After a big hit during the raid, the guys looked at me, saw nothing and put me back on my bike. The big hit, however, was on my head, on my cheekbone to be more precise and when the group looked at me, afterwards, they must have seen a vague empty look. They did not see any suffering because I was in shock. I felt a crack.
The only woman of the pack, a difficult track and a wet and slippery surface.....I couldn't follow. I listened to some advice and I went on my face big time. I felt the concusion occur and I knew that I should not continue this madness. The guys however did not understand the severity.
I am mad, very mad. Because with a concussed head they made me continue and the next accident was bound to happen. Thinking in hindsight, I cannot think at all, it's a blur, it's been stupidity and most of all, it's absolute irresponsibility to leave someone alone to sort out her misery.
And so, with a concussed head and a cracked menisc I stepped into my car on Saturday morning and drove to Arnhem. We arrived in Arnhem at 22.00, went to bed, ready for the big Royal Reward ceremonie for my dad on sunday.
The icing on the cake after a disastrous week and the emotions of my dad were genuine. He was surprised, surrounded by family and friends and everybody was very, very happy.
