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No Average Wednesday: Routine, Resilience and Restless Nights
In this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell asks Andy Ibbott to walk us through an “average” day. From wrestling with a shower-over-bath on one good leg, to one-handed breakfasts, adapted driving and carefully managed training, Andy shares the micro-workarounds that make everyday life possible after stroke and aphasia. It’s a candid, practical look at fatigue, frustration and fierce determination.
Key Takeaways
Mornings start early and unpredictably: Andy often wakes at 1, 3 or 6 a.m., so he gets up and makes the day work rather than lying there frustrated.
Basic tasks are multi-step challenges: getting into a bath-shower on one functioning leg, drying by rubbing a towel against the wall, opening cartons one-handed, and even using his mouth to remove a new milk cap.
Driving is adapted and deliberate: a left-foot accelerator and brake, careful manoeuvring to shut the door one-handed, and switching off certain car settings every time.
Riding stays on track (not road): balance is tricky below ~5 mph, stopping requires a plan or help, and mounting/dismounting is the hardest part with a weak right leg.
Frustration is constant, mindset is key: he accepts tasks take longer, structures his day, and keeps pushing for the closest version of his pre-stroke self.
Best Moments
“Life is hard, but it’s even harder for a stroke survivor… throw aphasia in and it’s doubly hard.”
“I can’t switch off… it’s got to be something buzzing around in my half a brain.”
“There is no pattern to it whatsoever,” Andy says of his sleep.
“Yes, I’ve got half a body, but the stronger body has to make up for the weaker body.”
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.
View all episodes
By The Media InsidersIn this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell asks Andy Ibbott to walk us through an “average” day. From wrestling with a shower-over-bath on one good leg, to one-handed breakfasts, adapted driving and carefully managed training, Andy shares the micro-workarounds that make everyday life possible after stroke and aphasia. It’s a candid, practical look at fatigue, frustration and fierce determination.
Key Takeaways
Mornings start early and unpredictably: Andy often wakes at 1, 3 or 6 a.m., so he gets up and makes the day work rather than lying there frustrated.
Basic tasks are multi-step challenges: getting into a bath-shower on one functioning leg, drying by rubbing a towel against the wall, opening cartons one-handed, and even using his mouth to remove a new milk cap.
Driving is adapted and deliberate: a left-foot accelerator and brake, careful manoeuvring to shut the door one-handed, and switching off certain car settings every time.
Riding stays on track (not road): balance is tricky below ~5 mph, stopping requires a plan or help, and mounting/dismounting is the hardest part with a weak right leg.
Frustration is constant, mindset is key: he accepts tasks take longer, structures his day, and keeps pushing for the closest version of his pre-stroke self.
Best Moments
“Life is hard, but it’s even harder for a stroke survivor… throw aphasia in and it’s doubly hard.”
“I can’t switch off… it’s got to be something buzzing around in my half a brain.”
“There is no pattern to it whatsoever,” Andy says of his sleep.
“Yes, I’ve got half a body, but the stronger body has to make up for the weaker body.”
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.