helping me on my feet again and onto the shuttle road.
Walking to the car was very painful but I tried to stay brave and let Hanco do one more shuttle run before we headed home. My ankle didn't look too good. It was swollen within seconds and it was hurting quite badly. Luckily young Ike took care of me by bringing me an icepack which helped relieve some of the pain. By the look of things, we had to go for x-rays...
After a few hours waiting at the Emergency Room, the doctor confirmed our suspicions: my ankle is broken at the lower part of the fibula.... It was put into a cast and I am seeing the orthopeadic surgeon next week. Until then I am struggling along on crutches.
I cannot wait to ask the doctor when I will be able to ride again, but it wont be within the next 6-8 weeks... I am succeeding in keeping my mind off my injury, but I don't know how much of it is still denial. I am already struggling to keep busy and am completely clueless as to what I will do with my new free time. As soon as I've seen the doctor, I'll set a realistic recovery and riding goal for myself. Until then my upper body is getting some serious workouts on the crutches!
I am completely humbled by the huge amount of love and support I have been receiving from my family, my friends and even from strangers. It sucks to be helpless and immobile, but having you guys around makes it more bearable!
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