Matthew Wietrick
Sacramento Area Cyclist

Matthew Wietrick is an avid cyclist and family man who lives in the Sacramento area. He is married and has a young daughter. His life changed abruptly on February 5, 2011 when he was hit by a car while riding his bike.

Prior to Matthew's accident he was known in the local cycling community as one of the strongest and most enduring riders around. He has been a long-time bike commuter, taking it as a personal failure if he had to use a car to get to work. Matthew entered into the world of ultra-endurance cycling in 2009 when he completed his first California Triple Crown--three double centuries in one season. For 2010 he completed an amazing feat--nine double centuries, a triple Triple Crown. In 2011 he had planned to branch out to brevets, with his ultimate goal being to compete in the most famous brevet of all: Paris-Brest-Paris! Throughout this amazing journey, Matthew always endeared himself to his fellow riders with his quiet, patient and non-bravado demeanor.

Matthew's plans were changed on the morning of February 5th when he was struck from the rear by a van traveling at high speed while cycling in the North Natomas area of Sacramento. He was seriously injured, suffering major head trauma, a broken kneecap, a broken back, and numerous lacerations. He had to undergo several operations and was in a medically induced coma for 3 weeks. As of early March he was unable to swallow and thus restricted to a feeding tube. His ability to communicate was severely limited and confined to family and a few friends. He was unable to perform any physical functions on his own.

Since then, Matthew has made tremendous progress--he was transferred from the Intensive Care Unit into the Rehabilitation Center, where he received occupational, physical, and speech therapy. He had to relearn how to eat and walk. He recently left the hospital to continue his recovery at home. Matthew has exhibited a great will to thrive during his toughest days at the hospital. To date, he has overcome almost impossible odds. He still has a long way to go to recover completely, but there is much hope for Matthew.

In addition to Matthew's suffering, his family has suffered as well. The emotional suffering from seeing a loved one left so helpless is very difficult. They have also suffered financially. Without Matthew's income, finances have been tight for his wife and daughter. At this time, the future of Matthew's career unknown. Matt's total current and future medical costs are also unknown, as well as how much will be covered by insurance. Matthew's ability to provide for his family is very much in question.

So what can you do? Let's stand behind Matthew and his family. Let's join together to show our support for a fellow cyclist. Let's ride. Please save the date for Sunday, June 12th, 2011. We'll ride together, eat together, and show our support. And if we are lucky, Matthew will join us for the event.