Steve Elwell, a 62-year-old Ahwatukee resident and avid cycling enthusiast, encountered a nerve-wracking incident a few days ago. On October 3, the cyclist had geared up for his routine two-wheeled adventure, riding in the early morning light. As the thermometer read a comfortable 62 degrees and the clear sky promised a delightful trip, he embarked on his journey, unaware of its fateful future. Sadly, what started as an ordinary excursion soon turned into a heart-pounding near-death moment, leaving Elwell’s world hanging by a thread.

Steve Elwell has made a remarkable career with his experience as an engineer, fitness coach, and an all-star in the local community. He is renowned for his indomitable dedication to the sport. He exhibited efficient skills while showcasing his $12,000 Tour de France-caliber bicycle, which became Steve’s pride and joy. But little did he know that his passion for cycling would be put to the ultimate test, in the avatar of an unprecedented crash.?

Cycling enthusiast witnesses tragic halt

While riding along 21st Street and Chandler Boulevard at approximately 4:50 a.m., Elwell’s world went dark when a sudden collision came his way. The next thing he knew was lying on a stretcher as he was getting carried inside an ambulance. The driver who hit him had vanished into thin air. Investigations have revealed that the worst possible outcome could only be avoided due to a helpful passerby. Evidently, Elwell had a guardian angel in the form of Rick Burress, an elder from the nearby Foothills Baptist Church.?

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Though neither witnessed the collision, it was clear that the aggressive driver had struck Elwell’s bicycle pedal, sending him flying. Fortunately, Burress’ quick thinking and swift actions saved Elwell from further harm, as they both shared a moment of disbelief. Elwell, despite his injuries, could not help but show his gratitude to the man who saved him, asking multiple times for an apology.?

Speaking to reporters, he said, ?All of a sudden I take this deep, big breath and I am moaning and I?m looking around and I look at him and say, ?What the f*** happened to me? The first thing out of my mouth to the man. I probably apologized six times. I?m still embarrassed.”

Gradual road to recovery

The consequences of this accident were grave. Elwell suffered a significant concussion, five broken ribs, and even a massive hematoma on his left hip. The cycling professional was left with a black and blue foot, along with various cuts and scratches. His beloved bicycle was also in shambles, breaking the experienced rider’s heart. As Elwell continued with his medical treatments, his physical injuries got better, but the most significant challenge was the concussions.?

And although Elwell is no stranger to pain as a cyclist, being concussed surely felt like a whole new ordeal.? His mobility was severely affected, making even sitting for extended periods a struggle. Elwell recently created a cyclist-only Facebook group called ‘Stevebay’, boasting 25,000 fully vetted members who shared a similar passion for cycling and a healthy way of life.?

Naturally, his dreadful accident sent shockwaves through the fans, who prayed for the cyclist’s speedy recovery. Adding to his golden career, Steve had been an Ironman Arizona competitor with a 20-year association with Lifetime Fitness in Tempe. He was also a determined triathlete, marking another aspect of his versatility. As Steve Elwell recovers, questions about the accident still remain unanswered, with locals speculating if the collision was deliberate or an unfortunate consequence of inattention.?

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