It's amazing how an experience like this can change your life. Im 41, and have 3 kids and a wife. I came up on the worst crash I'd ever seen this past summer on my favorite trail. Long story short, the guy I found had be life flighted off the mountain. He can't talk right or walk right now. I'll never forget how that sight made me feel. I changed my riding style after that day and I'll never go back. Life is short and I want to see my kids grow up!
This is super validating. I hit my late 30’s and suddenly “lost my nerve” After a few high speed crashes and a neck injury. I felt really bad about that but I too came to a conclusion that my family came first. Now I’m ok skipping the most technical sections of trail. I’m cool with not needing to prove my “bravado” or ability to the group. You live and learn. God speed.
Thanks for this video. I'm also nearly 40 and getting to the skill level where I could start to look at some of these more intense jumps and trails. But instead I think I'll concentrate on what I really love about mtb, getting out in the bush and hanging out with my mates.
My wife was with a rider who sadly lost his life coming off a mtb. She kept him alive until the ambos arrived but sadly it was not enough. Certainly changed our riding, it never leaves you. Hope you continue to improve and thanks for this honest video.....
Mate I totalled myself four weeks ago. Chain snapped coming out of a berm while pedaling out. OTB and head first into a tree. Lucky no head injury , but broken arm , smashed ribs , cuts and there were fears my other shoulder popped out . Cut a long story short , I am 50 yo and this has really put the wind up me . I was told it will be up to 12 months before I can ride again . I have done a lot of thinking and I will def be doing more trail then enduro . Best of luck and sending love to you and your family . Mick 🤘
I watch the fails to see closely how they happen. And for the shock factor. I’ve had 2 bad ones. Level 3 AC separation kept me out for months. The OTB was just laziness and cockiness on a new trail. I’ve learned. I hope.
Hahah great commend I do the same and the main reason also to remember we need to know our limits everyone has different skill level and priorities. Always is going to be someone faster or slower than you .
Thank you for sharing everything and hope your recovering well. 🤞💪 As a beginner MTB rider in Melbourne your videos have been a go to for me when looking at locations to ride or just on a lazy Sat. 😁 They really show what the place will be like, which helps as a blue rider enjoying trails but wanting to be safe and have fun. I enjoy your early trail videos, your quality and editing is A+ and story telling with great people is inspiring and infectious. Thanks for the passion you bring to and local mtbing, look forward to seeing more in the future, whatever form that might be in. 🚴🏻♂️
Glad you're ok Hamish. It's bittersweet to see you taking a step back from a community you've had such a huge impact on from day one and being a major role model for many riders. I hope we can all strive to embody the same spirit and energy you brought everyday to mountain biking 🤙
Absolutely, I’ve had my fair share of crashes on jumps and imo there just not worth it at all. Yeah they could be fun but all it takes is a wrong angle and you can seriously mess yourself up.
@@domanater480 Yes mate..I seen one result of one poor woman face plant on a gravel road during a XC race,swelling in her face still sits with me..They couldn’t get her out with the helicopter and had to bus her out where they could took a while..Sad to see someone enjoy riding so much get hurt that way..Anyway stay safe ..Fractured wrist put me out for two months once..
Just came across your vid, tks for sharing, reminds me of my wake up call crash. When I was 21 had a big crash in the blue mountains. Broke my collar bone, tore all the ligaments off my right shoulder and had shoulder drop. After a 5,000 buck op and few months recovery, lesson learnt. You are right you only have 1 body so take care of it, doesn't mean you cannot have a bit of fun but just stay well within the limits. Been 25 years since that crash and I still remind myself of it when assessing whether to ride certain parts of my local trails here. Thanks for making the video and all the best for your full recovery
Thanks for sharing. 43 year old father of two here and I 100% agree. I had my first bad wreck on a jump line 6 weeks ago with a fractured shoulder. I too am done with jumps but look forward to just riding trails and getting out there again.
Shit. My friends told me you crashed but I would have never imagined it to be that bad. Don't worry about us on RUclips, take time to recover and get back to normal. All the best wishes to you and your family and have a speedy recovery!
Just wanna say dude, you single handedly got myself and my Girlfriend into mountain biking. Whatever you choose to do with your channel we will come with you, we were both really concerned when you made your IG post and im glad you're (mostly) in one piece.
Thanks for taking us on your tough journey - I've been falling off bikes for nearly 8 decades now and ended up in an operating theatre 3 times so far. Major offs are always a game-changer but if biking is such a large part of your identity then its finding how to adapt and keep the good bits and avoid the bad. I'm buying a new titanium hardtail to celebrate my 70th, having beaten a bout with cancer and 12 rounds with the aftershocks. Keep your chin up and enjoy family and health
Sorry to hear this news, what a horrible way to spend Christmas. It also takes courage to admit vulnerability in a public space so I'd like to say well done on being so open about your experience and your fears. I really enjoy your videos, I'll continue to tune in! Best wishes for a good recovery!
Glad you made it. Wake-up calls are always good things. I'm 52, roadie. I recently discontinued high-speed peloton riding because my body knows it doesn't want to sustain a high-speed crash with bodies and bikes flying around. In my time of reordering my risk tolerances, I've rediscovered cyclocross which is so much fun and generally safe.
Not sure why RUclips recommended this video to me but I'm glad it did. As someone currently dealing with a knee injury during snowboard season, it's forcing me to reassess how I can still have fun progressing my riding while staying safe. I hope you heal up quick and can find a way to still feel fulfilled while riding in a less risky way.
Cautionary stories like yours need to be told more often. I had a similar fall going much slower and ended up with three cervical (neck) fractures. Fortunately, without any neurologic damage
So sorry to hear about your crash. This is a brilliant message for us all to ride safely. I really love your channel and what you have done to promote our great sport. I hope you fully recover.
Thank you for a courageous video that should be required watching for everyone. Injury happens in an instant. Not everything can be fixed. There are more important things in life than riding. I wish you and your family the best.
This story hits close to home. I'm 46 and have a fused spine. Broke my back at L5 and S1. The spinal fusion went well, unlike a lot of the stories I hear about this surgery. I still have the rods in my back, but I still ride. It's true that things have changed. There's a definite fear factor with any jump now. I can't just send things like I used to. There's a lot of brake scrubbing and casing things in my riding now and I avoid a lot more than I ever have before. I still love gravity riding and chunky gnar, but I'm super careful. In the end I'd rather die doing something I love than sitting on the couch, but that time is not now. lol. Hoping for a speedy recovery and the best possible outcome for you buddy. Mountain biking is a dangerous game. I live in Bentonville, AR and I almost always see a wreck that requires medical attention. It's part of the game. Thank you for sharing this.
Really sorry to hear Hamish. It’s hard to walk the line between safety and adventure. I admire your response to this situation. Wherever your riding takes you in the future I’m sure it’ll be fun and we will be watching! All the best with recovery.
Hamish, thank you for updating us on your condition and recovery. I didn’t watch the stack, it’s different when it’s someone you (sort of know). One things I have always admired about riding is your ability to pick yourself up after things have gone wrong. Your mindset is strong and your priorities are both loving and sound. Go easy, Hamish and best wishes to you and your family.
Hamish thanks for sharing, I have only watched more recent vids of yours as I sub'ed after your event not realising the impact of what you when through, and now see that perspective you have pulled it together now. Your story resonates with me, I am a fair bit older than you, but my past high risk sports have payed the price, not to your extent, but ACL, back injury etc. This was from motorcycle racing enduros and desert racing, and found myself riding MTB as a cross training, now fitness also, but now limit myself to no jumps, XC hardtail and ride within my limits. I have nothing to prove, I am still working a trade and need to support a family and a son who has a disability. Not until you care for someone you never realise how vulnerable and precious life is. Enjoy the trails and looking forward to your quality videos.
49 year old father of two watching this after having had a full wrist reconstruction - final surgery today. Front wheel washout on a nothing corner before a tech section. I too am revising my approach to riding into the future. Best wishes and I hope you heal fully.
Wishing you the best with your recovery. I’m 51 and have the same mentality with gravity at this point. Not that I don’t ride fast but I do focus more on keeping things close to the ground. I’ve really shifted to prioritizing fitness, climbing and longer rides. The human body doesn’t have much of a chance at some of the speeds we ride. Keep safe
After wiping out and smashing my shoulder last week 40 with 2 kids, this video resonates with me. It happens so quickly. Wish you a speedy and full recovery.
First time I ever watched your channel. That is a scary and though provoking story and you have a great attitude. Crashes happen so fast and never where you expect them. That balance between responsibility and pushing the limits is tough. Nothing compared to your problems but after dislocating my shoulder, I couldn't ride for 4 months or so and ZWIFT kept my mental health in check big time. Even riding one handed for the first couple of months it just kept me going and motivated me. I hope you have the same experience and wish you a speedy recovery.
Glad you're ok man, I'm just getting into mtb at nearly 40 and stories like this are exactly why I am happy riding around on the easier stuff. Stay safe.
So sorry to hear that this happened to you Hamish. I could only watch the crash peeking through my fingers. Your channel has been a big inspiration to me as I've taken up mountain biking over the last 18 months, and this is a sobering reminder of the risks we all take.
I've always wondered whether I'm too cautious and missing out on the crazy exciting stuff I see you and other guys do. This kinda reminds me that I'm happy with what I'm doing, I'm enjoying mostly XC riding, with the occasional DH, and that's fine. I think you'll still enjoy riding, it will just be a different experience for you 👍
I really appreciate you and your humble attitude/transparency with sharing this. I have lately been "drawing the line" or "knowing my limit" as of late. There's many high consequence lines that i won't even consider riding. But there's so much that I do ride that something like this could easily happen to me. This video is a solid wake up call to take a moment to consider mountain biking with safety in mind. Thank you! Hoping you heal up 100%
I’m happy that it’s looks like you are going to come out of this alright ,as we age we have to adjust the way we ride it doesn’t mean that it won’t still be fun. Your love of riding will still be there , I am much older than you and I have gone though a few of these riding adjustments and each time I change to a little less risky riding style I still find that I love the change ,because as long as it involves biking I love it. You still have a ton of fun left. It’s funny as you get older you start living for others as much as for yourself it was a true sign of maturity that the first thing that you thought of was your family, as long as you keep thinking like that you will know when the next change will be. Keep on riding and we will see you on the trails Evan Vigneau
I feel your decisions on riding. I ride all mountain style. I crashed a few years ago, fractured a few vertebra and seperated my spine going off a bridgedrop.. i was supposed to be paralyzed, but maracoulosly recovered , but rubber stays on the ground these days. I still ride, just less risky. It's been a few years now, and I still wake up most mornings, wiggle my toes and smile appreciating more things than not. Good luck with your recovery, I hope you have a good outcome and can continue to ride, just a little less rowdy. Remember your family. Peace..
LW, a crash and surgery puts the wind right up you and makes you think differently, I bashed and gashed my knee just before xmas and had to have surgery, defo puts things in perspective. Respect to your other half, mine too was an absolute diamond. Look forward to future vids, whatever direction they take I'll stay tuned. All the best from the UK my friend 👍💪😎
All the best for you Hamish. You have been a motivation for me. I really wish your recovery is fast and you get back to enjoying life in whatever way you feel like it.
I'm in the same situation as a couple of other commenters in that I'm turning 50 this year, have 2 young kids, a wife and 3 mortgages to look after. After seeing a friend suffer a broken wrist and collar bone going over a small jump, I decided to sell my downhill bike and ride less on the roads, and more on bike paths and gravel trails on the gravel bike I bought this year. I'm glad the injury isn't more serious and you're on the road (or trail) to recovery. TBH, when we saw you content diverge from its origins to more jumps, we lost interest and thought it was a matter of time before a serious accident. When I saw your IG post, it was a little gut wrenching and so came here to see what happened. But challenges present opportunity, and as another commenter said, maybe changing to gravel, CX, bike packing and back to the original trails could be something to consider.
You are right! If you love cycling you will love just about any kind of riding you choose. I prefer XC on an ebike. Just enjoy the rolling trail and beautiful weather and scenery. I've already proven everything I have in my younger years.
Thanks for sharing this dude. I'm just getting back into it, mid 30's and haven't done it for over 10 years. You've single handedly reminded me I need to be careful. I live right near the Lysterfield park and found your channel with those videos seeing what it was like. I watched it thinking holy shit he's going fast, could I ever do that? I'm putting that idea right out of my head now and just going to do at my own pace and forget how fast others go/not compare at all. Already have upper and lower back disc issues, not looking to add to it. Get well man, again thanks for sharing and being a man about it. That level of honesty is admirable.
Great video and so sorry to hear you went through that. As a father myself and thinking sometimes we are invincible on the trails does make you think twice. All the best for a speedy recovery
I'm really thankful you are not in terrible pain. I think you've made the right decision based on those counting on you. I sure hope you get better soon. I just injured my wrist as well, did a jump, landed, and into a berm. There was snow and ice and I landed on a patch of ice, OTB, and landed on my hands to break the fall. Injured my left wrist. Like you said, not the craziest terrain but has limited me. We really don't know how much we use our wrist, teeth, eyes, back, collarbone, fingers and back, until we injure them. Hang in there man, it takes time and continue to sleep. So much healing takes place in our sleep. Greetings from a fellow youtuber in the states, happy new year. Healing wishes to you...
Amazing the damage a seemingly small crash can do! Good luck with your recovery and figuring out what to do for fun and thrills looking forward. This reinforces why I shudder looking at Red Bull videos. I’ve had too many crashes myself and also have three compressed discs. Decided to get into road riding and then I had a flat front tire on my road bike and went down hard on the pavement this last summer! I’m still not right from that!! Best of luck with your recovery!
Glad you're ok. I also recently suffered a violent crash during Thanksgiving weekend. I thankfully came out mostly unscathed, but the moment I got ejected from my bike and flew towards the ground, my life immediately flashed before my eyes and my mind raced through all the different outcomes of what injuries I might sustain and what will happen next. Ever since then, I've really toned down the speed, and had to remember why I started to ride in the first place: freedom and adventure. I sometimes I get teased for slowing down as I was one of the fastest in the group, especially through tech. Rest well and heal. You'll be back on that bike soon. 👍🤙
So sorry that this happened. A good alternative to jumping/getting air is trials riding. Sure you’re not getting massive air but doing an endo tail whip is one of the most satisfying things to do on a bike. I hope you have a speedy recovery man.
Yeah, I was about to say that. Trials riding is awesome, and very safe, low speed, you can save yourself from a crash. I know Martin Ashton got paraplegic doing trials, but he was doing a massive trick, droping from a tall platform to a narrow obstacle during a trials show. But you can do small and satisfying thinks in trials and the people love trials, its awesome. Good luck man.
I've been riding for about 30 years and most of my crashes have happened when I'm going slowly, no gyroscopic effect (spinning wheels) to help me stay upright. I have had a few high speed crashes and worst thing is time off of the bike while recovering. Good luck with your recovery and enjoy riding more carefully like the rest of us old farts!
I hear you mate. I’m 42, married with two kids under two years of age and about 7.5 months ago i was mountain biking at our favourite park, blasting down trails as fast as I could , like I use to ride in my early teens to 20‘s. In a split second (like your crash) my front tyre slide out (winter morning) and I went head first into (luckily) a somewhat soft bank. I sustained a bad concussion and snapped my thumb almost in half. I was fortunate to not hurt my neck / spine. The same fatherly thoughts came over me as I lay on the ground and in the medical centre, in pain and super dazed. Just like your self, I now take it easy, passing on the super technical sections and gap jumps. Family first mate, I hope you have a speedy recovery - still enjoying nature and trails and most importantly spending time with your wife, daughter and family.
Currently watching this in a minerva neck brace as result of a mtb crash in Dec. I've now had 3 surgeries, 2 neck and one back with a plate in the front and rods in the back of my neck holding it in place from all the ligament damage. Very much in the same situation as yourself with the Exact same thoughts running through my mind. I thank God to still have full mobility and am very fortunate. I'll have a nice Enduro bike for sale shortly.... 😕
Fair play mate. Really scary how a seemingly innocuous bit of trail can cause all of this. A year ago I fell off on a chill out sunday ride on a pump track. I dont think you were being reckless like myself. Ive been doing intensive physio for over a year now (up to 4hrs per day) my new limitations have changed my future indefinitely it seems. Best of luck mate keep riding man!
Mate, I'm so sorry that happened to you! I'm an almost 50 yr old rider just progressing my technical jumping ability and that is definitely one of my worst fears. Thank goodness you are mostly ok and I look forward to you getting back out there in one form or another. Cheers
I knew there was a reason I don’t mess with jumps. I’m happy enough’s with my 2 wheels planted. Poor bugger. Hope you’re recovering well. On the bright side, good content and strong community message. ❤️
It’s takes a strong person to put himself or herself second to what they love to do for the sake of their family and future. Cheers to you and your future.
Hope you have a speedy recovery Hamish. Not sure about everyone else but to me it's always been your natural cinematography & story telling skills that keep me coming back to your vids, so whether you're riding gravity tracks or not doesn't make difference to how I view your channel. I also had a similar incident a few years back; was 42yo at the time riding on gravity trails > went OTB > minor neck injury > etc etc. I think of it as the "accident I needed to have", as it put into perspective a few things and made me realise I could still have lots of great rides but also take a lot less risks.
Wow man thanks for sharing, made me think about it if I was in your shoes. A lot of people I know have hurt them self’s more on small little jumps rather than bigger ones. Don’t underestimate any trail is my view.
Wow, that was tough to watch, wish you a full recovery. 5 yrs ago I was riding a trail I’ve ridden many times & clipped a tree at high speed landed on a root & fractured L1 badly. Was off the bike for almost 1 yr, worked extremely hard to get back on the bike with weight training & yoga. I now just ride cross country trails & no more jumping & stupid shit. I’m 58 & love riding, definitely life changing, best of luck to you!
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I only began my mtb journey not too long ago and already sitting here with a fractured and displaced clavicle from “trail” riding. I too am a father of 3 at a ripe age of 36 and got a taste of being helpless while my wife takes care of 3 plus me. Although I won’t stop riding, I will definitely have to learn to accept there’s trail features I should not attempt. Get well ASAP and can’t wait to see more videos 🤙🏽
You have been an awesome inspiration for me, I hadn't ridden a trail in nearly a year, and I'm now getting back into the sport because of your videos. Relax, rest and keep Positive!
Thanks for the cautionary video. I had a similarly gnarly crash ten years ago when I had just turned 40. I made the horrible decision to ride alone doing a pre-ride for an upcoming race. I was lucky to make it back to my car. Glad there is RUclips now to bring these learned lessons to the world.
Your experience is so relatable! About 5 months ago I suffered the worst crash in 40 years of mountain biking. It didn’t happen on a technically difficult trail, but a high speed straightaway single track that was slightly off camber. Hidden under moon dust was a slippery root that resulted in a front wheel wash out, like hitting black ice. The result was an intensely hard slam to the ground, I came within inches of slamming my head into a tree which could have been game over. I was nauseous and felt electrical shocks in my hands. I also felt this intense fear that I was going to die. Turns out I’d fractured my pelvis in 3 places and lucked out with no concussion. Somehow I self rescued (was riding solo) and was able to make it down the hill and to my car, then drive an hour home before the pain kicked in to the point I couldn’t even stand up. I’m 90% healed up now, but still do daily physical therapy and feel soreness. When I’m back to riding eventually, I’m going to dial it back and take it easy. It was a real wake up call for me, just like your crash.
I can empathise with you. I had a nasty crash three months ago. It resulted in a two night hospital stay and some minor surgery. Like you, I crashed on a section of trail that didn't scream danger. Like you, I had ridden the section of trail before without incident. My crash knocked my confidence for a few weeks. I'm sure that your crash knocked your confidence too. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from your injuries and for the recovery of the confidence that you will need to ride safely again.
We all get complacent with what we do forgetting just how dangerous it is. I'm glad you're still able to enjoy life with your daughter man. All the best.
I've heard guys say "if you're not crashing you're not riding" what fools.... the best ride is a safe ride when you have a wife & children who depend on you.
One thing a lot of guys do when their bodies are aging out of extreme sports is go into motorsport. Still get the same thrills and feeling of progression and flow, but let the car take the hits. I recommend drifting as a substitute sport while you recover. I've been doing it for years, and it's got that same zen.
Just discovered your channel and this is the first vid I watched. So timely as I've been thinking through my riding ability and what I'm willing to tackle. I'm 48 and MTB culture can bring some unneeded pressure to "shred" and ride faster to get a new PR on Strava, or simply to keep up with how gnarly we perceive other riders to be. I appreciate your honesty in reminding us how things can happen when we least expect it, and they can have serious consequences. Because of this video, I'm going to reevaluate my riding and make changes so I can not just continue to enjoy riding for years to come, but have a quality of life for me and my family. Cheers to you healing quickly and having safer adventures ahead! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I’ve just come across your channel, really gutted for you mate. I’m in a similar situation with age and family, I’ve been thinking about taking up biking again, I stopped when I was 16 after a major crash but never really lost the itch to start again. I’d almost convinced myself to get a bike but this gives me pause for thought. I wish you a speedy recovery, the hard decisions you’ve made for your family (and health) are admirable, understandable and ultimately right.
Glad you are mostly OK with no life altering catastrophic injuries. Watching your video was a wake up call for me too. I am 64 and thinking about adding some jumping to my mountain bike riding. Not any more. Just going to dial it back a bit and ride safer. So thanks for sharing your crash as no doubt it will prevent others from having similar or worse crashes.
I'm kinda sorry to find your channel via this video, you never want this to be the first impression from a new channel you find. However I am thankful you shared this story and also how this crash not only has an impact on your body but also your mind. I can fully relate, I'm 45, got a family. There's a lot to enjoy about mountain biking without taking big risks. I hope you can return to riding soon and find that joy anyway.
So sorry to hear about this crash. Good luck, I had a very bad spinal situation 8 years fortunately working with the doctors I made a good recovery and I wish the same to you.
I never comment on social media, only just saw this 10mo video and am so sorry to hear about your accident, but bloody heck I really hear you. I'm a 51yo, 30+yr MTB rider, hubby/father, business owner/bread-winner, etc and just hit 12 months post a major work accident in the remote high country. 5hrs before help go to us, 1x chopper, 2x ambos, 2x hospitals, 2 weeks in the Alfred, 3x surgeries to date, shattered wrist, ruptured kidney, countless other injuries and issues, etc. It takes time for the injuries to heal, but it can take longer for the trauma (both the accident, things that get done in hospital and the emotional impact to my confidence, family, friends, etc). I can hear the trauma went/have been through and its normal and OK. I've found it really challenging to find that middle ground between acknowledging the severity and impact of what I went though, but also not giving it too much air and getting on with it (even now at 12 months). If I can give any belated advise from my learnings... (1) just give it time and (2) find the other joys of more gentle MTB outside the adrenaline (e.g. fitness, fresh air, nature, mates, etc). I'm riding heaps (Yarra/Plenty trails) and about to reward myself for the last year with a new bike. Glad to hear below you're going good now.
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m finding this podcast super interesting and somewhat relevant at the moment podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-gravel-ride-a-cycling-podcast/id1352602663?i=1000542092433
I remember the crash that changed my riding forever. There was this thing called downhill mania at Snow summit. During the race I was undercut by another Rider on a turn. It set me over the berm and down the side of the Hill breaking my collarbone and separating my shoulder. My riding has never been the same. Once that fear gets put into your head it's hard to shake.
Im so glad youre slowing down. One of my best pals Paul Knibb...Nibby was his nickname. Over the bars, crushed his neck vertebrae and was actually drowning in a puddle, face down till a following rider pulled him out, he was partially paralysed. Learnt to walk with sticks, but was in constant pain and shooting pins and needles. He took his own life 8 months later. I packed it but now have an ebike and get a buzz from climbing, which is much safer.
What a great, honest and thoughtful video about the risks we take as riders. Really appreciate your candid honesty as this is a conversation i have been having internally too. However you choose to ride in the future, keep posting your journey mate. Get well soon!
I was very lucky to find your channel that led me into MTB a couple of weeks ago, your videos are very informative and helpful to lots of us here in Melbourne I believe. I am very sorry to hear about this news. May the Lord bless you and your families in your recovery, and guide you to another level of callings in the passion of your life in MTB riding.
absolutely love your videos, as an amateur mtber in Melbourne. At similar age with kids, I totally got what you were saying. I trust your recovery journey will be as amazing as your riding. look forward to the next riding video, whatever riding style it is. stay strong!
Wow. This resonated a lot. I make bike vids, I'm 39 with two kids and have a lot of responsibilities. Firstly, I am so pleased you are on the mend. Physically this is tough, but the psychological strain must be huge. I don't think you were being irresponsible. At the end of the day we have one life and if you take no risks it is no sort of life. The most important thing is we are realistic about these risks and ride knowing them. Hope you get better. Im so pleased I found this channel, sorry it is not in the best of circumstances. Healing vibes from Scotland 🥰
Love your work Hamish. Your vids have helped me find some awesome trails, break down so many techniques, helped me gain my confidence and lessons learnt have proved invaluable. Especially this one. I'm 41 and only got into the sport barely 1 year ago. LOVING IT! But every now and then we need a bit of a wake up call through complacency. Not saying you were complacent, but deep down those thoughts cross our minds on a regular whether we're conscious of it or not.. or whether beginner or pro. Take care of yourself mate, happy healing and can't wait to see what's next for you.
Thanks Daniel. Great to hear you’re loving it. So good to keep active at our age. Keep rollin!
3 года назад
I often think about the physics of this sport. I do parkour too, so i know very well that you can hurt yourself even on foot, but rolling down a hill at several times our natural running speeds, rocks and trees everywhere, some of us may even try to leave the ground... At above a normal riding speed, we're nothing else but a single use ragdoll. Even if we don't push our limits, we're waaay over our natural limits. It is fun, and one of the best things in this world, but yeah... we should be well aware of the risks at all times, so we can do what we love even when we're old and grumpy. Glad you got it relatively easy, it could've been much much worse. Get better soon, take care, and the trails are waiting for you to ride them again! :)
Hope you feel better soon, mate. After a few bone crushing injuries myself on the trail, i arrived at the same decision: no more jumps and reckless gravity rides.
Hamish: I've been watching your channel for the last year, I'm a similar age to you (38) you have been a inspiration to me, I got into cycling 3 years ago, had a tear in my eye watching this but as mentioned it only takes 1 crash/incident for someones life to change, you can never take the human body for granted. If you get back into some sort of riding in the future you have my full support but for now rest up/stay safe mate.
Wishing you a very speedy recovery. You're right about the risks vs rewards. You may not think it at the time but there is an internalised peer pressure when riding, people don't care how fast/slow you ride, or if you take a B line, but you think people do so you sometimes unnecessarily keep pushing yourself in your head. I'm a similar age to you and my younger, DH racing, enduro trail riding days are behind me I feel. I had a back injury a year ago (reasonably serious but not as much as yours), non bike related, and I can confirm, Zwifting very much helped my recovery. The ability to get up, do as much as you can handle that day and then get straight off the bike as soon as you struggle is invaluable during the recovery. I'm riding again now but mostly on-road. For MTB, as odd as it sounds for someone with a compromised back, I've gone full XC hardtail 29er. This forces me to approach the trails with a whole different mindset to my trail riding days and has been refreshing to go ride familiar trails as if they were all new again because it is a whole different discipline of MTB (vs a trail bike). I hope you're upcoming prognosis is as positive as possible!
I hope you get better
Thank you!
@@longandwinding no problem
There are plenty of videos glamorising our favourite hobby but not enough videos like this to act as cautionary tales. All the best buddy.
It's amazing how an experience like this can change your life. Im 41, and have 3 kids and a wife. I came up on the worst crash I'd ever seen this past summer on my favorite trail. Long story short, the guy I found had be life flighted off the mountain. He can't talk right or walk right now. I'll never forget how that sight made me feel. I changed my riding style after that day and I'll never go back. Life is short and I want to see my kids grow up!
This is super validating. I hit my late 30’s and suddenly “lost my nerve” After a few high speed crashes and a neck injury. I felt really bad about that but I too came to a conclusion that my family came first. Now I’m ok skipping the most technical sections of trail. I’m cool with not needing to prove my “bravado” or ability to the group. You live and learn. God speed.
Thanks for this video. I'm also nearly 40 and getting to the skill level where I could start to look at some of these more intense jumps and trails. But instead I think I'll concentrate on what I really love about mtb, getting out in the bush and hanging out with my mates.
Yep, it makes you re-assess that’s for sure
@@longandwinding also feel better mate!
You nailed it, friend! Let the unmarried young people take the risks. You've done your time!
A cautionary tale, well told. You've given me a lot to think about.
Cor blimey dude! Yeah that's a massive change, something I'm always conscious of. At least you'll still be able to enjoy everything life has to offer.
Thanks Paul. Yes I’m so thankful that the outcome wasn’t more severe
Omg paul it’s you I love your channel
My wife was with a rider who sadly lost his life coming off a mtb. She kept him alive until the ambos arrived but sadly it was not enough.
Certainly changed our riding, it never leaves you.
Hope you continue to improve and thanks for this honest video.....
Mate I totalled myself four weeks ago. Chain snapped coming out of a berm while pedaling out. OTB and head first into a tree. Lucky no head injury , but broken arm , smashed ribs , cuts and there were fears my other shoulder popped out . Cut a long story short , I am 50 yo and this has really put the wind up me . I was told it will be up to 12 months before I can ride again . I have done a lot of thinking and I will def be doing more trail then enduro . Best of luck and sending love to you and your family . Mick 🤘
Wow, sounds familiar Mick. Rest up and take your time
Tis exactly why i watch Friday fails before i go riding..best wishes to you for the next chapter in the youre journey..
Ha, me too! When wife asks me why I watch those videos I always tell her that it keeps me honest and safer!
And did you notice that almost all those crashes occur during a jump attempt?
I'm going to start doing that! Great tip!
I watch the fails to see closely how they happen. And for the shock factor. I’ve had 2 bad ones. Level 3 AC separation kept me out for months. The OTB was just laziness and cockiness on a new trail. I’ve learned. I hope.
Hahah great commend I do the same and the main reason also to remember we need to know our limits everyone has different skill level and priorities. Always is going to be someone faster or slower than you .
Some backpacking and touring would be great to see! Can’t wait to see you back on the bike mate
Something like that could be cool
Thank you for sharing everything and hope your recovering well. 🤞💪
As a beginner MTB rider in Melbourne your videos have been a go to for me when looking at locations to ride or just on a lazy Sat. 😁 They really show what the place will be like, which helps as a blue rider enjoying trails but wanting to be safe and have fun. I enjoy your early trail videos, your quality and editing is A+ and story telling with great people is inspiring and infectious. Thanks for the passion you bring to and local mtbing, look forward to seeing more in the future, whatever form that might be in. 🚴🏻♂️
@@jaynerobinson3358 your replying to my comment
Thanks Jayne!
@@lman22 lol. Soz, Im a youtube newb. But agree with your comment too. Any adventure vids would be good. 😎
Glad you're ok Hamish. It's bittersweet to see you taking a step back from a community you've had such a huge impact on from day one and being a major role model for many riders. I hope we can all strive to embody the same spirit and energy you brought everyday to mountain biking 🤙
Thanks so much Nicholas. Really appreciate this
Give the jumps a miss buddy keep it safe..let the young fellas with no responsibility brake themselves..I ride past many and have no regrets.
Absolutely, I’ve had my fair share of crashes on jumps and imo there just not worth it at all. Yeah they could be fun but all it takes is a wrong angle and you can seriously mess yourself up.
@@domanater480 Yes mate..I seen one result of one poor woman face plant on a gravel road during a XC race,swelling in her face still sits with me..They couldn’t get her out with the helicopter and had to bus her out where they could took a while..Sad to see someone enjoy riding so much get hurt that way..Anyway stay safe ..Fractured wrist put me out for two months once..
Just came across your vid, tks for sharing, reminds me of my wake up call crash. When I was 21 had a big crash in the blue mountains. Broke my collar bone, tore all the ligaments off my right shoulder and had shoulder drop. After a 5,000 buck op and few months recovery, lesson learnt. You are right you only have 1 body so take care of it, doesn't mean you cannot have a bit of fun but just stay well within the limits. Been 25 years since that crash and I still remind myself of it when assessing whether to ride certain parts of my local trails here. Thanks for making the video and all the best for your full recovery
Thanks for sharing. 43 year old father of two here and I 100% agree. I had my first bad wreck on a jump line 6 weeks ago with a fractured shoulder. I too am done with jumps but look forward to just riding trails and getting out there again.
Good on you for making the hard call. Family first, always. Heal up quickly! All the best!
Thanks!
Shit. My friends told me you crashed but I would have never imagined it to be that bad. Don't worry about us on RUclips, take time to recover and get back to normal. All the best wishes to you and your family and have a speedy recovery!
Just wanna say dude, you single handedly got myself and my Girlfriend into mountain biking. Whatever you choose to do with your channel we will come with you, we were both really concerned when you made your IG post and im glad you're (mostly) in one piece.
Thanks so much. Really means a lot
Thanks for taking us on your tough journey - I've been falling off bikes for nearly 8 decades now and ended up in an operating theatre 3 times so far. Major offs are always a game-changer but if biking is such a large part of your identity then its finding how to adapt and keep the good bits and avoid the bad. I'm buying a new titanium hardtail to celebrate my 70th, having beaten a bout with cancer and 12 rounds with the aftershocks. Keep your chin up and enjoy family and health
Thanks for sharing your story. It's a sobering reminder for all of us. You might even save someone's life with this video.
Sorry to hear this news, what a horrible way to spend Christmas. It also takes courage to admit vulnerability in a public space so I'd like to say well done on being so open about your experience and your fears. I really enjoy your videos, I'll continue to tune in! Best wishes for a good recovery!
Glad you made it. Wake-up calls are always good things. I'm 52, roadie. I recently discontinued high-speed peloton riding because my body knows it doesn't want to sustain a high-speed crash with bodies and bikes flying around. In my time of reordering my risk tolerances, I've rediscovered cyclocross which is so much fun and generally safe.
Not sure why RUclips recommended this video to me but I'm glad it did. As someone currently dealing with a knee injury during snowboard season, it's forcing me to reassess how I can still have fun progressing my riding while staying safe. I hope you heal up quick and can find a way to still feel fulfilled while riding in a less risky way.
Cautionary stories like yours need to be told more often. I had a similar fall going much slower and ended up with three cervical (neck) fractures. Fortunately, without any neurologic damage
So sorry to hear about your crash. This is a brilliant message for us all to ride safely. I really love your channel and what you have done to promote our great sport. I hope you fully recover.
Thank you for a courageous video that should be required watching for everyone. Injury happens in an instant. Not everything can be fixed. There are more important things in life than riding. I wish you and your family the best.
This story hits close to home. I'm 46 and have a fused spine. Broke my back at L5 and S1. The spinal fusion went well, unlike a lot of the stories I hear about this surgery. I still have the rods in my back, but I still ride. It's true that things have changed. There's a definite fear factor with any jump now. I can't just send things like I used to. There's a lot of brake scrubbing and casing things in my riding now and I avoid a lot more than I ever have before. I still love gravity riding and chunky gnar, but I'm super careful. In the end I'd rather die doing something I love than sitting on the couch, but that time is not now. lol.
Hoping for a speedy recovery and the best possible outcome for you buddy. Mountain biking is a dangerous game. I live in Bentonville, AR and I almost always see a wreck that requires medical attention. It's part of the game. Thank you for sharing this.
Really sorry to hear Hamish. It’s hard to walk the line between safety and adventure. I admire your response to this situation. Wherever your riding takes you in the future I’m sure it’ll be fun and we will be watching! All the best with recovery.
Hamish, thank you for updating us on your condition and recovery. I didn’t watch the stack, it’s different when it’s someone you (sort of know). One things I have always admired about riding is your ability to pick yourself up after things have gone wrong. Your mindset is strong and your priorities are both loving and sound. Go easy, Hamish and best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks Nicki, totally understand not wanting to watch the crash. Still gives me shivers!
Hamish thanks for sharing, I have only watched more recent vids of yours as I sub'ed after your event not realising the impact of what you when through, and now see that perspective you have pulled it together now. Your story resonates with me, I am a fair bit older than you, but my past high risk sports have payed the price, not to your extent, but ACL, back injury etc. This was from motorcycle racing enduros and desert racing, and found myself riding MTB as a cross training, now fitness also, but now limit myself to no jumps, XC hardtail and ride within my limits. I have nothing to prove, I am still working a trade and need to support a family and a son who has a disability. Not until you care for someone you never realise how vulnerable and precious life is. Enjoy the trails and looking forward to your quality videos.
Cheers Roger. Always good to hear this content resonates. See you on the trails!
49 year old father of two watching this after having had a full wrist reconstruction - final surgery today. Front wheel washout on a nothing corner before a tech section. I too am revising my approach to riding into the future. Best wishes and I hope you heal fully.
Wishing you the best with your recovery. I’m 51 and have the same mentality with gravity at this point. Not that I don’t ride fast but I do focus more on keeping things close to the ground. I’ve really shifted to prioritizing fitness, climbing and longer rides. The human body doesn’t have much of a chance at some of the speeds we ride. Keep safe
After wiping out and smashing my shoulder last week 40 with 2 kids, this video resonates with me. It happens so quickly. Wish you a speedy and full recovery.
First time I ever watched your channel. That is a scary and though provoking story and you have a great attitude. Crashes happen so fast and never where you expect them. That balance between responsibility and pushing the limits is tough. Nothing compared to your problems but after dislocating my shoulder, I couldn't ride for 4 months or so and ZWIFT kept my mental health in check big time. Even riding one handed for the first couple of months it just kept me going and motivated me. I hope you have the same experience and wish you a speedy recovery.
Glad you're ok man, I'm just getting into mtb at nearly 40 and stories like this are exactly why I am happy riding around on the easier stuff. Stay safe.
Heart this. This is the exact same reason i opted for long road rides vs trails.
So sorry to hear that this happened to you Hamish. I could only watch the crash peeking through my fingers. Your channel has been a big inspiration to me as I've taken up mountain biking over the last 18 months, and this is a sobering reminder of the risks we all take.
Thank you buddy
I've always wondered whether I'm too cautious and missing out on the crazy exciting stuff I see you and other guys do. This kinda reminds me that I'm happy with what I'm doing, I'm enjoying mostly XC riding, with the occasional DH, and that's fine.
I think you'll still enjoy riding, it will just be a different experience for you 👍
Good to hear Tim! Looking forward to some new experiences for sure
I really appreciate you and your humble attitude/transparency with sharing this. I have lately been "drawing the line" or "knowing my limit" as of late. There's many high consequence lines that i won't even consider riding. But there's so much that I do ride that something like this could easily happen to me. This video is a solid wake up call to take a moment to consider mountain biking with safety in mind. Thank you! Hoping you heal up 100%
I need to see this. Thanks for sharing all of this. Really glad your crash wasn't worse
🙏🏻 for your recovery. Love that you are putting your family first. Rewarding challenges are everywhere. 👍🏻👍🏻
So sorry you went through this but thank you for sharing with the community. I will really take this warning and chill out myself
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in airing your experience.
I’m happy that it’s looks like you are going to come out of this alright ,as we age we have to adjust the way we ride it doesn’t mean that it won’t still be fun. Your love of riding will still be there , I am much older than you and I have gone though a few of these riding adjustments and each time I change to a little less risky riding style I still find that I love the change ,because as long as it involves biking I love it. You still have a ton of fun left. It’s funny as you get older you start living for others as much as for yourself it was a true sign of maturity that the first thing that you thought of was your family, as long as you keep thinking like that you will know when the next change will be. Keep on riding and we will see you on the trails Evan Vigneau
I feel your decisions on riding.
I ride all mountain style.
I crashed a few years ago, fractured a few vertebra and seperated my spine going off a bridgedrop.. i was supposed to be paralyzed, but maracoulosly recovered , but rubber stays on the ground these days. I still ride, just less risky.
It's been a few years now, and I still wake up most mornings, wiggle my toes and smile appreciating more things than not.
Good luck with your recovery, I hope you have a good outcome and can continue to ride, just a little less rowdy. Remember your family. Peace..
Wow. That's intense. I wish you a full & speedy recovery.
LW, a crash and surgery puts the wind right up you and makes you think differently, I bashed and gashed my knee just before xmas and had to have surgery, defo puts things in perspective. Respect to your other half, mine too was an absolute diamond. Look forward to future vids, whatever direction they take I'll stay tuned. All the best from the UK my friend 👍💪😎
Thank you!
All the best for you Hamish. You have been a motivation for me. I really wish your recovery is fast and you get back to enjoying life in whatever way you feel like it.
I'm in the same situation as a couple of other commenters in that I'm turning 50 this year, have 2 young kids, a wife and 3 mortgages to look after. After seeing a friend suffer a broken wrist and collar bone going over a small jump, I decided to sell my downhill bike and ride less on the roads, and more on bike paths and gravel trails on the gravel bike I bought this year. I'm glad the injury isn't more serious and you're on the road (or trail) to recovery. TBH, when we saw you content diverge from its origins to more jumps, we lost interest and thought it was a matter of time before a serious accident. When I saw your IG post, it was a little gut wrenching and so came here to see what happened. But challenges present opportunity, and as another commenter said, maybe changing to gravel, CX, bike packing and back to the original trails could be something to consider.
You are right! If you love cycling you will love just about any kind of riding you choose. I prefer XC on an ebike. Just enjoy the rolling trail and beautiful weather and scenery. I've already proven everything I have in my younger years.
Thanks for sharing this dude. I'm just getting back into it, mid 30's and haven't done it for over 10 years. You've single handedly reminded me I need to be careful. I live right near the Lysterfield park and found your channel with those videos seeing what it was like. I watched it thinking holy shit he's going fast, could I ever do that? I'm putting that idea right out of my head now and just going to do at my own pace and forget how fast others go/not compare at all. Already have upper and lower back disc issues, not looking to add to it. Get well man, again thanks for sharing and being a man about it. That level of honesty is admirable.
So heavy, I got young kids too and it’s always at the back of your mind. All the best with the recovery
Great video and so sorry to hear you went through that. As a father myself and thinking sometimes we are invincible on the trails does make you think twice. All the best for a speedy recovery
I'm really thankful you are not in terrible pain. I think you've made the right decision based on those counting on you. I sure hope you get better soon. I just injured my wrist as well, did a jump, landed, and into a berm. There was snow and ice and I landed on a patch of ice, OTB, and landed on my hands to break the fall. Injured my left wrist. Like you said, not the craziest terrain but has limited me. We really don't know how much we use our wrist, teeth, eyes, back, collarbone, fingers and back, until we injure them. Hang in there man, it takes time and continue to sleep. So much healing takes place in our sleep.
Greetings from a fellow youtuber in the states, happy new year. Healing wishes to you...
Tell me about it. Crashes can be a real wake up call. Welcome aboard!
Amazing the damage a seemingly small crash can do! Good luck with your recovery and figuring out what to do for fun and thrills looking forward. This reinforces why I shudder looking at Red Bull videos. I’ve had too many crashes myself and also have three compressed discs. Decided to get into road riding and then I had a flat front tire on my road bike and went down hard on the pavement this last summer! I’m still not right from that!! Best of luck with your recovery!
Glad you're ok. I also recently suffered a violent crash during Thanksgiving weekend. I thankfully came out mostly unscathed, but the moment I got ejected from my bike and flew towards the ground, my life immediately flashed before my eyes and my mind raced through all the different outcomes of what injuries I might sustain and what will happen next. Ever since then, I've really toned down the speed, and had to remember why I started to ride in the first place: freedom and adventure. I sometimes I get teased for slowing down as I was one of the fastest in the group, especially through tech.
Rest well and heal. You'll be back on that bike soon. 👍🤙
So sorry that this happened. A good alternative to jumping/getting air is trials riding. Sure you’re not getting massive air but doing an endo tail whip is one of the most satisfying things to do on a bike. I hope you have a speedy recovery man.
Yeah, I was about to say that. Trials riding is awesome, and very safe, low speed, you can save yourself from a crash. I know Martin Ashton got paraplegic doing trials, but he was doing a massive trick, droping from a tall platform to a narrow obstacle during a trials show. But you can do small and satisfying thinks in trials and the people love trials, its awesome. Good luck man.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Eyes opening. All the best.
I've been riding for about 30 years and most of my crashes have happened when I'm going slowly, no gyroscopic effect (spinning wheels) to help me stay upright. I have had a few high speed crashes and worst thing is time off of the bike while recovering. Good luck with your recovery and enjoy riding more carefully like the rest of us old farts!
I hear you mate. I’m 42, married with two kids under two years of age and about 7.5 months ago i was mountain biking at our favourite park, blasting down trails as fast as I could , like I use to ride in my early teens to 20‘s. In a split second (like your crash) my front tyre slide out (winter morning) and I went head first into (luckily) a somewhat soft bank. I sustained a bad concussion and snapped my thumb almost in half. I was fortunate to not hurt my neck / spine.
The same fatherly thoughts came over me as I lay on the ground and in the medical centre, in pain and super dazed.
Just like your self, I now take it easy, passing on the super technical sections and gap jumps.
Family first mate, I hope you have a speedy recovery - still enjoying nature and trails and most importantly spending time with your wife, daughter and family.
Currently watching this in a minerva neck brace as result of a mtb crash in Dec. I've now had 3 surgeries, 2 neck and one back with a plate in the front and rods in the back of my neck holding it in place from all the ligament damage. Very much in the same situation as yourself with the Exact same thoughts running through my mind. I thank God to still have full mobility and am very fortunate. I'll have a nice Enduro bike for sale shortly.... 😕
Fair play mate. Really scary how a seemingly innocuous bit of trail can cause all of this. A year ago I fell off on a chill out sunday ride on a pump track. I dont think you were being reckless like myself. Ive been doing intensive physio for over a year now (up to 4hrs per day) my new limitations have changed my future indefinitely it seems. Best of luck mate keep riding man!
Mate, I'm so sorry that happened to you! I'm an almost 50 yr old rider just progressing my technical jumping ability and that is definitely one of my worst fears. Thank goodness you are mostly ok and I look forward to you getting back out there in one form or another. Cheers
I knew there was a reason I don’t mess with jumps. I’m happy enough’s with my 2 wheels planted.
Poor bugger. Hope you’re recovering well.
On the bright side, good content and strong community message.
❤️
It’s takes a strong person to put himself or herself second to what they love to do for the sake of their family and future. Cheers to you and your future.
Hope you have a speedy recovery Hamish.
Not sure about everyone else but to me it's always been your natural cinematography & story telling skills that keep me coming back to your vids, so whether you're riding gravity tracks or not doesn't make difference to how I view your channel.
I also had a similar incident a few years back; was 42yo at the time riding on gravity trails > went OTB > minor neck injury > etc etc.
I think of it as the "accident I needed to have", as it put into perspective a few things and made me realise I could still have lots of great rides but also take a lot less risks.
Thanks so much Caleb!
Keep it up mate. Thanks for sharing this experience. Family comes first always. I wish you well and fast recovering
Wow man thanks for sharing, made me think about it if I was in your shoes. A lot of people I know have hurt them self’s more on small little jumps rather than bigger ones. Don’t underestimate any trail is my view.
Wow, that was tough to watch, wish you a full recovery. 5 yrs ago I was riding a trail I’ve ridden many times & clipped a tree at high speed landed on a root & fractured L1 badly. Was off the bike for almost 1 yr, worked extremely hard to get back on the bike with weight training & yoga. I now just ride cross country trails & no more jumping & stupid shit. I’m 58 & love riding, definitely life changing, best of luck to you!
Best of luck on the speedy recovery and you have the support from our mountain biking community here on youtube.
Thanks!
Hey thanks for sharing this video I enjoyed your honesty man. I feel your pain with the family.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I only began my mtb journey not too long ago and already sitting here with a fractured and displaced clavicle from “trail” riding. I too am a father of 3 at a ripe age of 36 and got a taste of being helpless while my wife takes care of 3 plus me. Although I won’t stop riding, I will definitely have to learn to accept there’s trail features I should not attempt. Get well ASAP and can’t wait to see more videos 🤙🏽
You have been an awesome inspiration for me, I hadn't ridden a trail in nearly a year, and I'm now getting back into the sport because of your videos. Relax, rest and keep Positive!
Amazing. Love hearing these stories!
Thanks for the cautionary video. I had a similarly gnarly crash ten years ago when I had just turned 40. I made the horrible decision to ride alone doing a pre-ride for an upcoming race. I was lucky to make it back to my car. Glad there is RUclips now to bring these learned lessons to the world.
Your experience is so relatable! About 5 months ago I suffered the worst crash in 40 years of mountain biking. It didn’t happen on a technically difficult trail, but a high speed straightaway single track that was slightly off camber. Hidden under moon dust was a slippery root that resulted in a front wheel wash out, like hitting black ice.
The result was an intensely hard slam to the ground, I came within inches of slamming my head into a tree which could have been game over. I was nauseous and felt electrical shocks in my hands. I also felt this intense fear that I was going to die.
Turns out I’d fractured my pelvis in 3 places and lucked out with no concussion. Somehow I self rescued (was riding solo) and was able to make it down the hill and to my car, then drive an hour home before the pain kicked in to the point I couldn’t even stand up.
I’m 90% healed up now, but still do daily physical therapy and feel soreness. When I’m back to riding eventually, I’m going to dial it back and take it easy. It was a real wake up call for me, just like your crash.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Wishing a speedy and fully recovery. Take your time, and get some rest.
I can empathise with you. I had a nasty crash three months ago. It resulted in a two night hospital stay and some minor surgery. Like you, I crashed on a section of trail that didn't scream danger. Like you, I had ridden the section of trail before without incident. My crash knocked my confidence for a few weeks. I'm sure that your crash knocked your confidence too. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from your injuries and for the recovery of the confidence that you will need to ride safely again.
We all get complacent with what we do forgetting just how dangerous it is. I'm glad you're still able to enjoy life with your daughter man. All the best.
I've heard guys say "if you're not crashing you're not riding" what fools.... the best ride is a safe ride when you have a wife & children who depend on you.
Thank you for this wake-up call for the rest of us. Best of luck. Stay strong and safe.
One thing a lot of guys do when their bodies are aging out of extreme sports is go into motorsport. Still get the same thrills and feeling of progression and flow, but let the car take the hits. I recommend drifting as a substitute sport while you recover. I've been doing it for years, and it's got that same zen.
Just discovered your channel and this is the first vid I watched. So timely as I've been thinking through my riding ability and what I'm willing to tackle. I'm 48 and MTB culture can bring some unneeded pressure to "shred" and ride faster to get a new PR on Strava, or simply to keep up with how gnarly we perceive other riders to be. I appreciate your honesty in reminding us how things can happen when we least expect it, and they can have serious consequences. Because of this video, I'm going to reevaluate my riding and make changes so I can not just continue to enjoy riding for years to come, but have a quality of life for me and my family. Cheers to you healing quickly and having safer adventures ahead! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Thanks Adam, welcome and totally agree with you. Glad this video has helped you reevaluate your riding
I’ve just come across your channel, really gutted for you mate. I’m in a similar situation with age and family, I’ve been thinking about taking up biking again, I stopped when I was 16 after a major crash but never really lost the itch to start again. I’d almost convinced myself to get a bike but this gives me pause for thought. I wish you a speedy recovery, the hard decisions you’ve made for your family (and health) are admirable, understandable and ultimately right.
Glad you are mostly OK with no life altering catastrophic injuries. Watching your video was a wake up call for me too. I am 64 and thinking about adding some jumping to my mountain bike riding. Not any more. Just going to dial it back a bit and ride safer. So thanks for sharing your crash as no doubt it will prevent others from having similar or worse crashes.
Thanks David. Ride safe!
I'm kinda sorry to find your channel via this video, you never want this to be the first impression from a new channel you find. However I am thankful you shared this story and also how this crash not only has an impact on your body but also your mind. I can fully relate, I'm 45, got a family. There's a lot to enjoy about mountain biking without taking big risks. I hope you can return to riding soon and find that joy anyway.
So sorry to hear about this crash. Good luck, I had a very bad spinal situation 8 years fortunately working with the doctors I made a good recovery and I wish the same to you.
I never comment on social media, only just saw this 10mo video and am so sorry to hear about your accident, but bloody heck I really hear you. I'm a 51yo, 30+yr MTB rider, hubby/father, business owner/bread-winner, etc and just hit 12 months post a major work accident in the remote high country. 5hrs before help go to us, 1x chopper, 2x ambos, 2x hospitals, 2 weeks in the Alfred, 3x surgeries to date, shattered wrist, ruptured kidney, countless other injuries and issues, etc. It takes time for the injuries to heal, but it can take longer for the trauma (both the accident, things that get done in hospital and the emotional impact to my confidence, family, friends, etc). I can hear the trauma went/have been through and its normal and OK. I've found it really challenging to find that middle ground between acknowledging the severity and impact of what I went though, but also not giving it too much air and getting on with it (even now at 12 months). If I can give any belated advise from my learnings... (1) just give it time and (2) find the other joys of more gentle MTB outside the adrenaline (e.g. fitness, fresh air, nature, mates, etc). I'm riding heaps (Yarra/Plenty trails) and about to reward myself for the last year with a new bike. Glad to hear below you're going good now.
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m finding this podcast super interesting and somewhat relevant at the moment podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-gravel-ride-a-cycling-podcast/id1352602663?i=1000542092433
I remember the crash that changed my riding forever. There was this thing called downhill mania at Snow summit. During the race I was undercut by another Rider on a turn. It set me over the berm and down the side of the Hill breaking my collarbone and separating my shoulder. My riding has never been the same. Once that fear gets put into your head it's hard to shake.
Im so glad youre slowing down.
One of my best pals Paul Knibb...Nibby was his nickname.
Over the bars, crushed his neck vertebrae and was actually drowning in a puddle, face down till a following rider pulled him out, he was partially paralysed.
Learnt to walk with sticks, but was in constant pain and shooting pins and needles.
He took his own life 8 months later.
I packed it but now have an ebike and get a buzz from climbing, which is much safer.
That’s a heavy and scary story. I’m so sorry about Nibby
What a great, honest and thoughtful video about the risks we take as riders. Really appreciate your candid honesty as this is a conversation i have been having internally too. However you choose to ride in the future, keep posting your journey mate. Get well soon!
Thank you Varun
So much more to life than riding around in circles on an Mtb. Took me many years to realise this. Stay well
Did you discover new hobbies?
@@kodakv603 Just discovered different ways to ride my bike... evolution does that.
Good luck for the future, hope you can still continue to enjoy riding safely and keep well.
I was very lucky to find your channel that led me into MTB a couple of weeks ago, your videos are very informative and helpful to lots of us here in Melbourne I believe. I am very sorry to hear about this news. May the Lord bless you and your families in your recovery, and guide you to another level of callings in the passion of your life in MTB riding.
absolutely love your videos, as an amateur mtber in Melbourne. At similar age with kids, I totally got what you were saying. I trust your recovery journey will be as amazing as your riding. look forward to the next riding video, whatever riding style it is. stay strong!
Sorry to hear this news. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope you enjoy a more sedate riding style going forward.
Wow. This resonated a lot. I make bike vids, I'm 39 with two kids and have a lot of responsibilities. Firstly, I am so pleased you are on the mend. Physically this is tough, but the psychological strain must be huge. I don't think you were being irresponsible. At the end of the day we have one life and if you take no risks it is no sort of life. The most important thing is we are realistic about these risks and ride knowing them. Hope you get better. Im so pleased I found this channel, sorry it is not in the best of circumstances. Healing vibes from Scotland 🥰
Thanks and welcome to the channel!
Best wishes to Peebles and anyone who rides Inners/Glentress etc
Love your work Hamish. Your vids have helped me find some awesome trails, break down so many techniques, helped me gain my confidence and lessons learnt have proved invaluable. Especially this one. I'm 41 and only got into the sport barely 1 year ago. LOVING IT! But every now and then we need a bit of a wake up call through complacency. Not saying you were complacent, but deep down those thoughts cross our minds on a regular whether we're conscious of it or not.. or whether beginner or pro. Take care of yourself mate, happy healing and can't wait to see what's next for you.
Thanks Daniel. Great to hear you’re loving it. So good to keep active at our age. Keep rollin!
I often think about the physics of this sport. I do parkour too, so i know very well that you can hurt yourself even on foot, but rolling down a hill at several times our natural running speeds, rocks and trees everywhere, some of us may even try to leave the ground... At above a normal riding speed, we're nothing else but a single use ragdoll. Even if we don't push our limits, we're waaay over our natural limits. It is fun, and one of the best things in this world, but yeah... we should be well aware of the risks at all times, so we can do what we love even when we're old and grumpy.
Glad you got it relatively easy, it could've been much much worse. Get better soon, take care, and the trails are waiting for you to ride them again! :)
Hope you feel better soon, mate. After a few bone crushing injuries myself on the trail, i arrived at the same decision: no more jumps and reckless gravity rides.
Agree Ken!
Hamish: I've been watching your channel for the last year, I'm a similar age to you (38) you have been a inspiration to me, I got into cycling 3 years ago, had a tear in my eye watching this but as mentioned it only takes 1 crash/incident for someones life to change, you can never take the human body for granted.
If you get back into some sort of riding in the future you have my full support but for now rest up/stay safe mate.
Thank you so much Simon. Really appreciate this
Wishing you a very speedy recovery. You're right about the risks vs rewards. You may not think it at the time but there is an internalised peer pressure when riding, people don't care how fast/slow you ride, or if you take a B line, but you think people do so you sometimes unnecessarily keep pushing yourself in your head.
I'm a similar age to you and my younger, DH racing, enduro trail riding days are behind me I feel. I had a back injury a year ago (reasonably serious but not as much as yours), non bike related, and I can confirm, Zwifting very much helped my recovery. The ability to get up, do as much as you can handle that day and then get straight off the bike as soon as you struggle is invaluable during the recovery.
I'm riding again now but mostly on-road. For MTB, as odd as it sounds for someone with a compromised back, I've gone full XC hardtail 29er. This forces me to approach the trails with a whole different mindset to my trail riding days and has been refreshing to go ride familiar trails as if they were all new again because it is a whole different discipline of MTB (vs a trail bike).
I hope you're upcoming prognosis is as positive as possible!
Thanks Ben. Some real gems in here. If I do get back to it a less capable bike is definitely on the cards