From Mowers to Mountain Bikes

Why I'm Currently Watching the Grass Grow (and Letting The Team Mow It)"

Well, folks, this isn’t the blog post I thought I’d be writing this summer!

I was expecting to be knee-deep in grass cuttings, dodging the odd bee, and admiring my tidy lines across lawns like a proud artist.

Instead, I’m currently navigating life from a horizontal position, discovering muscles I didn’t know existed (most of which now ache), and learning just how tricky it is to scratch your nose when one arm is out of action.

Let me rewind a bit and explain what’s happened—and more importantly, thank the absolute legends keeping this Big Sam The Mowing Man ticking over while I try to regrow a spine and wrist.

The Stag Do to End All Stag Dos

It all started on a glorious weekend in May at Bike Park Wales. Picture it: a group of blokes, buzzing with adrenaline and energy drinks, zipping through the trails, trying not to end up on 'You’ve Been Framed'.

It was my stag do—one last wild hurrah before saying “I do.” And it was epic… right up until the last run of the day!

Now, if you’re into mountain biking, you’ll know there’s always that one voice in your head saying, "Maybe just one more ride." That voice is a liar. That voice is not your friend.

One overly ambitious jump and a poorly-timed landing later, and boom: I met the ground with all the enthusiasm of a sack of spuds being chucked from a second-floor window. Straight onto my head - T4 spinal fracture! Compound fracture of my left wrist! And this, dear readers, was a week before my wedding.

Basically, I hit the ground so hard I bounced off the wedding plan entirely.

So… The Wedding?

From “I Do” to “Do You Need Help Sitting Up?”

Our big day was meant to be one week later. One week! But instead of walking down the aisle, I was flat on my back in Cardiff’s University Hospital trauma unit, being looked after by a team of absolute angels in scrubs, and missing what should’ve been the happiest day of our lives.

We made the tough call to postpone the wedding until next year. And honestly, it was heart-breaking. But it was also the right thing to do.

Because I want to walk down that aisle!

Teamwork Makes the Lawns Work

Which brings me to the heroes of this blog post: Leanne, Sam and James.

While I’ve been laid up, these absolute champs have stepped in to keep your lawns looking smart. Leanne’s been steering the ship like a pro and donning her walking shoes to push that mower around. Sam has been giving each mow the precision of a man cutting the Queen’s lawn, and James—Leanne’s nephew—has been getting stuck in with more energy than a toddler on Haribo.

They’ve been out in all weathers, on all types of terrain, working hard to keep the business going while I try to rebuild myself into a functioning human again. It hasn’t been easy, but they’ve done it all with smiles, skill, and a few well-timed tea breaks.

So to Leanne and Sam (my loyal partner-in-mow who I’m pretty sure now qualifies for sainthood), thank you from the bottom of my brace-covered back. You’ve gone above and beyond, and I owe you big time. Possibly in pints.

To Our Customers: You Absolute Icons!

And to our wonderful customers: thank you for being patient, understanding, and supportive while we navigate this unexpected detour.

Some of you have checked in, sent kind words, or simply kept booking as usual without a fuss. You’ve made what could have been a very stressful time feel that little bit lighter—and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

I know the service may have felt a little different without me behind the mower, but I trust you’ve been in very good hands.

The team’s been doing an amazing job, and your lawns are looking better than ever. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ll be allowed back at this rate!

When Will I Be Back?????

Ah, the million-pound question.

The short answer: not quite yet, but I’m getting there.

Recovery from a spinal fracture isn’t exactly a sprint—it’s more like a cautious shuffle with frequent naps. I’ve had surgery on both my back and wrist, and while I’m healing nicely, these things take time (and a lot of hospital sandwiches).

My doctors are optimistic, and I should make a good recovery, but it’s going to be a few months before I’m back behind the mower and lifting grass bags without needing a nap afterward.

Grass Still Grows, and So Do We:

Running a small business is always an adventure, but nothing quite prepares you for an unexpected injury, a wedding, and a crash course in rehabilitation all at once. But what I’ve learned is this:

• A strong team makes all the difference.

• Good people will rally around when you need them.

• And NEVER, EVER say “just one more run.”

I’m incredibly lucky!

Not just because I survived a very nasty accident, but because I’ve got amazing people around me—on the team, at home, and out in the community. And while this wasn’t the summer I planned, it’s one I’ll never forget. 

Stay safe, wear your helmets, and watch out for that last run of the day!

Yours, from the sofa,

Darrel

(Professional mower, amateur stuntman)