By Kelly Lucas
LAST year in the first Covid-19 lockdown when all parks were closed off to kids and families, 18-year-old Sam Reid and his mates decided to make some of their own fun by building a BMX track behind Harvey Norman on the Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla.
For around four months many kids of all ages regularly met at what became quite a popular hangout for BMX riders keen for some fun and some big dirt jumps. But on the 30th of August that all changed after BMX rider ‘Sam Reid’ came off a jump too short that ultimately landed him in hospital with a broken spinal column and a crushed vertebrae. The accident sealed the fate of the new BMX hangout as it was destroyed to prevent further injuries.
Sam was lucky that he did not break his back, walking again was a blessing but his recovery did take some time. The first six weeks were spent in a back brace with visits in and out of hospital while undergoing three months of intense physiotherapy sessions while off work as a mechanical engineer at Shepparton Motor Body.
“I was really lucky, the recovery was challenging but it was my brother who inspired me to get back on the bike! He was getting better than me, and I couldn’t let that happen,” said Sam.
With all parks currently back open to the public, kids and families can finally get back out in the fresh air and enjoy doing what they love.
For Sam, getting back on the bike was something he knew he just had to do and most days now although he still suffers from some pain, he can be found doing tricks at the local skate park beside the Shepparton lake.
“Get outside and get dirty, there is no point being stuck inside on video games when you can have fun and get exercise at the same time, but don’t forget to wear your safety gear, it may just save your life,” said Sam.
LIVING LIFE… BMX rider, Sam Reid is back on his bike after a major accident last year. Photos: Kelly Lucas 
