In this powerful episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell speaks with Andy Ibbott about the years following his stroke and the emotional and physical journey of learning to live again. Andy shares how it took two years to fully accept the impact of the stroke and the reality of aphasia, detailing the deep frustration of losing speech, movement, and identity. He opens up about the mental health struggles he faced, including suicidal thoughts, and how he began rebuilding his life, culminating in completing the London Marathon and riding motorbikes again with adapted controls.

This episode is an honest, emotional, and ultimately inspiring account of rebuilding a life after stroke. Andy’s determination to adapt, recover, and rediscover joy offers powerful hope to others facing similar journeys.

Key Takeaways

Delayed Acceptance: Andy took two years to come to terms with his stroke. Initially in denial, he struggled to accept the extent of the physical and mental changes.

Aphasia Frustration: Though he could think clearly, aphasia meant Andy couldn’t express himself, leading to immense emotional frustration and disconnection.

Mental Health Matters: At his lowest point, Andy contemplated suicide. His story highlights the importance of support, patience, and resilience during recovery.

Physical Recovery and Limits: Andy shares the long-term physical effects, with limited movement on his right side. Despite this, he works out regularly to maintain strength.

Riding Again: With adapted controls, Andy returned to riding motorbikes, demonstrating remarkable determination. He even rides just seconds slower than his pre-stroke lap times.

Best Moments

“I thought I could still do everything. It took me two years to realise I couldn’t and then to start asking, ‘What can I do?’”

“At one point, I told my partner to bring me a knife. I was ready to end it. But I’m still here and now I’ve done the London Marathon.”

“I can’t do 60mph wheelies anymore. But I can walk a mile. And I can ride again.”

“I may not be able to use my right hand, but I’ve got the throttle, the clutch, and the brakes all adapted to the left and I’m back on track.”

About Andy Ibbott

Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi.

After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables.

A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, host Ed Nell continues his conversation with Andy Ibbott, exploring his life-changing stroke and the immense challenges he faced in recovery. Andy shares his experience of waking up from surgery, his struggle with aphasia, and the emotional toll of rebuilding his life. His story highlights resilience, mindset, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways

The Stroke & Its Aftermath: What was meant to be a routine operation turned into a 10-hour surgery, leading to a stroke that left Andy unable to walk or speak.

Relearning Everything: From walking and writing to regaining speech, Andy had to rebuild his life from scratch, facing immense frustration along the way.

Mindset & Recovery: Andy’s ability to turn problems into challenges helped him push forward, achieving milestones like walking the London Marathon and climbing to Everest Base Camp.

The Lowest Point: A year and a half after his stroke, Andy hit rock bottom, contemplating suicide. His ex-wife’s support helped him shift his perspective and focus on new challenges.

Never Giving Up: Despite ongoing struggles with aphasia and mobility, Andy continues to set new goals, proving that resilience and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Key Moments

"I lost my speech, my ability to walk, and nearly my life—but I refused to give up."

"Turning problems into challenges changed my mindset. If it’s a challenge, I’ll try to beat it."

"Aphasia makes communication difficult, but every day is progress, and I won’t stop improving."

"From considering ending it all to climbing mountains—life is about pushing forward, no matter what."

About Andy Ibbott

Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi.

After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables.

A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, host Ed Nell sits down with Andy Ibbott, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School and renowned motorcycle journalist. Andy shares his incredible journey from a passion for motorbikes to a career in journalism, racing, and coaching some of the biggest names in the sport—including Valentino Rossi. He also discusses the life-changing stroke he suffered in 2011, which left him with aphasia, and how he has adapted to life since.

Key Takeaways

A Passion for Motorbikes: Andy’s love for motorcycles began at 14 when he saved up to buy his first bike, leading to a career in journalism and racing.

From Journalist to Coach: After working for Fast Bikes and MCN, Andy transitioned into coaching, eventually running the California Superbike School in the UK.

Training Legends: Andy worked with some of the world’s top riders, including Valentino Rossi, and even trained members of the British royal family.

Life-Changing Stroke: In 2011, Andy suffered a stroke that left him with limited movement on one side and aphasia, a language impairment that affects speech.

Adapting and Overcoming: Despite the challenges, Andy continues to share his knowledge, write, and inspire others through his resilience and determination.

Key Moments

"I never thought even once that I wouldn’t be here. Nothing would stop me—not even broken bones."

"Training Rossi was like dancing—he was so smooth, so in control, it was unbelievable."

"The stroke took away half my body, but I refuse to let it take away my passion for life."

"I was incredibly lucky to achieve my goals, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of the industry and the public."

About Andy Ibbott

Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi.

After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables.

A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.