Cycling...and the toll
You see, I just got this really hot carbon road bike (as of the first of April). It is so cool that I haven't been able to go more than about 2 days without my 30 mile "fix". I actually have put on 1488 miles since 1 April, and in there is a story.
I was riding yesterday to put on the last miles to get to 1500 in three months (!), when...well, when I crashed. Big time. I was reaching back to clean off potential glass from my back tire (which I had just unavoidably ridden through, and which I have done a thousand times) when my hand (actually the ring on my hand) got jammed between the tire and the frame, instantly stopping my back wheel which was probably going 23 MPH at the time. I went down hard and was skidding along the pavement before I knew what was happening. So here's the tally:
- Road rash on leg and arm (pretty impressive at that!)
- Really sore left shoulder
- Ruined favorite brand new jersey with a huge lobster design on it
- Broken helmet, which did its job of protecting my bruised head
- Broken carbon handlebars
- And get this: broken carbon frame. It's toast.
This will be an expensive wreck.
Two, no make that three lessons:
- When cleaning your rear tire (especially if you have tight clearances) be really careful!
- Always, always, always wear a helmet!
- Be thankful for friendly people who stop to help you out. They took me back to the cabin, where Betty took care of my mashed up body. I'm thanking them in a letter to the editor of the local newspaper.
That is about it. It's enough. Cap'n Road Rash signing off!
I was riding yesterday to put on the last miles to get to 1500 in three months (!), when...well, when I crashed. Big time. I was reaching back to clean off potential glass from my back tire (which I had just unavoidably ridden through, and which I have done a thousand times) when my hand (actually the ring on my hand) got jammed between the tire and the frame, instantly stopping my back wheel which was probably going 23 MPH at the time. I went down hard and was skidding along the pavement before I knew what was happening. So here's the tally:
- Road rash on leg and arm (pretty impressive at that!)
- Really sore left shoulder
- Ruined favorite brand new jersey with a huge lobster design on it
- Broken helmet, which did its job of protecting my bruised head
- Broken carbon handlebars
- And get this: broken carbon frame. It's toast.
This will be an expensive wreck.
Two, no make that three lessons:
- When cleaning your rear tire (especially if you have tight clearances) be really careful!
- Always, always, always wear a helmet!
- Be thankful for friendly people who stop to help you out. They took me back to the cabin, where Betty took care of my mashed up body. I'm thanking them in a letter to the editor of the local newspaper.
That is about it. It's enough. Cap'n Road Rash signing off!