How I recovered after a severe crash

From Fear to 500,000+ Meters: Reclaiming My Passion on Two Wheels

If you had told me a decade ago that I’d be scaling the iconic cols of the French Pyrenees, I would have laughed.

When I was a young teen in South Africa, I was hit by a car while riding my bike. The accident left me with a severe concussion and months of relearning how to walk. The physical wounds healed, but the mental trauma ran deep. I didn't touch a bicycle for forty-four years.

Then, in 2015, my partner Tom and I moved to the Pyrenees. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks and winding mountain roads, a spark ignited in me. I bought my first road bike—a Liv Avail Advanced—and decided it was time to face the fear that had kept me sidelined for over four decades.

It wasn't easy. The mountain descents terrified me. But step by step, staying on Tom's wheel, learning to breathe through the anxiety, and repeating my personal mantra—"You've got this, girl!"—I slowly rebuilt my confidence.

Cycling quickly became my life, my joy, and my safe space.

Healing the Mind, Not Just the Body

Whether you’re a commuter, a roadie, or a mountain biker, falling off is part of the journey. In 2019, I had a bad crash that cracked my rib. But this time, I didn't hide. A few weeks later, despite the pain of getting on and off the saddle, I rode the full 29 km climb up the Col du Pourtalet.

That crash taught me an invaluable lesson: we often treat our physical injuries after an accident, but we neglect the mental scars.

Panic, hesitation, and self-doubt are normal. Tensing up on the bike only makes handling harder, so learning to relax your arms, breathe, and acknowledge your fear is crucial. The longer we evade our fears, the bigger they grow. We need to break the stigma around mental hurdles in sport, talk openly about them, and lean on a supportive community (or professional mental coaches) when we need an extra push.

Proof That It’s Never Too Late

There are no age restrictions to starting over, and there is no expiration date on your dreams. Cycling clears my mind, fuels my spirit, and has built a deep confidence in me that spills into every other area of my life. My only regret? Not facing my fears twenty years sooner!

In order to challenge myself, I established a personal goal: to ascend 500,000 vertical meters, which is the same as climbing Mount Everest 57 times. I am thrilled to announce that I successfully reached this milestone in April 2025!

You’ve Got This

Fear is just an emotional reaction, and it doesn't get the final say. If you are struggling with fear, trauma, or a lack of confidence on the bike, know that you are not alone—and you are far more capable than you think.

Every cloud has a silver lining. Start small, surround yourself with people you trust, and keep moving forward.

My dream is to inspire more women to take up cycling, embrace the health benefits, and rediscover their inner strength. If you need encouragement, guidance, or just someone who understands the journey, leave a comment below or send me a direct message. I’m here to support you!

Ride safe, trust yourself, and Bonne chance!