Story 3

Not even a near-fatal bicycle accident could deter Marsha Taylor from her love and passion for riding. After sustaining several injuries including nine broken bones and a concussion, this cross-country bicyclist still plans on continuing her hobby once her rehabilitation is finished.

Taylor started biking after her college graduation during her job search, “Cycling was a way of filling in time and keeping fit while I waited for interviews.” She said, “Eventually I got involved with some groups of cyclists and participating in weekend rides and even some races.” She said that since then it’s been an integral part of her life and she can’t imagine her life apart from it.

In this last year alone she said she has biked at least 3,500 miles, and participated in two bike tours, one of which was a United States cross-country tour.

It was shortly after she finished the U.S. tour that her accident occurred. She said the specifics are hazy, but that during a leisurely ride, a car hit her from behind and sent her flying from her bicycle. She attributes her survival mainly to the precautions she takes, “I never ride unless I have my helmet.” She said, “It probably saved my life this time.” She is still convinced that bicycling is a safe activity, as long as you are careful.

Recovery has been slow, and a return to the hospital was needed because of internal injuries in addition to the external. This 37-year-old McDonald’s manager has been through a lot, but she has an optimistic attitude. One doctor told her it was a miracle she wasn’t paralyzed. After four months however, she is still receiving therapy three times a week.

Her love for this hobby has not changed at all by this event, “If I could, I’d be out there right now, but it’s hard to ride a bike when you have to use crutches.” Her perseverance and optimism is like a rainbow peeking behind grey storm clouds, and an encouragement to all of us,, it just takes patience to stand up again after a flip over the handlebars.


-C. Parker
Chapter 11, Exercise 2