So there I was, laying on my back and a quick assessment of my bike, while the audience showed their concern for my spectacular crash. Yup…I was embarrassed.
30min earlier; I started my preparation for trail-repairs in my garage by loading all the necessary tools in my backpack. This was another solo trip to the site and I figured about 45min to get there and 2 hours of work. I chose early Sunday morning (9ish) with the realization that the main trails could be quite busy with hikers and mtb’ers. Not really a concern because I was headed to a remote area.
On the main route I navigated past hikers, some mtb’ers, families, pets etc. Bear bell on and not travelling too fast while thanking as often as I could. A large group of hikers ahead of me (15ish)looked like very little problem as long as I got their attention and slowed down.
The group seemed to split into 3 separate groups and I could see their confusion as some passed between groups. I thought I could show that I was committed to one side of the trail. As I closed the distance I moved further off the trail and saw a route which involved a small log and some weeds. Surprise!
I hit the hidden boulder with my right foot, then my peddle, then my rear tire. I launched OTB towards the left side taking the bar grip in the ribs. My feet were well above my head at this time and I expected a hard landing on my back or side or head. I must have preformed an Olympic style twist before I landed. My tools and backpack were the first to touch down. Then my head, hip, thigh and elbow.
There we lay. My audience gasped. My elbow worked and I pushed the bike off of me. I started to hear concerned shouts from the audience as I dusted myself off. When I stood up I was able to raise my bikes and give it a quick check up.
The audience never moved (they probably never seen anything like this before) and I mounted my bike …thumbs up to the gathering crowd and I rode off.
It wasn’t until the next day that the bruising set in. Scratched elbow, black eye, sore ribs, bruised hip and thigh, sore right foot and a slight ego check.
The pic shows the Boulder I hit but it was moved the next day. I dislodged that thing.
30min earlier; I started my preparation for trail-repairs in my garage by loading all the necessary tools in my backpack. This was another solo trip to the site and I figured about 45min to get there and 2 hours of work. I chose early Sunday morning (9ish) with the realization that the main trails could be quite busy with hikers and mtb’ers. Not really a concern because I was headed to a remote area.
On the main route I navigated past hikers, some mtb’ers, families, pets etc. Bear bell on and not travelling too fast while thanking as often as I could. A large group of hikers ahead of me (15ish)looked like very little problem as long as I got their attention and slowed down.
The group seemed to split into 3 separate groups and I could see their confusion as some passed between groups. I thought I could show that I was committed to one side of the trail. As I closed the distance I moved further off the trail and saw a route which involved a small log and some weeds. Surprise!
I hit the hidden boulder with my right foot, then my peddle, then my rear tire. I launched OTB towards the left side taking the bar grip in the ribs. My feet were well above my head at this time and I expected a hard landing on my back or side or head. I must have preformed an Olympic style twist before I landed. My tools and backpack were the first to touch down. Then my head, hip, thigh and elbow.
There we lay. My audience gasped. My elbow worked and I pushed the bike off of me. I started to hear concerned shouts from the audience as I dusted myself off. When I stood up I was able to raise my bikes and give it a quick check up.
The audience never moved (they probably never seen anything like this before) and I mounted my bike …thumbs up to the gathering crowd and I rode off.
It wasn’t until the next day that the bruising set in. Scratched elbow, black eye, sore ribs, bruised hip and thigh, sore right foot and a slight ego check.
The pic shows the Boulder I hit but it was moved the next day. I dislodged that thing.
- and Switzerland - WOW!!
