Riding Through Aphasia

Content note: This episode includes frank discussion of suicide and suicidal feelings.If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Support is available:Samaritans (UK & ROI): Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.Shout (UK): Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7 — giveusashout.org.NHS urgent help (UK): Call 111 or use your local NHS urgent mental health helpline — nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth.Emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.Outside the UK? Find local support via the International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres or Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.orgIn this moving episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell talks with Andy Ibbott about the people and moments that helped him rebuild life after a stroke. Andy reflects on the surgeons who saved him, the brutal early months with aphasia, the near-collapse of his mental health, and the slow, stubborn climb back, one short walk at a time. He shares the pivotal role of close friends like Rob and Chris, and the unforgettable London Marathon story that tested them all. Above all, Andy’s message is clear: others can help, but the decision to keep going must come from within.Key TakeawaysTen Days in ICU, Then the Long Road: After 10 days in intensive care and an early, too-ambitious trip to France, recovery faltered before it gathered momentum back in the UK.Hitting Bottom and Choosing Life: As visits dwindled and isolation bit, Andy reached suicidal lows before reframing recovery as a series of small, winnable challenges, like walking to the end of the road and back.Hard Truth for Loved Ones: Andy’s advice to families is compassionate but firm: support helps, but recovery ultimately depends on the person doing the work, processing advice and acting on it.A Stark Warning: Andy says many survivors don’t make it through the first two years after stroke, stressing the urgency of honest conversation about mental health and suicide risk.Best Moments“They decided to cut… By cutting it, he will have a stroke… But it will come once he’s cut it.”“They gave me a 5% chance to live… I came round the second day, up to 20%.”“People were coming less and less… The spiral was going down… I nearly committed suicide.”“Nobody can help you, only you. Others can support, but it’s down to you to get the result.”About Andy IbbottAndy 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/

Ed Nell catches up with Andy Ibbott as he talks about life after stroke through the lens of constant challenges, zip-lining in Wales, tackling Hadrian’s Wall, open-water swimming, and getting back on a motorbike. Andy reflects on his pre-stroke mindset from magazine test days and the California Superbike School, and how that same drive now fuels carefully adapted goals. He’s frank about the graft it takes, from a painful London-to-Paris ride not long after his stroke to relearning how his body behaves on a bike and the mental shift required to “deal with it” rather than wish it away. Beyond personal feats, Andy shares wins from his coaching of young riders and his growing speaking work. The thread running through it all: try it, adapt, and keep going.Key TakeawaysPushing limits, then and now: From 225mph test days and near-record runs to post-stroke adventures, the instinct to edge the limit remains, only now with deliberate adaptation.Acceptance and adaptation: Early rides post-stroke exposed unexpected quirks (like drifting left); progress began when he decided he couldn’t change the stroke, only how he’d deal with it.Coaching impact: Despite earlier worries about speech, Andy returned to trackside coaching, helping youngsters to championship titles and supporting riders across BSB and WorldSBK classes.Speaking & books: His talks span stroke, motorbike craft, and elite riders; he’s also planning an updated edition of Performance Riding Techniques with fresh chapters.Core message: Try it, pass or fail, because the act of trying moves you forward.Best Moments“Each challenge is… different for me with half a body… Hadrian’s Wall… won’t be as hard physically; mentally it will be.”“London–Paris… like riding a push bike with a dummy leg… so painful… but I kept on going.”“I didn’t accept it until probably five years down the line… then things became a challenge.”“It helps me to help them”—on why coaching riders from six-year-olds to superbike classes still lights him up.About Andy IbbottAndy 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/

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 TakeawaysMornings 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 IbbottAndy 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/

In this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell catches up with Andy Ibbott about his latest adventures, on and off the bike. From open-water swimming and coaching young racers to running the London Marathon and planning to take on Europe’s longest zip wire, Andy shares the physical and mental grit it takes to keep pushing boundaries after a life-changing stroke. With humour and humility, he talks about falling down (literally and metaphorically), getting back up, and why each year has to include a challenge that scares him, just a bit.Key TakeawaysFrom coaching young “FAB” riders aged 6 to 12, to working with British Superbike competitors, Andy is a constant presence in the paddock, even in winter when some riders still seek training.Every year, Andy takes on a personal challenge, be it the London Marathon, Everest Base Camp, or a terrifying zip wire in Wales. Each feat pushes him physically and mentally.The London Marathon was physically punishing, but it was Andy’s mental resilience that saw him through 26 gruelling miles, even after his best friend collapsed from a sugar crash.Andy believes challenges are won mostly in the mind. Despite having only “half a body” and “half a brain,” he proves that sheer willpower can outpace physical limitations.Best Moments“My brain was telling me, ‘Quit, quit, quit.’ And I said, ‘No, bugger you,’ turned over, and made it.”“He passed out... and then 300 yards before the finish line, he was next to me again. The bugger made it before I did.”“The marathon was hard. But walking to the train station after? That was the hardest thing I’ve ever trained for.”“It’s 80% mindset. And I’ve only got half a mind. But somehow, something happens and I just keep going.”About Andy IbbottAndy 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/

In this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell sits down with Andy Ibbott to explore his remarkable return to motorcycle coaching after suffering a stroke. Andy reflects on his days at the top of the sport, running the California Superbike School and coaching MotoGP champions, and how he fought his way back from a 5% chance of survival to once again teach riders at the elite level. From adapting his methods to overcoming physical and speech challenges, Andy shares what it means to reconnect with his passion and shape the next generation of motorbike racers.Key TakeawaysCoaching Comeback: After his stroke, Andy returned to coaching at all levels—from grassroots “FAB” racers as young as six, to British Superbike contenders. His coaching remains world-class, with many of his students now competing at the highest levels.Mind Over Body: Andy’s intellect and deep knowledge of racing were never lost, but translating that knowledge post-stroke into speech and physical action was the true battle. He continues to adapt and refine his coaching methods to work around communication barriers.Riding Again: Getting back on a motorbike after his stroke was no small feat. Misjudging which hand was in control during a test ride reminded Andy just how far he’d have to come to adapt—but he did, even riding at near pre-stroke lap times.Legacy in the Paddock: Andy’s coaching legacy is undeniable. A significant number of current British Superbike and MotoGP paddock riders have come through his training, including world champions and rising stars like Chloe Jones and a future hopeful he’s coached since age 10.Best Moments“I went from a one-hour operation to a ten-hour one—and a 5% chance of living.”“I thought I was using my right hand to steer the bike... but it wasn’t working. It took that mistake to realise how I needed to adapt.”“I could explain 100 different things in my head—I just couldn’t get more than one out at a time.”“I don’t see myself as a hero. I’m just a normal bloke. I just happen to be rather good with motorcycles.”About Andy IbbottAndy 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/

In this deeply honest episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell and Andy Ibbott delve into the complexities of living with aphasia – a little-understood condition Andy developed following his stroke. Andy shares how aphasia affects his day-to-day communication, the emotional toll it takes, and the tireless work involved in his progress from being non-verbal to regaining functional speech. They also explore the impact on relationships, the importance of patience, and the role of challenges in Andy’s continued recovery journey.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Aphasia: Andy explains aphasia as a communication condition caused by brain damage – often misunderstood by the public. He describes a clinical scale from 0 (no speech) to 7 (functional speech with errors) and shares that he began at level 0 and is now at level 7.Writing with the Wrong Hand: Due to right-side hemiplegia, Andy had to learn to write left-handed. He reflects on the challenge of this, compounded by aphasia, making tasks like writing a shopping list a frustrating ordeal.Tools and Tech: While Andy uses some adaptive tech like braces and modified boots, most of his progress stems from sheer determination, physical training, and pushing himself every day.Advice to Others: For those newly affected by aphasia or supporting someone who is, Andy’s message is clear – be patient, keep challenging yourself, and find what works for you. Small wins, like making a cup of tea independently, matter greatly.Best Moments“My first words were yes, no, and a swear word – that was it.”“From zero to seven took years of work. But I’m still going – there’s more to come.”“You might mess it up the first few times, but eventually you’ll find a way that works for you.”“Everything becomes a challenge. And that’s how I move forward.”About Andy IbbottAndy 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/

In this remarkable episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell reconnects with Andy Ibbott to talk about what life looks like 15 years after his stroke. From tackling terrifying heights and open-water swims to coaching future British Superbike talent, Andy shares how he continues to defy expectations. He reflects on his relentless pursuit of new goals, including his Everest adventure and planned parachute jump, despite a fear of heights, and how teaching young riders has reignited his purpose.Key TakeawaysEndless Goal Setting: Andy always has a new challenge lined up, from a tandem London-Paris ride to Everest and potentially skydiving with the Parachute Regiment, each one more daring than the last.Raising for Charity: Every challenge Andy takes on helps raise money for causes close to his heart, especially supporting veterans and those living with disability.Adaptive Resilience: Despite hemiplegia affecting his right side, Andy swam in open water, rides motorbikes again with adapted controls, and powers through with his left limbs.Coaching Comeback: Andy returned to teaching motorbike racing, first with kids, then elite riders. He's now mentoring British Superbike hopefuls and the inspiring True Heroes team, many of whom face physical challenges.Living with Risk: Andy openly acknowledges the emotional weight of coaching in a high-risk sport. He reflects on rider injuries, resilience, and the tough realities of motorsport.Best Moments“I can’t move my right side, so I swam with my left arm and leg and I did it.”“When I’m back on solid ground after a challenge, I know I’ve done something for charity and myself, that’s the real win.”“People in the crowd say, ‘I’m a runner, and I wouldn’t do what you’re doing’ and that keeps me going.”“Coaching isn’t just about speed, it’s about knowing the risks, respecting the sport, and making riders better and safer.”About Andy IbbottAndy 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/

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 TakeawaysDelayed 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 IbbottAndy 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/