IWAN’S RIDE REPORT: “HOW A HELMET SAVED MY LIFE”

Iwan’s Ride Report: “How a Helmet Saved My Life…”

In his ride report for the Ride With Wiggins event, Team PAU rider Iwan reflects on an exciting day where cyclists embarked on a 50-mile ride alongside Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins, starting at Sandon Hall. The day included an inspiring talk on cancer awareness, a thrilling ride, and a dramatic crash that underscored the importance of safety gear.

Read on for Iwan’s full account of the experience.

The day started at the magnificent Sandon Hall where everyone gathered before the start of the 50-mile ride around Staffordshire. The prospect of being able to ride with an Olympic champion and a Tour de France winner was really exciting so despite the fairly chilly weather I was in good spirits. Before the ride began we all gathered in the Hall to discuss the plan for the day. We also had the chance to hear from Kevin Griffiths about his Charity, Cancer my Arse, which the ride was raising money for. Kevin’s story was very moving and definitely emphasised the importance of cancer awareness and the need for further research to help those suffering. I would encourage anyone reading this to check out Kevin’s website and to attempt the challenge “once you sit that’s it”  which involves riding a bike out of the saddle for as long as you can to raise some money and awareness for a great cause.

We all then went outside to take a group photo outside of the hall. It was great to see a load of people ready to go for a ride as it’s always great to see all sorts of people cycling.

After the photo we all rolled out. I found myself in the group with Wiggo so I was pretty chuffed. It was great to have a brief chat with someone I’d grown up watching on the TV. There was a good mix of people in the group and it was a good laugh as we navigated the earliest few miles at a good pace.

Despite racing the prior day I was feeling pretty good and was looking forward to riding the 50-mile course. 

After a bit of riding we turned onto the lanes which were slightly tricky after the rainfall that had occurred the past few days. Suddenly I hit some gravel and a loose bidon and did a somersault over my bars and landed in a bush in quite dramatic fashion.

It was one of the worst falls I’ve had but luckily one of our group was a doctor so he waited with me and made sure I was alright before the paramedic arrived. My Dad who was also on the ride then took me to hospital where I was checked out and luckily I escaped with only some nasty cuts, hurt pride, and a bashed up POC helmet, which saved my life. 

After I’d been fully checked over and had chance to calm down from the shock of it all, I went back to Sandon Hall to pick up my Auntie who’d finished the ride. It was great to see that, other than myself, everyone else had finished and were all in good spirits. I took advantage of the food that was on offer at the hall and then took my bike back to the shop to get the parts needed to fix it. I’d like to thank Mark and Lukah at PAU for sorting the bike out for me.

The biggest lesson from the crash was just how vital helmets are. My helmet took a massive hit when I landed on my head, and without it, the outcome could have been much worse. Investing in a quality helmet is crucial – it’s a piece of gear that can truly save your life, just like it did for me.

I’d like to send out a big thank you to everyone who asked if I was alright and checked in on me during the course of the week and also to PAU for providing me with a new helmet and for fixing up my bike for me. 

As I reflect on this incredible experience, I’m reminded of why I love riding my bike. The thrill of the ride, the challenges we face, and the amazing community that make every moment worthwhile. Despite the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I’ve absolutely loved being a part of Team PAU, and I can’t wait for more adventures on two wheels!

GET KITTED OUT

We offer a wide selection of bikes, protective gear, lights, and accessories to suit cyclists of all levels. Iwan’s experience during the Ride With Wiggins is a reminder of how essential it is to have the right equipment – especially a quality helmet.

Right now, for a limited time, enjoy up to 30% OFF helmets.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for your next ride, whether you’re hitting the trails or the road.