It was early evening on August 14, 2014. Juan Carlos Vinolo decided against riding his bike on the coast because it would be safer to ride the one-way loop around Fiesta Island, near Sea World in San Diego. The island is the birthplace of the sport of triathlon and the go-to spot for weekday evening post-work training rides for cyclists and triathletes. Juan Carlos joined his friends from the San Diego Bicycle Club and, as the group of 30 cyclists came around a blind curve with Juan Carlos about to take his pull at the front, a woman named Theresa Lynn Owens  who was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and heading the wrong way on the one-way road , drove into the peloton, injuring at least ten of the cyclists. Juan Carlos’ injuries were the most severe. He had two punctured lungs, lost one kidney, lacerated his spleen, had six broken vertebrae, several broken ribs, and a broken left clavicle and a dislocated left shoulder. He was in intensive care fighting for his life. Juan Carlos is now a paraplegic and we spoke the day after he rode close to three miles, his longest ride yet, on the handcycle he received from the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The father of two was optimistic and hopeful during our conversation and is eternally grateful for the amazing support of the cycling community.

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