Local writer chronicles Raisin's story

Saul Raisin's story of going from coma to competition is now the subject of an autobiography.

Partnering with local cycling author Dave Shields — who has published novels such as "The Tour" and "The Race" — Raisin has told his story in a recently published book titled "Tour de Life."

Shields and Raisin will be on hand before the Porcupine Hill Climb to sign copies of the book before it is released to the general public.

"With the book," Raisin said, "I just wanted to show everyone out there that's had a serious injury that life does not have to be over. You can still go on and live your life, and you don't have to give up."

The book chronicles Raisin's journey from a life-threatening crash and the resulting brain surgery that left him in a coma and partially paralyzed to rejoining the peloton.

Raisin and Shields will sign copies of the book before and after the race — Raisin's first competition since he crashed in France on April 4, 2006.

More information on Saul Raisin, his book and his life can be found at TourdeLife.us.