Back in June, I entered an enduro practice day event thinking it would be just another solid day on the bike. Instead, it became the day I managed to break my hand.

It didn’t feel real at first – just a sharp jolt, a bad landing, and that weird moment when you know something isn’t right but you’re hoping it’s nothing serious. By the time the swelling kicked in, I already knew my riding plans were about to hit a hard stop.

What I didn’t expect was just how much it would mess with everything I had lined up. I’d built the summer around riding: events, weekend trips, longer trips abroad and ultimately getting more seat time to create content. Suddenly all of it was on hold. Instead of gearing up for rides, I was juggling appointments, X-rays, and figuring out how to do normal tasks without a fully functioning hand.

The mental side was rough too. Watching everyone else ride while I sat at home was a special kind of torture, especially as the weather was nice. It’s amazing how loud a motorcycle sounds when you’re injured and can’t join in. Every event I missed felt like one more reminder of how far behind I was slipping.

But here’s the good part: I’m riding again.

It’s not perfect, and my hand isn’t fully healed yet. I’m still having treatment and working on getting the strength back. Some days it aches, some days it complains more than I’d like, but being back on the bike makes all of it feel worth it. That first ride after the injury was a huge reset – no expectations, just the sheer relief of being back where I belong.

If there’s anything I’ve taken from this whole mess, it’s that you appreciate the simple rides a lot more once you’re forced to stop. I’m easing back into things over the last couple of months, listening to my body, and trying not to jump straight into doing something stupid just because I’m excited again. Many of plans I had earlier in the year are still there; they’re just delayed, not gone.

The hand is healing. I’m back on the bike. And the next chapter of riding is finally starting again – just a little later than planned.