March 2013: We were on for a decent ride. 21 miles and I was still on Neil’s wheel, just 3 miles to the end of the Hardriders’ 2-Up. A little climb just before the Lockington turn off and I was slipping back so, over the brow and grab that wheel back…grab it, don’t hit it..!

I picked myself and my bike up. My arm hurt. I gave it full movement test and it was crunchy. Felt sick but urged myself to remain calm. Told Neil I had to go to Hull Royal.

At race base Richard Guymer provided some very professional bandaging for the bleeding then I collected my things and Neil took me to A&E. Did a bit of going into shock next then, after many hours and an inordinate number of doctors, nurses, X-ray people and surgeons manhandling my arm (squirting blood merrily on every bend of the elbow), I was finally allowed onto a ward where I was fed and watered.

So, in pot, sleeping for Britain and feeling extremely sorry for myself. I had been fully trained up and ready for my first ever duathlon (run–cycle–run) the Clumber Classic and I could think of a lot more activities I would miss. Boy was I feeling down.

5 days later I was at the gym. I had persuaded my consultant that this was a good idea. A good blood flow must help injuries recover. He agreed for me to do whatever I could as long as you didn’t get it too sweaty. On the basis that girls don’t sweat that left me ‘Scott free’.

I did 20 mins on the bike, 10 mins on the cross trainer (hands in the middle, not the moving bits!) then…the treadmill. I was keen to run but worried I would cause some swelling so, 5 mins very gentle. No swelling at all so every 2 days I went back and did a bit more and, after 2 weeks, I took my first outdoor run which was a bit scary, just a mile. After that I felt comfortable and a few days later, my first running race. 4 miles, with various people telling me I was mad running with a pot on (I beat them). No cycling, but I could run.

After 4 weeks my stitches were removed, ouch. 5 weeks and the pot came off. This is the worst bit when you find out just how little movement you have. Hand movement crutch to ribs is pretty useless but a week later I had enough stretch to reach my handlebars on the work bike. I made myself cycle just over a mile and home again. It was awful! The next day, my road bike, a terrifying 1.5 miles!

I could easily have never got on a bike again but I tried to believe it would get easier. A week later I peddled to Walkington, coffee at a friend’s then back – 19 miles. My whole body was stiff due to hanging on in fear… hands, shoulders, back, legs and my arm was exhausted. But next week I did it again, and it was better, just a very tired and stiff arm. The following week a little more terror when I joined Neil and Co, following a wheel was no longer a joy. I stayed with the gang for 12 miles, corners were the worst, then home again. More obstacles to get through…my first time trial (I was so slow on every vague bend)…first time using tri-bars, scary, scary. But, and this is the reason I wrote this is to say, with determination, you can get it back and the fear vanishes the more you do.

During this time I had physio – pushing my arm straighter and straighter. The physio was good because there was a measure of achievement 30 degree from straight a week later 22, then 15 (“with the nature of the injury this is probably the limit” – ha!), next 11 degrees but the following week a disappointing 10 (“This is probably it”). Although disappointed I kept at the torture and two weeks later I was signed off. The consultant and physio were amazed, my arm was almost straight.

August 2013: Well I missed my duathlon and have not been able to cycle far, so missed the CTC standard rides and no BIG G for me this year (but I joined in helping at the Thixendale feed station). My elbow is often stiff, my arm still weak and I cannot imagine ever being able to lean on it but I am doing strengthening exercises and plan to start cycling further during August and maybe I will make the CTC standard ride in September.

I hope you never have an accident but if you do look after yourself: sleep a lot, take joint care and vitamin D and eat really well. Exercise as best you can to keep a good blood flow to the injury and to keep yourself fit. Most important, stay positive and be brave.

November 2013: Only managed the short standard ride in September (35 miles) but I rode the HTRC President’s ride in October, 65 miles, a fantastic day, a sore elbow at the end but a big confidence booster. Back to normal next year!

Amanda Dean