I did the cycling world a favor...

[Erin White]

A couple days ago...i don't remember the town or the date (concussion), on HWY 11, I hit a dog. Favor - this dog will "never" run out in front of a cyclist again...no need to thank me. (I don't know what happened to the dog)...
I don't remember anything from seeing the dog to being in the moving ambulance with Criselda going to the emergency room...It's weird not remebering an hour of your life. I was told I kept asking what happened and if my bike was o.k. :)
It was the greatest hospital i have ever been to...the people there were so nice. I would tell you the name but again...concussion. They gave me socks, a hospital gown, a bracelet, crutches, a sheet...and I had the greatest grilled cheese I have ever had in their snack bar.
The Dr. told me I internally bruised my hip, sprained my neck, got a concussion, and scraped up my back. It wasn't as bad as it sounds and I am doing much better...don't even need my crutches anymore.
This accident gave me the opportunity to learn once again that when God has a purpose for you he will do what it takes to make the purpose clear...or when God has a lesson to teach you he will keep teaching you till you get it...

Another lesson relearned...the body of Christ is a beautiful thing. We were not meant to do life alone. I thank God I have wonderful teammates who while I was non responsive laying on the wrong side of the road...pulled me off the road, kept me talking, took care of my bike, got me to the emergency room, and have not stopped taking care of me physically, emotionally, and mentally. I pray that everyone can experience the beauty and freedom of community that I have experienced so far this summer.

[David Van Buskirk]

So glad you're okay Erin! Be well and get better quick.

[Nancy P.]

Oh, my goodness, Erin, I am so glad you are okay! I am with the others--just want all of you to make it to Baltimore safely! You do have a great attitude. Blessings to you!

[Nancy L White]

"ATTITUDE IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDEAL OR ADVENTURE"
Erin, I am well aware God has a plan for your life. I just didn't think you would get all banged up! I know you wished you could of ridden your bike more, but I think the van has been your place of ministry. It has usually been easy for you to accomplish and reach your goals (with things working our great--). This has been a lesson in what to do with multiple setbacks. Seems like you are taking it in stride and having a good attitude. See you soon!

[Mom Catalano]

Erin! I can't believe another RWT casualty has occurred! We feel your pain around here! Ask my son, Anthony, about concussions! He's a pro! I guess I need to pray harder for the safety of each and every one of you! Prayers of protection, but also prayers of thanksgiving that even when one of you DOES crash, you seem to come out of it with fixable damage! I have been praying that motorists will be vigilant when you guys are on the road, but I guess I forgot to pray about insane animals! I hope the dog is ok, but wiser! Heal quickly honey! Prayers of healing coming your way, along with the knee, eyebrow and leg gash prayers for your teammates! Just get to Baltimore in one piece you guys! It must be getting a little crowded in Mothern Falcon! -Love, Mom Catalano

[Lani Bruce]

you did 20 people, their crazy families and friends, and all the countless people you've met in the past 8 weeks a favor by being part of the R:W Team. I am SO sorry you got hurt...hate that any of you got a single bump, cut, scrape and stitch....but Erin, your journey this summer has impacted all of us in more ways than any of us can imagine. Just sharing a little of your community in blogs and photos has been a fantastic blessing. Be careful! Get well! and PLEASE come back to Nashville someday!

[Mike Barrow]

yeah....I'm crying...so what??

[Erin McDermott]

thank you for getting that dog off the street! That is a favor for the cycling world. I, for one, cannot stand when dogs are barking and chasing me while I am riding my bike. freaks me out. also, this quote came to mind when i read your post...
"The only way we can ever be human is together" -Rev. Desmond Tutu
ride:well is a community that is not easy to replicate. in fact, im not sure it is possible. but remember it's still a community even after the ride is complete. you are all bonded for life now. it's like nothing else. and im glad each of you gets to be a part of it.