Death Defying to Flying

By | Wade Crowther

Photos by | Jacksen Skinlow

Video by | Jacksen Skinlow

November 11,2024

On January 20th, at 3 pm, Robbie Seaman's life took a dramatic turn. During a group UTV outing, the vehicle hit a patch of wet clay, causing it to roll. As the passenger, Robbie's right arm was ejected and crushed. The injuries were severe—his arm was degloved, bones shattered, and arteries severed, causing life-threatening blood loss.

His friends acted quickly, applying a makeshift tourniquet and calling 911. Miraculously, paramedics were nearby responding to an unrelated incident. They reached Robbie within 10 minutes, stemming the bleeding and saving his life.

Robbie underwent a series of operations, including grafts, in an attempt to save his arm. Despite initial hope, his arm became necrotic, and amputation became necessary to save his life. Thanks to the UMC Children's Hospital of Las Vegas, Robbie survived and began the challenging journey of adapting to his new reality.

The mental and emotional struggle was immense. Robbie was an accomplished athlete, excelling in lacrosse, basketball, and mountain biking, where he had achieved podium finishes in the Utah NICA League. Amputation seemed to shatter his dreams of competing.

However, with unwavering support from his parents (Rob and Wendy) and his mountain bike coaches, Robbie found the strength to look forward. He was determined to get back on his bike. Coaches Nate Talbot and Sam Stoddard spearheaded an incredible effort, reaching out to companies within the bike industry to help create a customized bike that would allow Robbie to not only ride but compete again.

The Bike of His Dreams

The cycling community responded with overwhelming generosity, donating parts and expertise to build Robbie a truly remarkable bike

- Bicycles Unlimited: Donated parts and labor
- Trek: Donated the frame
- SRAM: Donated the drivetrain, including an electronic derailleur
- RockShox: Donated the fork suspension
- Tannus: Donated tire inserts for flat protection and performance enhancement
- Fasst Company: Donated Flexx handlebars
- Hope Tech: Donated brakes (dual brake levers on one side)
- Dixie Flyers MTB Team: Donated the damper and parts
- Preferred Protection: Provided clear frame protection
- Shriners Children's Salt Lake City: Donated prosthetics

The Road Back to Racing

Receiving his dream bike was just the first step. Learning to ride with one arm, especially on technical mountain bike trails, was an arduous process. Robbie had to master balance, control, and new techniques, all while building strength and endurance. (Huge thanks to Shriners Children's Hospital of Salt Lake City for providing his prosthetic.) Through sheer determination, Robbie progressed rapidly and was ready for the NICA season in August of 2024.

His first race at Soldier Hollow was a test of his resilience. Robbie flew out of the staring gate and was crushing the technical course. Encountering a flat tire on his first lap dropped hopes of Robbie finishing the race. However, thanks to his donated Tannus inserts, Robbie was able to keep pedaling, fix the flat and finish the race, boosting his confidence. He pushed through a season of challenges with the help of all his donated equpment—flats, broken chains, and even his prosthetics slipping off—ultimately qualifying for and racing in the State Championships.

Looking Ahead

Robbie's goals extend beyond high school. He dreams of representing the United States in the Paralympics for mountain biking. To help Robbie and his family realize this dream, please consider donating to their GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-robbie-seamans-unstoppable-journey

Share Robbie's incredible story to inspire others to "Keep Pedaling!"

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