Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Richard Branson Blogs About His Near-Death Bike Accident While training on his bicycle, he took a nasty fall that nearly launched him off a cliff.

By Dan Bova

Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Billionaire Richard Branson just posted pics of the aftermath of a harrowing bike outing that was anything but a fun day in the sun. On his Virgin blog, he wrote:

"A couple of nights ago I went cycling on Virgin Gorda with Holly and Sam as part of my training for the Virgin Strive Challenge. I was heading down a hill towards Leverick Bay when it suddenly got really dark and I managed to hit a "sleeping policeman' hump in the road head on. The next thing I knew, I was being hurled over the handlebars and my life was literally flashing before my eyes."

Branson goes on to describe how he was launched head-first into the road and credits his helmet for saving his life. His ride wasn't quite as fortunate. "My bike went flying off the cliff and disappeared," he writes. "We've since recovered the crumpled bicycle, completely destroyed."

Related: 'Screw It, Just Do It' Exclusive Video Interview with Sir Richard Branson

Here is a horrifying photo he tweeted following the crash.

He writes that he "only" suffered some torn ligaments and a cracked cheekbone, and hopes to still complete the Virgin Strive Challenge next month. The ever-upbeat CEO couldn't help but get a little cheeky about his busted cheek, writing, "My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you're moving forward. All you have to do is get back up and try again. At least I'm practicing what I preach -- though a little too literally!"

Earlier this year, Branson sat down with Entrepreneur and told us about his approach to risk and overcoming failure. Watch here.

Get well soon, Sir Richard!

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim and Spy magazine. Check out his latest humor books for kids, including Wendell the Werewolf, Road & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, and The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Elvis Presley's Granddaughter Fights Graceland Foreclosure, Calls Paperwork 'Forgeries'

The 13.8-acre estate was scheduled to be sold in a public foreclosure auction on Thursday. Presley's granddaughter and heir, Riley Keough, is fighting to save Graceland in court.

Growing a Business

Want to Expand Your Market Overseas? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Global Logistics in 2024

With rising geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions it can be hard for businesses to navigate supply chain logistics even in a post-pandemic world. Here are three tips from the CEO of an international customs brokerage.

Business News

Target Is Lowering Prices on Thousands of Items — Here's Where You Can Expect to Save

The news was announced ahead of Target's Q1 2024 earnings call, expected to occur Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST.

Business News

Kickstarter Is Opening Up Its Platform to Creators and Making Big Changes to Its Model — Here's What's New

The company noted it is moving beyond traditional crowdfunding and making it easier for businesses to raise more money.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.