It would be difficult for James Matsuda to imagine a harder physical challenge than biking across Vancouver Island.Unfortunately, that challenge came shortly after Matsuda completed the 2011 Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, a 14-day bike journey across the Island which raised funds for pediatric cancer research.A few days after the tour ended last fall, Matsuda was hit as he crossed through an intersection on a green light, as he headed southbound on Lerwick Road. A northbound vehicle on Lerwick Road turned left onto Valley View Drive, into the path of Matsuda. “(The accident) turns life upside down,” he noted, and added he doesn’t remember much from the day.”I finished the tour and was home for three days. I took a nice ride around my neighbourhood, but you know, they say a lot of accidents happen close to home.”Matsuda, who is a supervisor at Thrifty Foods in Courtenay and a Comox Valley RCMP auxiliary constable, dislocated a hip, tore the medial collateral ligament in a knee and fractured an ankle in the accident. He has retuned to work gradually at the store, but cannot yet resume his duties as a constable.He spent time recovering at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox and later at home. He now attends physiotherapy four time a week, but is unsure about the long-term effects, as he tries to regain full use of his lower body.”I set goals (in physiotherapy) to increase repetition and length, with the hope to get back to one hundred per cent,” he noted, and said he strives to get back to biking.Matsuda explained he has returned to riding his bike around his neighbourhood, but finds hills difficult for his hips and knees.”It is nice to be back on,” he admitted.Matsuda noted his wife, friends and family have been instrumental in helping with his recovery.”When I got out of the hospital some of the (Tour de Rock) team members came to visit me at my place. When you work and train with them for so long, they really do become your family,” he said.Matsuda is also a member of the Comox Valley Pipe Band, who also paid him a special visit.”After the parade on Nov. 11, I got a surprise at my door. The whole band was there and they played for me on my front lawn,” he noted.He added that, although he may not to be able to help this year’s Tour de Rock team with their practices, he said he plans on helping out through fundraising at the store.photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record