Pete Orne

In June of 2004, I was pretty fit. I was training for my 3rd Ironman in as many years. (I enter, not really 'compete'.) I had to train early in the morning because my wife was on bedrest with a difficult pregnancy. And, I needed to get home before she got up to make her breakfast. I was out riding with my friend Ken about 5AM for a 90 min ride in the quiet back roads of Maine..perfect! After a few miles, we're warmed up and heading down a long hill enjoying the scenery at about 30 mph! I remember getting low and settling in for a long 'coast' down. I see something move on my left, in a woodsy field. A dog! And it's heading our way. It charges out in the road and heads towards Ken's bike ahead. Suddenly the dog and I lock eyes and we're both panicked! The dog is heading straight towards my line down the hill. Do I dump the bike or do I keep my line because dogs 'always' vere off,right? Well, I kept my line.. I hit the dog and, according t! o Ken, the noise of my crash (bike and bones) was deafening! I'm in the middle of the road and try to get up. I can't! I can barely breathe. I'm never going to see my wife, my kids, my family..I was that sure! Finally, a car came by. It was a local ambulance employee getting off shift. She waited there with Ken until the ambulance came. They covered me with a blanket. And because the black flies were swarming over my face they covered it..(Panic.. don't do that!! Made it to the Trauma Center about 4 hours later (too foggy to fly) where for 2 days I was told I'd never walk again.. And, I was OK with that.. I was alive. After surgery on day 2 to repair my broken back, the prognosis changed. My back went back together! All my gear, including my Polar S710, was destroyed. Wouldn't need that for a while! PTSD has kept me off the road, but, to celebrate my 50th in 2012, I'm training again. A new RS800 and am down 10lbs towards my old weight which is still 20 away. My goal is ! an Ironman in 2012 and with my family's help, I'll make it.