This year’s campaign got off to a flying start with the successful completion of the Launch Challenger Series, and on bike training was going pretty good. I had also been taking steps to improve my health, by going to the gym and getting help with some strength training. All was going well, but thanks to a freak accident on a training ride in Powell, OH on July 12, 2026, I spent this year’s Ride Weekend sidelined due to an injury.

As I was attempting to go across a railroad crossing on Liberty Street, I fell off my bike and landed on my right knee hard enough and was in serious pain. Thankfully the Liberty Township Fire Chief was close enough to get me an ambulance to the Mount Carmel Medical Center in Dublin. An X-ray later revealed that I had split my tibia vertically, and a torn meniscus that was found when I had surgery the next day at Mount Carmel East hospital the following day. An operation that resulted in two plates, 17 screws, and a surgeons order not to put any weight on my right leg for the next three months.

The good news is that I’m hoping to be starting to finally rehab my right leg soon (the surgeon was concerned about the five or six screws closet to my knee grafting to the bone.) While a lot difficult things happened while I was confined to my grandmother’s recliner, a few positive things happened. I lost a significant amount of weight because I managed to get my appetite under control (I had to rely on other family members to get me food). Since I was forced to take an injury leave from work while I recovered, I spent a long time thinking about things. One things for sure, there will be some changes to how I operate before my next attempt at ride weekend (whenever that may happen)

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my fundraiser this year, and to the leadership at Pelotonia for quickly addressing my sudden withdrawal from ride weekend due to my injury (They also sent me a get well card). As far as next year is concerned, I don’t anticipate making any decisions until after the start of the new year. Until then, stay tuned…..