I’m Ryan, and I’ve been a rider and mechanic most of my life. I’ve ridden most types of bikes over the years, from shoppers and BMX bikes to motocross and superbikes, all of which I’ve pushed to the max to see what they can do. 

My background is originally BMX park riding and dirt jumping, which evolved into enduro and downhill. I went to the 2013 Megavalanche in Alpe D’Huez French Alps and became a huge fan of racing glaciers. I participated in the 2013 Mega’ and have returned 7 times since.

I had an unfortunate and devastating crash on one of my bikes while riding a half pipe and broke my leg and ankle, severed my ligaments holding my foot in place, and dislocated the foot extremely badly. There were total ruptures to the ligaments and hyperextension of 3 of the 4 main nerves in my foot. A comminuted fracture of the distal fibula and crushing of the cartilage inside the ankle joint covering the talas. Surgeons had no clue where to start and sent me away in a cast with their best wishes, saying nature has to run its course in making reparations and they would act accordingly in due course. 15 months passed of intense rehab on my part before surgeons accepted that a recovery was never going to happen. The choices were to fuse the ankle and expect pain, immobility, and inevitably an amputation in the future or an amputation right away. The recovery would be up to me. I opted for the latter, knowing I could be responsible for the outcome, good or bad. 18 months after the accident, I had the operation. It went better than all expectations and set a new standard of practice for TTA (transtibial amputation). The procedure was video documented and is being used as a teaching aid for student surgeons nationwide. 

I took just 7 days in the hospital. At night I’d steal a wheelchair and do laps of the service corridors under the hospital and pump out incline hill sprints to occupy my mind and body. I had just 3 weeks off work and returned in a wheelchair to help my colleague manage the volume of Covid bike repairs that needed doing. I worked stood up on one leg, the other kneeling on the wheelchair.

I pushed my recovery so hard that they (the NHS) gave me a prosthetic 8 weeks post-op, and I got on my bike and rode it 25 miles the first day I got it… it took me two further days to figure out how to walk on it. I’ve only ever ridden Analog bikes. I recently tried an e-bike and can see how much I need one for everyday adventures here in the UK. 

I took myself to the Alps again this summer for 4 weeks to ride the Megavalanche and surprised myself and everyone who witnessed it. I qualified really well and was the only amputee at the event. I cannot thank the Hustle Team as I know the REMtech pedals made all this possible…like having the keys to your ride.

My intention is to raise awareness for adapted riders to feel included in such events and supply the evidence through sharing on social media.

I’m working with US brand Hustle Bike Labs, makers of the highest quality magnetic pedals enabling users of prosthetics to safely “clip in” and exit with precision and confidence and allow for high levels of riding to be achieved…see my videos on Instagram.

I’m also working (secretly) with a UK-based prosthetics manufacturer of the world’s most advanced prostheses to design and manufacture an interface for athletes to use for mountain biking and high-level gravity sports. It’s all coming together.