The cycling and brain injury communities overlap in a big way, and this Saturday (April 29) Zwift is hosting an event to educate, engage, and empower people affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) – including concussion.
The event supports LoveYourBrain – a US-based national non-profit organization that improves the quality of life of people impacted by TBI and raises awareness about the importance of brain health. Their Ride for Resilience is a global campaign using community-hosted rides outdoors and on Zwift. (To learn why LoveYourBrain focuses on resilience rather than recovery see this Insta post.)
Zwift Event Details
On Saturday, April 29th at 3pm UTC/11am EDT/8am PDT Zwifter Cheryl Muldoon is hosting a Ride for Resilience event on Zwift.
Here’s what ride leader Cheryl has to say about TBI, Zwift, and the Ride for Resilience:
Indoor riding used to be just mind-numbing, before platforms like Zwift. I’ve been Zwifting since 2016. It kept me cycling when I otherwise couldn’t have.
Then when my accident happened the neurologist told me, “We need to get you back exercising.” I had a broken scapula and a lot of other stuff going on, and a lot of exercise wasn’t an option for me, even walking was too much. Zwift gave me a way to move at my own pace. In doing Zwift, you have the choice to just get off the bike if symptoms arise, and it gives you more freedom to do what feels good.
The people I know who’ve had a brain injury get disconnected from cycling, because they don’t feel able to ride like they used to – but with Ride for Resilience and Zwift you can stay connected.
The community is so strong on there. And once you’ve had a brain injury you start to hear just how many people have experienced one, as well. I started to connect with so many people who have had a similar experience.
This will be my 3rd year in Ride for Resilience. The first year I did it, I was barely riding outside. By setting goals and having a community that you checked in with, it got me out there more than I ever would have. Because I was so focused on meeting my riding and fundraising goals, I wasn’t focused on what I could or could do. I got out and rode almost every day and it got me to remember what I loved so much about cycling. And it was so nice to, through LoveYourBrain, have others who are in the same boat as you.
The ride I am hosting this year is open to anyone. The reason I chose a Zwift ride is because I have met multiple different riders who had a crash this winter and sustained a TBI. They weren’t big Zwifters before, but I want to encourage them to try it, so they don’t lose that connection to cycling. That’s what Zwift gave me – a way to continue riding and a community who just got it on a whole new level.
There is so much support you can get from your immediate friends and family. It feels so isolating. Once all the physical injuries healed, people see you as healed, so everyone just kind of lets it go. Community within LoveYourBrain with other people with TBI is great, but then people in the cycling community with TBI is even more powerful. It gives you someone who understands without even having to say anything.
Cheryl horsing around on Zwift, and riding MTB outside
Ways to Get Involved
Sign up for Cheryl’s brain-friendly Zwift ride to support building resilience, resources, and awareness for the brain injury community: zwift.com/events/view/3656801
Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava
