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Win copy of cyclist Saul Raisin’s book
In April 2006, young American cycling phenomenon Saul Raisin crashed while racing in France.
At first, his biggest worries were broken bones and road rash. But a few days later, he suffered swelling in the brain and slipped into a coma. He underwent emergency brain surgery and spent months recovering.
A doctor told him he might never walk again, and that he would have to adapt to a new life, one where he might need a wheelchair.
“I told him that I would run one day,” Raisin says. “And do you know what? Run I did. I ran all 26.2 miles of the New York City Marathon and I’ll keep running.”
Raisin’s fight back to health is an inspiring story, told in his book “Tour de Life: From Coma to Competition,” co-written by Dave Shields.
“When I was in the hospital I told my friends and family if I was to ever live a normal life again that I wanted to give back and help people like me,” Raisin said by phone recently. “That is why I wrote ‘Tour de Life,’ to share my story with others to let them know that they are not alone … Even in the worst of times, never give up hope and fight to the finish. Take your given talents and use them to the max. Do not take no for a answer.”
“My book is about the power of hope and miracles do happen.”
Raisin lives in Dalton, Ga., where he’s now preparing to run the ING Georgia marathon on March 21.
He’s been to Austin several times. “I love Austin,” he says. “The cycling community is one of the best in the country.”
For more information about the Raisin Hope Foundation, which advocates for people with traumatic brain injuries, go here. For more information about his book, go here.
I’ve got a signed copy of “Tour de Life” to give away. Just post here why you need the book. I’ll pick a winner later this week.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment Categories: cycling
Comments
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By Jeff
February 11, 2010 11:11 AM | Link to this
Yes I will take it, I ride my bike, and I read. Thanks.
By Jeff
February 11, 2010 11:16 AM | Link to this
Yes, I read and ride my bike. I will take it. Thanks.
By Brian
February 11, 2010 11:28 AM | Link to this
Sounds like a phenomenal book! This would be just the thing to get me motivated for the upcoming Tri Season.
By Brian
February 11, 2010 11:32 AM | Link to this
Having trouble posting…lets try again.
This book sounds awesome! What an incredible story he has to tell. Surely this could motivate me to really take on this next Tri Season.
By Chad
February 11, 2010 1:30 PM | Link to this
I’ve followed Saul’s career from his early days and am very familiar with the story of his accident. His comeback to the sport and subsequent retirement have been nothing short of inspiring. He gave it everything he had and in the end….when it just wasn’t enough to return to cycling’s professional ranks he walked away, not in anger or with his head held low….he walked away knowing he gave it his best and moved on with his life in a positive and inspiring manner. Between this and witnessing a death due to head injury last summer at the Driveway Race Series that shook a lot of people….makes me want to learn more about THIS man behind the bike. Thanks.
By Chad
February 11, 2010 1:33 PM | Link to this
I’ve followed Saul’s career from his early days and am very familiar with the story of his accident. His comeback to the sport and subsequent retirement have been nothing short of inspiring. He gave it everything he had and in the end….when it just wasn’t enough to return to cycling’s professional ranks he walked away, not in anger or with his head held low….he walked away knowing he gave it his best and moved on with his life in a positive and inspiring manner. Between this and witnessing a death due to head injury last summer at the Driveway Race Series that shook a lot of people….makes me want to learn more about THIS man behind the bike. Thanks.
By Chad
February 11, 2010 1:34 PM | Link to this
Saul’s comeback to the sport and subsequent retirement have been nothing short of inspiring. He gave it everything he had and in the end….when it just wasn’t enough to return to cycling’s professional ranks he walked away, not in anger or with his head held low….he walked away knowing he gave it his best and moved on with his life in a positive and inspiring manner. Between this and witnessing a death due to head injury last summer at the Driveway Race Series that shook a lot of people….makes me want to learn more about THIS man behind the bike. Thanks.
By Marsha
February 11, 2010 2:26 PM | Link to this
Because I’m tired of going to bookpeople and reading a couple chapters of it at a time. I’ll read it real quick and give it to Chad :)
By Pam LeBlanc
February 11, 2010 3:26 PM | Link to this
OK, Chad gets the book! Share it with Marsha, please! And check back for more free books next week. Pam