My Journey From Injury Back To Fitness

Рет қаралды 204,982

Жыл бұрын

As you may well have noticed after seeing him covered in bandages and looking like a mummy, Alex had a huge crash while out riding a couple of months ago that sent him to hospital with severe road rash and kept him off the bike for a number of weeks. He documented his recovery and journey to get back on the bike, as well as sharing exactly what happened in his crash!
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Пікірлер: 532

@gcn Жыл бұрын

Have you ever had to work your way back to fitness like Alex?

@jednymtchem6066 Жыл бұрын

I'm currently doing that ;) Had a huge crash and dislocated my shoulder-clavicular joint. Had an operation about a month and a half ago, and slowly I'm getting back there. Today I had my first ride to work on my roadbike. It felt amazing as I had only been using a trainer for last month. Still, I can't take part in any of my local cycling club big rides, but even seeing them on a local loop will be a blast. I wish all the best to Alex and any other rider getting back from injury!

@hughdearnley8043 Жыл бұрын

I am just 6 months post hip fracture (oil on road). Now fully recovered. Three weeks off cycling, then back on a stationary bike, which is standard advice for this injury. Two weeks later back on the road, although still on crutches. It is easier to cycle than walk in this situation because I don't put my full body weight on a pedal, but each walking step does require more than full weight, with each step. Confidence less though.

@AwwSweet Жыл бұрын

@@jednymtchem6066 so You have plate on collar bone? Hokked or hookless? Hehe.

@silverburn55 Жыл бұрын

Currently doing that after getting emergency stent fitted in my heart. Dropped from 10hrs a week to zero. My biggest challenge? Trust my heart again.

@jamesnickless7664 Жыл бұрын

8 months into rehab/recovery for torn Achilles. 2 weeks into Zwift training plan. Going well. Doing the Cahors Challenge in less than 4 weeks now so trying to shift some timber...

@junktionfet Жыл бұрын

Thank you Alex for sharing your journey. Back in 2016 I was hit by a motorist at high speed and the resulting crash nearly killed me. My neck and back were broken in 12 places, from C2 all the way down to the base of my thoracic spine. While the vertebrae were shattered, my spinal column somehow remained in tact. Miracles. All of my fingers and toes work, but recovery was a very long and painful process. I absolutely love cycling... I was passionate about it. But this experience scarred me and it wasn't until this year (2022) that I took up cycling again. I conquered my fear and anxiety, and now I'm nearly as good as I was once was (or I think so anyway). I have a Titanium reinforced spine now. The fusion starting at C2 does severely limit the amount that I can rotate my neck, so making turns is a bit of a challenge, but I can manage. Mercifully, my thoracic and lumbar spine are not fused together, so I'm able to ride road bikes with aggressive geometries, attaining full aero tuck and all. Stay safe out there everyone.

@peterb1783 Жыл бұрын

Well done mate. Its scary stuff getting knocked off

@DangNguyen-xx3zi Жыл бұрын

Have you considered swapping the titanium spine reinforcement for carbon? Reckon that would save about 200g

@colinmcdonald2499 Жыл бұрын

@@DangNguyen-xx3zi cold hearted fun. I bet your mother called you Damn instead of Dang in moments like this! 🤣

@grahamaustin9085 Жыл бұрын

My neck is stiff so I have a bar end mirror - very uncool but a boon.

@colinmcdonald2499 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you made it back on two wheels! Great recovery story.

@Richiemouse Жыл бұрын

Alex has always been one of my favorite GCN presenters, so it's great to see the recovery progress. I also think these more candid type (as opposed to scripted) videos are some of the best GCN content, like Manon talking after her first gravel race and Alex walking the dog, chatting to the camera. It feels much more natural. For me personally, recovering after a month off with Covid last November was really hard and I still don't feel as good as I did before.

@Aureas133 Жыл бұрын

Alex, I have to say, your presenting skills really improved. I remember your first appearance on a GCN/Tech show, still a bit nervous. And now one of my favorite presenters. Love your content.

@daniely5260 Жыл бұрын

One of my favourites out of all the presenters hahaha

@troycollett8540 Жыл бұрын

@@daniely5260 agreed.Alex is awesome

@GCNalex Жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks. For sure, always hard starting something new!

@mbal4052 Жыл бұрын

Agree, i especially liked when he chose rim brakes over disc on one of his first videos 🤣

@treyquattro 7 ай бұрын

same here. I really like Alex's content, not that I want to see content about crashing!

@tedallenwolff Жыл бұрын

As a (much) older rider than all of the GCN presenters, my experiences on the bike are very different. I had a small crash two years ago and suffered a minor shoulder impingement. It took a full six months to heal. Younger riders like Alex can heal a lot more quickly. It's a very different thing for us seniors.

@Hebbs Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video Alex, I can totally relate. I fractured my T11 vertebrae 2 weeks ago during a crit race where my rear tyre exploded while railing a corner. Spent a week in hospital and had the vertebrae fused. Patience is the hardest thing for me. I’m hoping to be allowed on the trainer in a couple of weeks and on the bike IRL in 10 weeks. It’s made me more motivated to train even harder once I’m better.

@kitkat5153 Жыл бұрын

Back on the trainer in two weeks?! I shattered my L1 8 weeks ago, 4 weeks hospital, 2 surgeries, and my major accomplishment this week was that I now can tie my shoes if I put my feet up on the sink. 😭 I hope your recovery is as speedy as you’re hoping! But boy am I jealous! 😂😭

@Hebbs Жыл бұрын

@@kitkat5153 Wow hope you make a full recovery. L1 and T11 are close so the difference could be between “fractured” and “shattered” I suppose.

@MrJx4000 Жыл бұрын

Hope you get well soon and fully recover, but if you don't mind me asking: was that a tubeless tyre that exploded?

@Hebbs Жыл бұрын

@@MrJx4000 No I had vittoria latex tubes with a 6 month old Corsa G2.0 tyre. The tyre ripped 6 inches of the side wall leaving the tyre bead inside the rim.

@kitkat5153 Жыл бұрын

@@Hebbs Thanks! Yeah, I guess. 😣

@jakecalderburby Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Alex! Just broke 3 ribs, my left shoulder blade, and a grade 3 AC joint separation in a cyclocross race two weeks ago and I love seeing a positive path back! Thank you!

@ralfhenning-venske6764 Жыл бұрын

one of the best videos so far this year - so many cyclists have to suffer under Covid 19 and due to crashes. This video helps in the recovery process. Thx Alex GCN - Yeah!

@matt_acton-varian Жыл бұрын

This is the GCN video we never knew we needed. Thanks for sharing your fly-on-the-wall relatable journey back to fitness.

@AndyRides Жыл бұрын

Broke my hip on the 26th Feb, had to wait until 17th April to get on the trainer. First road ride was 28th May. Then cycled to Cornwall and back over six days at the end of June. It was this charity ride that gave me the motivation. I definitely needed a target to aim at, even if family were really against me doing it. The first month was harder than expected. Lost a lot of muscle and fitness.

@Cycle774 Жыл бұрын

Sending love and healing. So sorry about the crash. Thank you for sharing the recovery process.

@fidgetfive Жыл бұрын

Love this more natural low-key GCN vid - so much better than some of the clearly scripted Top Gear type vids. GCN is always at its best when the presenter's personalities shine through.

@Zombie636 Жыл бұрын

Alex, thank you so much for making this video. I've been in a major crash for the first time since I've started cycling and was off the bike for 2 months with a broken collar bone and concussion and it was hell not doing anything except walking. I'm glad you are back on the bike and this video helped me with some good pointers on what I should do to get back into shape and realize I'm not the only one in this bad situation. Again, great work and stay safe.

@238949 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex for sharing this, such a great video. I was hit by a truck 4 years ago, a dislocated clavicle and cuts and bruises. Took 6 months and an operation before I could cycle again, and took me a long time to get my confidence back. My friends at Breeze got me through it and my fitness took a huge hit but am back on track now. Glad that you're on the mend and not letting it affect your love for cycling x

@mitchellgoldflies1359 Жыл бұрын

Alex thanks for the great video. One of the best GCN videos. I am recovering from a recent crash and the mental aspects of recovery is more difficult that the physical recovery. Your video was inspiring.

@andrewdale6099 Жыл бұрын

Alex is an inspired, inspiring and natural presenter. Humorous, informative and knowledgeable. Keep it up Alex. Great stuff. And good to see you've recovered.

@jonathancarter8342 Жыл бұрын

I want to say thank you. This video comes at a perfect time as I recover from a wreck myself. This was motivational and inspiring.

@japresto Жыл бұрын

Just what I needed as during my journey from car crash while on bike. Now 3 months on and anxious to get my fitness back along with riding outside again. Thanks for your willingness to share!

@stuartfreedman6854 Жыл бұрын

Great to see the deeper Alex. The one that's below the persona you have to present on GCN (not that there's anything wrong with that). I always knew you were a good guy. Cheers.

@geoffreyhoney122 Жыл бұрын

Yes, doing it right now, so thanks for the great timely video! I had a crash June 4th on a descent. 2 cervical and one thoracic vertebrae fractured and a concussion. Cleared just recently for cycling. Have MRI scheduled to ensure vertebral artery is ok. It is a long slow haul! Thanks Alex for sharing the "Uphill Battle " that is recovery! This video was very useful and lets me know that I am not alone. May we all recover gracefully and as fully as our bodies and minds will allow. Cheers to Cloe too for doing that real labour of assisting you! My wife had to receive the dreaded phone call and watch me in emergency! A depth of thanks to our supportive partners! I am going to go easier on descents!

@bikecommuter24 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see you are on the mend👍 I too know crashing sucks. Like many I can relate, went down on my motorcycle, took a few weeks to recover. I also too had my share of injuries over the years working as a airplane mechanic. Almost like my journey of going from 111 kg to 68kg I also used to walk with a cane ( I have arthritis) getting rid of all off that fat with walking-running and now a bicycle all help with that and I enjoy both activities.

@thomaskinnett4012 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex. Especially appreciated the part about why you Cycle. Spot on. That sense of exploration, fitness, fresh air and general time to take the mind off the rest of the world is priceless. I have some mild mental health issues and I'm always the best version of myself when I'm keeping to a consistent cycling regimine. Most important, you noted to be safe! Wishing you well and I hope you had a full recovery.

@sello4439 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video. I had crutch this past weekend and i managed to get away with minor bruises. I worried about riding after recovery but this video has given me for much hope and encouragement

@WyRmiE Жыл бұрын

good job bro!!!i just broken my ankle so rest like you and then get it all back, happy riding alex

@thedoginside Жыл бұрын

Really appreciated you making this video Alex and giving something of your real self. Nice (you know what I mean) to see you have the same struggles & goals as the rest of us. Good luck buddie 👊🏼

@crbondur Жыл бұрын

Alex, Great video. I like the reminder that there may be some mental reservations about getting back on the bike, even after the physical wounds have healed. Thanks for encouraging us to not worry too much and get back in the saddle again!

@sethgriffiths6539 Жыл бұрын

A great video Alex, very real life and the honesty and emotion was palpable. Great to have you back on two wheels where you left off..!!

@pinglis00 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video! Thanks Alex. Sensational work, great filming and storytelling.

@gcn Жыл бұрын

Thanks Phil!

@uzi17 Жыл бұрын

i love Alex’s dedication to GCN, crashing just so he can make a recovery video. great to see you back on the bike

@jimcappa6815 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Great to see you recovering and back on the bike!

@richardruns4cake Жыл бұрын

Brilliant film Alex . Love the honesty and the story . Glad you back mate

@cb6866 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex and crew...good to see you're feeling better ! It's good to know you guys crash like ..regular folks . It is a bit different for many people though , as work can be strenuous , and impossible when injured ..

@johnledger40 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed that,a from the heart,honest account of how tough it can be to recover and carry on.

@scottymaczayda9531 Жыл бұрын

It's good you didn't try to rush it. If you're like me it's hard to stay off the bike. Time heals all wounds.

@masa1inst Жыл бұрын

Great video! Remembering my first bad crash in 2009. Broke my left collar bone in 4 places and a bone in my right hand. To make matters worse I had ironman New Orleans in 5 months. Surgery first, four plates to put the collar bone together and 2 bone screws in my right hand. I told my ortho surgeon that my race was in 5 months. He replied "As long as you're not a wimp we will get your ready". The greatest beside manner this patient could ask for. I had to train on the stationary bike for about a month (maybe a little more) and swim workouts were out of the question for the same period. With a great plan from my coach and the encouragement of the Playtri (Dallas, Tx) club I was crossing the New Orleans 70.3 finish line 5 months later.

@kevinhoffmann3713 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the journey back.

@davidhartin8215 Жыл бұрын

Great video Alex. I had my second bout of L5S1 spinal decompression surgery 3 weeks ago and haven't been on the bike for nearly 2 months. Foot is still numb and weak in S1 distribution but very very slowly improving. I'm having some physio next week and hope to be back on the turbo after that (with permission). What inspired me most was seeing you out of puff and sweating just walking uphill - because that's how I feel (and you're a lot fitter than me)! It's helped me reaffirm that at my age (46) I have to take it easy and let the body - and mind - heal before getting back into it. Hope you continue to rehab well.

@MrJx4000 Жыл бұрын

_"...at my age (46)..."_ you spring chickens don't know what aging is like yet. Stay active, every day, half-an-hour, get your heart rate up to keep your arteries flexible and blood circulating. Hopefully by the seventh decade, you'll still want to get out of bed. It's worked for me so far ;-)

@theknights1512 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. I hope you’re still getting better from your crash. I’m at the start of my second setback. I was doing well after my first but when my cancer came back after 2 years in remission it’s not been great.. I’m so looking forward to riding again, building up, but I know I’ll be having to take it slowly. Great vid - being inspired by what the future brings

@francesstager997 Жыл бұрын

A very inspirational video! THANK YOU! Cheers too you and to your wife, Chloe!

@trboden Жыл бұрын

Great job getting back on the bike. I have had a couple of nasty spills myself and the hardest part is just getting back on and getting my confidence back.

@ocbyn Жыл бұрын

Well done lad. Enjoyed the honesty.

@id4edm Жыл бұрын

I’m Starting a similar process after a hard MTB crash about a month ago. Thanks for the video! Helps to know you’re not alone in this, and great to see that the experiences are similar. In addition to recovering from the injuries, and trying to build back some fitness - I also have to deal with these little sinus infection/head cold things along the way which can make you feel worn out and be frustrating. Having to wait out those little sicknesses along the road to recovery can get a bit discouraging. But when you’re patient, persistent, & consistent you can eventually get back.

@JonathanMallett Жыл бұрын

Alex's best video on GCN so far! It felt very personal and very naturally presented. More content like this please 🙂!

@zacharysawyer5252 Жыл бұрын

Watching your journey is inspiring. I wrecked about a month ago now and still deal with wrist pain here and there. It did set me back on where I was with stamina and like you I am still making progress back to where I was. The recovery process is both gratifying and discouraging at the same time.

@Hawky2947 Жыл бұрын

Congrats on your recovery. And thanks for sharing, and maybe it will help other people who'll get into a crash.

@MarkMcLenaghan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex. I had a crash the end of July. In the end I bought a new bicycle and but getting older it does take a bit longer to recover. Thanks again for the inspiration to keep going.

@peterdraper1478 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting video Alex - thank you - and I'm glad you're getting back into it so well. That transition from sunlight into a shady area under some trees is always a tricky one. I once hit a patch of spilled corn in just those circumstances - since then I have learned to take a bit more care. Keep safe everyone!

@ortodontiaespecializada9283 Жыл бұрын

Great recovery! Stuff happens… the way we understand and deal with it is the key! Perfect way to do it! Congratulations!! Nice to have you back on track!!

@donball370 Жыл бұрын

Good to see you get through that first month back on the bike Alex. Do like the real life backdrop, full-time job, dog waliking etc. and recognising the mental challenge that a crash causes (not just the body mending)

@aaronedgeart Жыл бұрын

Well done and all the best as you've got back in/on the saddle. We all know how tough it can be after a crash.

@diggiediggz Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! You have really become my favorite presenter!

@GCNalex Жыл бұрын

AMAZING to see so many people sharing their experiences and I appreciate everyone's comments about how they enjoyed the video, very kind.

@GCNalex Жыл бұрын

@Plus①⑥⑧⑨②⓪①③⓪⑦⑦Telegram only oh wow sounds great, especially a prize from what appears to most certainly not be a fake account. Please do tell me more

@joelp2419 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, important to explain to all what a crash means. I totally understand since my recovery after a car hit me and badly sent me down, took 5 long months... Same as you, home trainer for quite some time, a bit of running and still... I could not go back to the road. In fact, I joined a club, and the group has been instrumental in getting my confidence back.

@matthewrepucci3564 Жыл бұрын

Great content, thanks for sharing Alex! I'm in recovery mode myself, not for a crash, but from a trainwreck of a summer. Back on the bike first thing tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration!

@patrickshea-simonds5827 6 ай бұрын

Just gone back to this video after a crash in the Summer which resulted in back surgery. Emotional today after first ride on the turbo but the video is a reminder of the good things about cycling which I've really missed! Thanks

@quacker998 Жыл бұрын

Getting back on the bike after heart attack and emergency cabg Was tricky but riding with heart failure has been another level of special ~ great job Alex

@thejonesy01 Жыл бұрын

Best GCN vid for ages. Kudos Alex

@goodcompanycoffee Жыл бұрын

Love the espresso setup Alex and POV. Thanks for sharing your journey to a recovery.

@neilcasson6660 Жыл бұрын

Great to see you have made such a quick and successful recovery from your accident Alex. Top effort and inspirational to those who have, and will in the future, find themselves in the same uncomfortable situation. Something that may help us all after similar misfortunes, would be to document the best medical approach to clean, treat, dress and manage your road rash for an optimal, speedy recovery.

@DenCoDave Жыл бұрын

I injured my knee a week and a half ago and have not been in the saddle since then. Ortho surgeon says the (reparied) ACL is still i onI bike and do jogging alternately. It was the running thing that did me in. I always do soo much better with cycling than running and it looks like cycling is going to get me going in regards to just getting around. This video and what you've shared is going to be much of the basis for my starting my recovery program. The psycological shares were the best inspiration. I find this the toughest part. Thanks for sharing this. Such a great value to reveal the mindset part of it all. Thanks so much! DenCoDave

@misterfrench894 Жыл бұрын

Best of luck to you with your continued healing!

@chones_ Жыл бұрын

Great content, Alex. Glad you did this video.

@Matahalii Жыл бұрын

Thanx Alex to share this with us! I myself had a broken ankle this spring. After the whole path with orthesis, further healing time, physiotherapy and all, last week I hit the road for the first time. Still my left leg is significantly thinner than my right one.... but my endurance power is so low now after beeing forced to absolutely do no sports at all for months.

@davidadamus177 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing about your crash Alex. Had a bad one myself about 3 years ago. Was going downhill at 19 or 20 mph, and misjudged a curb (some of them are tapered). Hit it full force got thrown off the bike, and landed on my chest in a grassy field. Amazing no injuries from that, but my ribs were sore for about a month. I remember seeing your first GCN show, you've come a long way! You seem like a decent genuine guy, pretty sure we'd be riding buddies if you weren't on the other side of the ocean 😎 Cheers!

@brew-jameshenrybreward4889 Жыл бұрын

Excelllent video Alex, thanks for sharing your personal story. Rough crash but really interesting story of your recovery and routine.

@DrSomhairle Жыл бұрын

Really nice to see and hear about Alex's journey back from an accident. I am currently coming back from an accident after being knocked out by a car, broke 2 teeth and. had a head injury. Find my power is way down after 2 weeks off the bike. Hope the recovery is going well Alex, feel like mine will be slow also, as you said.

@michaelskelton8516 Жыл бұрын

Really good video, with positive approach to recovery and getting back on the bike👍

@gcn Жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael!

@sunnyhu4855 Жыл бұрын

Ouch! Wishing you speedy recovery!

@katis999 Жыл бұрын

All the best, great video, good luck :)

@jirdesteva Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your recovery Alex. I'm a somewhat leisurely cyclist but crashing hurts. At my current age and having had some health issues coming back from illness or injury is slower as we age. There is also a mental recovery that we have to deal with. Sometimes the mental part is the hardest. Again congrats and thanks for the video.

@fernandoxorellana3992 Жыл бұрын

Dude, glad you got better… keep on the good work and pedal to the max while have fun while doing so. Best of luck and ride until you can no more 🚴‍♂️🤘💪🏻

@Whitehawkvisionfilms Жыл бұрын

I actually started cycling because of an injury. I was an adventure racer, distance runner and climber and broke my back in 2 places, arm and neck fractures and could not walk for 5 years. So, my fitness sport to come back was of course mountain biking, hah. I just recently bought a road bike to help with workouts for a XC Race coming up and looked at it as a necessary nuisance and have now fallen in love with road riding! I am currently busted up with 3rd Degree burns on both knees and massive abdominal surgery, so coming back is going to be a long haul. Your video was encouraging so thank you and God be with you on your road to complete recovery!

@beeballman62 Жыл бұрын

Glad your all healed up and back riding!

@martinandersson5833 Жыл бұрын

Well done Alex. Great recovery. Kudos to your wife for helping you get back. Reading all these revovery stories in the comments makes me realize how lucky I’ve been so far. Only one bigger crash with just a lot of bruises and a small fracture in the shoulder🥺😓

@cubatea Жыл бұрын

Love your positivity Alex and willingness to share the human side of cying

@Tbo1235 Жыл бұрын

Great to see you back on the bike my friend

@trainiax Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this and glad to see how well you've recovered. This past spring I hit a 2-3 inch rock in the middle of loose gravel (leftover from de-icing) at the side of the road right in the midst of a shoulder check - nearly had the bike slide out from under me. Managed to remain upright (lucky) after regaining traction on the bare asphalt (also lucky) in the middle of the lane where there were no cars (also lucky). But it sure opened my eyes to the risk of hitting a rock! All this came after a crash last year that I was eager not to repeat - not severe in the grand scheme of things, but still enough road rash to keep me off the bike for a week.

@ethangodridge6833 Жыл бұрын

Great presentation and comeback, nice one Alex.

@bubblesezblonde Жыл бұрын

Glad you are okay. Thanks for the vid.

@neilsawyer3081 Жыл бұрын

Nice video, reminded me of me riding to get fit after snapping my shoulder blade in half on a downhill section in the Akamas in Cyprus. 5-6 weeks off the bike, but it was easy to get back on, but took a while for the fitness and confidence to return. Living back in the UK now and loving finding different routes locally to where I live...keep up the great work...

@duiliopaterno3780 Жыл бұрын

Great Video Alex ! Well done ! I’ve enjoyed this insight , great to see you back to good health ! having recently recovered from a bad crash @ 60 years of age l’m starting to think if it’s time to give racing a miss !!

@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles Жыл бұрын

Fantastic one!!! Bravo Alex!

@anac5656 Жыл бұрын

I just had a massive crash so this came at the perfect time! Happy you’re feeling better!!

@martindirkzimmer Жыл бұрын

Get well soon!

@michellemantovani8559 Жыл бұрын

Same here!! Really grateful for this video :)

@douglasbooth6836 Жыл бұрын

Hope you are well.

@technoobs Жыл бұрын

Good to see you back Alex, keep up with your recovery..

@michaelsingh843 Жыл бұрын

Great video Alex!

@floydwilliams8595 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video.

@Wolek96 Жыл бұрын

Good luck with recovery! I have problem with stabilization in my left knee for 3 years now,and 2 month ago I got a stroke. I am only 26,so I was very upset,that I cannot continue my training and just enjoy riding. Yesterday,I bought a bike and start training slowly again. I just love cycling,and I have to stay fit to feel better. Everything comes with time I guess. All best!

@PeteEllson5656 Жыл бұрын

Great vid Alex, really enjoyed that.

@gregmaskell2372 Жыл бұрын

Great video, love the real side of these videos

@richardbass3985 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story Alex. Back in May I hit a pothole which punctured my front tire sending me sprawling on to the ground and smashing my collarbone into several bits.The road to recovery is proving to be a bit tortuous but I'm so glad I've got a turbo to keep me sane (and safe) - but watching the scales go the wrong way for a while was upsetting after all the hard work I'd done to get fit over the last 2 years. The psychological impact of the crash was definitely worse than the physical in my case but I'm now heading in a positive direction (still not attempting a ramp test though!)

@Kevinj388 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience with the last crash Alex. Lately I've been upset of feeling abused by motorists in the busy roads of London, I had a light crash on my way back from work and I'm hesitant of attending the office. I parked the bike for a month and I'm still scared of going outside but I can notice that I sleep worse and less than when I cycle. I'm picking it up but slowly, certainly it's not the same after a crash and fearing for your life in every junction

@rtw9655 Жыл бұрын

Pleased you are on the mend Alex, story you crashed of course! My experience has been to focus on the rehab work and take pleasure in that, rather than obsess about missed rides, races and experiences. I switched off data so there wasn’t the constant reminder of “shortfall”! By enjoying the rehab, I have improved some previously neglected areas, a bonus. Riding is now possible again and anything is better than nothing. As you said, the accident is quick, it’s the recovery that takes time. Mentally, knowing what caused the crash helps my mind remove / mitigate the risk. Had I not known, I would have carried anxiety. Keep up the great videos Alex and team.

@marchelligaming Жыл бұрын

When Alex said freshly chipped I allready got goosepumps because I have seen these sort of crashes and aftermath great to hear you are ok

@williamjusuf3053 Жыл бұрын

Great journey ... I ve been almost in same position, Working as MD and hobbyst cyclist.. Get Delta C19 in June 2021.. ICU for 1 month, ventilator and stuff.. lost 15 kg of muscle. Ruin 2/3 of the lung.. Slowly Physiotheraphy and exercising to back to walk and cycling again ... Finally has done a proper Audax again in 2022 ... getting it back slowly again ...

@alyoshakaramazov8469 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your recovery, Alex. Last time I crashed I spent hours picking gravel out of my wounds. Firstly, caring for your garden is more important than cycling, What is the point of being healthy if you don't have a garden to enjoy your heath in? Secondly, I had a rough time recovering from 30 years of sedentary life. I started by walking, then by vigorous hiking, and finally moving to a bike. (never running) I dropped 35 kg in two years and can now ride 100 km easily (with 1.5 km of climb) or 100 mi if the weather is right and I can find a day to do it in. My point is walking is a great way to start a recovery plan. And gardening.

@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын

i am on a similar transformation... but diet and exercise biking. not a great hiker. down 35 pounds in under 3 months, and will drop another 25 this year. longest ride 117 km, banging out 60 k is routine now, and i can make it up very steep hills. next year will try 100 mile ride(s). doing some weights too. CONGRATULATIONS on your impressive turnaround!!!!

@wizkidcyclist9968 Жыл бұрын

2.99M .. so to be 3M subscribers. Congrats to GCN and to all the fellow subscribers. Thanks Alex for sharing your personal journey to recovery!

@andrewhayes1339 Жыл бұрын

Alex, great watch & congrats on your recovery. PS totally agree that running is the work of the devil 😂

@paullinnitt5450 Жыл бұрын

If God had meant us to run he wouldn’t have invented bicycles.

@uritaub5441 Жыл бұрын

I guess GTN are heathens......

@AlbertBuckinghamEllison Жыл бұрын

This video is so important. Not just for recovering from a bad crash and being off the bike for a while. But for anyone taking time off after having a child, intense workload, sickness or poor conditions. Personally I've been through this a couple times, recently getting back into racing after a 5-year gap to focus on work. I found that easing things up is the way to go. Start with just 20-mile rides, few times a week, then 30, then 50 and up. Don't ride with headphones, it upsets your heartrate and breathing until you get back into it. Take lots of water, food - Your body gets out of the habit of being a camel!! Also join a good club and do club rides at least once a week - It really helps!

@jimghigliotti4863 Жыл бұрын

Had my share some bad and some not so bad, glad to see you back. Rubber to the ground and keep rolling:)

@MrJx4000 Жыл бұрын

Good timing with this video Alex. Hope you fully recover; it sucks being stuck indoors and waiting to recover (for whatever reason). I had two-and-a-half close calls yesterday (less than 24-hrs ago) where I caught a rut (twice) on asphalt on a moderately busy county road. Fortunately, I use mtb-type cleats and so I managed to brace myself in the nick of time to prevent any injury. Then I caught a rather large pothole in said asphalt which I didn't see (too relaxed and getting a little dark) and again managed to avoid falling and damage to my bike. And now after watching this video and reading all the comments below, I think back to how many other close calls I've had in the last three years and dismissed or forgot about (I almost got run over by a fast moving, aggressive driving, dump truck once). I'll definitely be on guard more going forward. You cannot get complacent riding on two skinny wheels.