Two weeks ago, I began to feel overwhelmed by my Texas 4000 commitments. We have weekly meetings, committee tasks, fundraising deadlines, community service obligations and growing weekly mileage requirements. With T4K + school + work, my social life and spare time in general seemed nonexistent. Then on Friday, Feb. 5, an unfortunate accident happened that has helped me realize how good I have it.

I went on an 8 a.m. ride with two of my teammates, Michael Gaydos and Charlie Saginaw. I had been having troubles with my bike’s brakes, but after taking it into J&A for a tune-up the day before, I had no excuse to not have a good ride. Charlie suggested we head out to Far West, which has an infamously challenging hill. I was up for it! Unfortunately, I never quite made it to the hill.

No no, climbing up the hill didn’t defeat me. Going down a hill was a different story. I knew I was in for a bit of a scare when I saw the cautionary sign “trucks use lower gear,” but I didn’t actually freak out until I was nearing the bottom of it, I saw the road took a sharp turn, and I was going too fast for comfort.

I attempted the turn, and just when I thought “maybe?” my fate said “naw.” I wiped out, falling on my right side and giving the street a good scrub with my face for a few feet. I don’t remember clipping out of my pedals before going over to the curb, but I do remember blood dripping from my face and both Charlie and Michael getting on their phones immediately.

Within minutes the paramedics were there, checking my vitals and getting me into the ambulance. Michael stayed behind with the bikes and Charlie rode up front while the paramedic beside me poked at the gravel underneath his hand’s skin that’d been there since his own bike accident 20 years ago. “That’s why it’s so important to clean your wounds,” he said.

At the hospital, a nurse cleaned my wounds, I got a cat scan (my first!), a tetanus shot and an x-ray on my right knee. The doctor said I’d sprained my knee and my face might scar, but besides that I’d be fine.

During my 4-hour stay at the Seton ER, both my teammates and Jamille were right beside me. I felt bad for ruining the ride and ashamed for not making the turn, but they were quick to point out that it could’ve been a lot worse.

That night, I attended the Texas 4000 girls night at Kathryn Flowers' place. I was nervous to go because the bandages on my face looked ridiculous, but the second I got there, I received nothing but compassion and smiles. And really good cupcakes.

I still haven’t been able to ride my bike since my fall, and I’ve realized how much Texas 4000 is a part of me. My teammates have been so supportive through all of this, and it’s been frustrating to not be able to ride with them. Two weeks ago I felt burdened with Texas 4000, and weirdly my accident has reminded me how blessed I am that I even have such goals to pursue. I’m healthy, I am part of an amazing team, and I have this huge opportunity to do something great.

I can’t wait to get back on my bike (and probably fall again). People suggest I come up with a heroic tale to explain my face’s road rash, but I think “I fell while training to bike across America” should suffice.

[By the way, my bike’s name is Athena. Amira and Athena, from Austin to Alaska.]