No Going Back: A Colorado Trail Story

Eliza Sampey's story of her attempt of completing the Colorado Trail via biking and running two years after her life changing traumatic brain injury. Through battling the elements, her body, and her brain, Eliza navigates her new relationship with biking, running and adventure.
For more information about traumatic brain injuries and how to get help visit: www.loveyourbrain.com
Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Evan Wilson
Music by Josh McNulty

[@brianpage7443]

Eliza, this was a terrific video. I fractured my skull at 8 years of age (pre-bike helmets), I am in my 50s now and still love riding. I had to learn to walk unassisted, regain focus, and develop the ability to balance. Shortly after coming home from the hospital, my Dad bought me a unicycle; to this day I still ride one. The frustration of learning to ride helped bring on a sense of great patience and calmness. It wasn't until many years later while at an eye appointment, was when I first learned that I had experienced a TBI in that accident. I have great days and good days (no bad days allowed 😁), as you say start with acceptance, then adapt, and move forward. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@Ron_Boy]

Eliza, I thought this was terrific. Your closing comments were spot on... Start with Acceptance, then Adapt and Move Forward, just as you say. Your courage is inspiring. Thanks for posting this. Well done! You reminded me of my granddaughter, Kate, who began life with a pre-natal stroke. She developed epilepsy at age 6, had neurosurgery at age 10, and is now living seizure free. She became my hero and my inspiration to do better. You are kindred spirit and inspiring to others. Thank you.

[@elizasampey]

Thank you ❤ best of luck to your granddaughter!

[@FlatFishBikes]

You’re awesome for putting this out there…I suffered a brain stem hemorrhagic stroke 3-years ago and after a lot of physical/occupational/speech therapies I was released back into the world. One of my counselors said it all in one statement…”There is a new ‘you’ and you will have to learn who that is.” They were right and even 3-years later I’m still discovering the new me and how to live well through my deficits. I love who I am and I’m so grateful that I can ride my bike.

[@Just2HepCats]

🌺 Hibiscus :) 🌸Cherry Blossom. I wanna go to Mars song. ...for fun.

[@elizasampey]

Thanks for sharing. ❤ And yeah, your therapist was so right! Mine looked me straight in the eye on our second visit and said “Eliza, you can never go back to the person you were before your brain injury because that person is dead and she isn’t coming back. You have to let her go before you can figure out who YOU are now.” That might sound harsh but it was exactly what I needed to hear at the time. Everything changed after that day.

[@HeathArmstrong]

Eliza! I’m in awe at your continuous journey. Thanks for always sharing 🙏🏻

[@daveebert7747]

Very well filmed, a joy and pleasure to watch. A moving message about adapting, "you can't go back, you can only move forward". Life is about change, its always changing we just need to stay flexible and change with it. Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure with us.

[@elizasampey]

Thanks for your kind words. 🙏🏽💜

[@gnmatsu]

So awesome. Continue to heal up Eliza! Sending much love! Aloha!

[@tonaruch8623]

Beautiful, inspiring story

[@malcburdon1536]

You're an inspiration. Loved your concluding remarks. You've shown my brain something new.

[@elizasampey]

Thank you for the kind words. 🙏🏽

[@tdenhertog84]

Well said, I experienced a hemorrhagic stroke about 4,5 years ago now, learning about the new 'me' and accepting that there is 'no going back' is aan ongoing journey, definitely not giving up on making something out of it! Wish all of you the best in your journey! Loved this story and getting some advice along the way 😊

[@elizasampey]

It sure is an ongoing journey. It’s hard, but I’ve learned to love the process. It’s taught me so much. ❤ thanks for sharing, best of luck on your journey.

[@SuperRobbro]

Thank You.

[@kellybrooks9899]

Thanks for sharing your journey! Those afternoon thunderstorms are no joke. I tell people normal is a setting on a clothes washer.

[@elizasampey]

🤣 I love that!!

[@colfaxmannskid-rowrevival]

Beautifully shot and edited, and a beautiful story and message. TY!!!

[@gshoe3301]

Awesome story! As someone who has been on the CT and had to back off as well I really resonated with this. Good luck on your recovery!

[@elizasampey]

It’s such a difficult trail! Really takes everything coming together plus some luck to make it in one go. This was attempt #4 for me.

[@paulwissenbach5274]

Loved it. Especially the words about healing!

[@blainebowe6917]

Really enjoyed that! Thanks

[@reidh]

Thanks for sharing this story!

[@GeekonaBike]

Live to ride/run another day!

[@muneebahmed2207]

Keep it up ...Evan ... Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@DavidVidaurri]

You are a great inspiration ❤

[@jeffofsanko5162]

Inspiring. Keep going forward!!

[@riverspondsandcampfires]

Very cool, new sub here

[@c0nsci0usness]

This is an incredible feat, and beautifully filmed. If you aren't finding full recovery from your TBI, I would highly recommend researching the potential for psilocybin to help heal.

[@elizasampey]

I’ve definitely considered it! I’ve recently started microdosing but have definitely seen plenty of evidence for macrodosing. I’d need to find the right therapeutic/medically safe environment though, my body is really sensitive to substances and I wouldn’t want to put us in a potentially bad situation.

[@IamSeafarer]

Love this.

[@sergeiivanis]

Hi. Would love to see your video. You are a very brave and strong person! Good luck with your ideas!☺

[@andrewcarlson2955]

Few people would understand how much courage it takes to sleep in the wilderness…

[@sudirmannico5729]

Senang bisa melihat vidio anda,bersepeda menikmati keindahan alam,salam kenal dari indonesia👍🤝🙏

[@massorongsapeda]

Nice

[@ebhkkc1]

congrats

[@anr7682]

What trail was that at 13:36?

[@Gabrielmtbgopro]

the colorado trail !

[@anr7682]

@@Gabrielmtbgopro I am saying what section. My guess would be the one outside of Lake City...

[@kosayno]

​​@@anr7682 I've done the CT twice but it's been 11 years since my last ride. I believe with 99% certainty that's either segment 22 or 23.

[@Gabrielmtbgopro]

@@anr7682 looks to me close to bear creek trail , after or before the small lake 👍

[@elizasampey]

@@anr7682yep! It’s west of Spring Creek Pass, south of Lake City, heading up towards Jarosa Mesa.

[@The-GreenHornet]

"It's illegal to have a BICYCLE on the wilderness area." SMH!!! That did it! What has this country come to. 😳

[@elizasampey]

It’s been that way since the Wilderness Act was amended to ban them in 1977. From 1964-1977, they were allowed. I can understand how it would make sense not to want a bunch of bike traffic in areas of wilderness that are legitimately very fragile, but I do wish there could be provisions for thru-riders wanting to complete a point to point ride on a long trail.

[@ToxicGamer86454]

Narcissist 😂

[@Just2HepCats]

...Merci _____________