Cyclist Raisin talks about riding, recovery at Bicycles Unlimited

Saul Raisin, a former professional cyclist, signed copies of his book, “Tour de Life: From Coma to Competition,” at Bicycles Unlimited in Peachtree City last Saturday.

Raisin was an up and coming cyclist, winning Best Young Rider in the Tour de Georgia, taking ninth in the Tour of Germany and on his way to riding in the Gir d’Italia when he was in an accident in the Circuit de la Sarthe and fell into a coma.

The prognosis from the doctors in France was not good. He was told that he might never talk or walk again and would certainly never ride again. he would likely need full-time nursing care. The accident occurred in April. By mid-May he was walking and by August he was riding his bicyle again. He had been picked up by the Credit Agricole team but was told soon after that he would not be cleared to ride professionally again because one more accident could kill him. Raisin has not given up cycling, but gets his adrenaline up now by addressing crowds and telling the story of his recovery while also stressing the importance of supporting research into traumatic brain injuries. He has even started a foundation, Raisin Hope, to raise funds for brain injury research, to connect families and individuals whose lives have been affected by a brain injury and to promote public awareness and understanding of people with a disability as a result of brain injury.

Raisin was surrounded by cycling fans at Saturday’s event and he recounted tales of some of his favorite rides, including one in France with Lance Armstrong as he was training for the Tour de France. Towards the end of their final climb of the day, Raisin stated that he attacked Armstrong and pushed the champion cyclist to the limit as they neared the end of the climb. Armstrong beat him by a hair and was impressed by the young rider’s style. Later, when Armstrong had learned of Raisin’s accident, he called his parents and offered his thoughts and support, while also jokingly telling them their son was a punk.
Raisin is currently studying physical therapy in college and is doing all he can to give back.

“I got a second chance,” Raisin said. “I don’t say ‘why me,’ I say ‘yes, me.’” In addition to the work he does with his foundation, which he states has big dreams and bigger hearts, Raisin also spends times with wounded veterans who may be dealing with traumatic brain injuries of their own.

For more information on Saul Raisin and Raisin Hope, visit www.saulraisin.com, www.tourdelife.us or www.raisinhope.org