In 2018, my life changed in an instant when I suffered a concussion and traumatic brain injury. What I thought would be a temporary setback turned into a year and a half of lingering symptoms—pain that seemed to come from nowhere, waves of depression, trouble focusing, and a heightened sensitivity to light and sound that made even simple daily activities overwhelming.

Even now, years later, some of those sensitivities remain. Bright lights and loud noises still push me past my comfort zone, reminding me that healing from a brain injury can be a long and arduous journey. Living with those challenges has forced me to slow down, to notice my limits, and to find new ways of moving through the world.

That’s what led me here: to dig deeper into what it really means to sustain a concussion and traumatic brain injury. It’s more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s an experience that reshapes your life, your relationships, and your sense of self. Writing about it is my way of making sense of that journey and, hopefully, helping others who may be walking a similar path.

Note: My brain injury was caused by a Jiu Jitsu accident. For the purposes of this website, I’ve chosen to frame it in the context of cycling.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury in Mountain Biking and BMX

Mountain biking and BMX are sports that thrive on speed, risk, and technical skill. Riders push themselves over jumps, through rhythm sections, and down rugged trails at high speeds, where even small errors can lead to heavy crashes. Among the most serious risks these athletes face are concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries are not limited to professional racers; they affect riders at every level, from youth competitors to weekend enthusiasts. Understanding the mechanisms, risks, and recovery needs of concussions is critical for the health and longevity of anyone involved in these sports.

Please read the whole article at our Mountain Bike website Cascadia MTB.

Categories: Advocacy, Fitness / Health, Video