another bike crash!

I'm not a great athlete, but I've been doing mini (or sprint) triathlons for several years to keep in shape. I enjoy every aspect of it! The training makes me feel fit and healthy, and the events themselves are great fun! So... one afternoon I was nearing the end of my 12 mile bike loop. I was riding on a straight road and going about 17 mph into a pretty stiff wind. I was focused on my pedaling and trying to put a bit more energy into making a good time. All of the sudden, I saw a white van in front of me! And that's where my memory ends. The van had come from the opposite direction and turned left directly in front of me. I rode my bike straight into it with my face leading the way. I smashed into it and broke my jaw and nearly tore my ear off. There were many other sore and badly bruised places - but the jaw and ear were the worst. After five days in the hospital and two surgeries, I came home with my mouth wired shut. -ellen garto