Longhorn500 2026 Race Report (3/3) Summary after Lomghorn500. Sad DNF an…
Longhorn500 2026 Race Report (3/3) Summary after Lomghorn500. Sad DNF and goals of crossing finish line in time and without injuries are not met. Broken hip while not being on the bicycle. Made a mistake to not sit down when I knew I have a high chance losing consciousness close to finish line. For me this is part of racing ultra distance. Every race is again different facing new challenges. Luckily friends (like Jeff and Rick) from race organization convinced and helped me to get to the hospital. Hip fracture was severe and leg was a bit twisted/displaced. I could hardly even touch the ground besides moving the leg or adding weight. I was planning to drive home. Unlikely with such foolish first thought if I would ever have made the 1350-mile drive and arrive home.
Being at hospital I finally did get the bad news. Was hospitalized right away and surgery was scheduled and done on Tuesday morning. After surgery I gave it 4 hours before I start first walks on crutches. Plan was to walk a few times a day if possible. Enforced to leave on Wednesday latest. With lots of good advice I was able to get on the road on Wednesday and did start my drive home. The 1350 miles back home took me a bit over 21 hours. Stopped only for refilling the car plus a short 30-minute power nap. Had to keep moving because the van was packed up badly and I could not make room to sleep anywhere in my van-based RV. Ruled out hotel stops because I had no access to other clothes or anything. Funny as was … All I did wear was a simple jersey, paper pants and the socks from the hospital. I was so happy to finally arrive home on Thursday Afternoon. Had help to get critical stuff from the car offloaded. Tons of things went through my mind … first and most critical how to get back to work as quick as possible. Second - what the heck am I planning to do to get back into racing? OK … It’s not the most important to schedule the next race but I had to see what races I need to cancel first. Dream goal was to be back into racing by mid/late May. But reality check shows that it might be too soon and strategy changed to step by step progress and decitions. I am sure many have faced much more difficult situations. I do not want to show off with a tough health situation at all. I only want to share what went through my mind/feelings and how I deal with it so others can see they are not alone with such situations. I believe personally I will get back on the bike and be in races again. Timing is secondary by now (one week after the injury). Top priorities are Job, Family and after that health and hobby. I have plans and will stay focused. Since back home I keep walking on crutches and since day 7 after surgery I started physical therapy. Rest is a step-by-step decision. Most comments and direct text messages have been very encouraging. And I am very thankful. While a few are more aggressive against me. It’s OK to face reality … some pulled me kind of back on my feet to realize I am just an average cyclist. I am an amateur and no professional cyclist. Means I do it for enjoyment and see no financial return. For those who gave me a harder time … no worries. I still respect you guys and your accomplishments. I am not mad even I may initially respond a bit snippy. I am a normal person only and sorry not using coaching and not using any crew support. I want cool results but let’s be realistic I am over 60, working full time and just use cycling as balance to work and other issues and this fracture is not my worse injury. Worse injury I had 4 years ago, and unfortunate let into this due to a minor mistake not sitting down and standing. So please everyone enjoy life. Important is we set goals and try to go for them. !!!! pictures are from internet and only samples how injury and fix may look like. I never share direct injury pictures.
