A Moment for Reflection
I didn’t plan to go on a long ride yesterday afternoon after work. I just wanted to get out for 80 minutes or so, because I’d be headed out for a climb-centric road ride early this morning.
I knew just the ride for a quick ride, too. From my house, I’d climb Hogg’s Hollow, then up Jacob’s Ladder. Then — instead of caving in to the temptation of dropping down Ghost Falls and riding the fun singletrack in Corner Canyon — I’d just cruise back along the high dirt road and drop back down Hogg’s Hollow.
I have done this ride or a variation of it so many times I sometimes no longer even think about the trail as I’m riding. I let my mind wander. That’s one of the perks of riding alone; you have time to think.
I Should Just Tattoo The Word “Jinx” On My Forehead
Yesterday, as I climbed, the subject I chose to think about was what I planned to write about for this blog today. Specifically, I was planning to write about how, somehow, I have finally become a fast, confident downhiller, able to keep up with my friends. Heck, even occasionally be the fast guy.
Fifteen years into riding, and I suddenly seem to have acquired a new skill. It’s surprising and interesting (to me), and well worth several hundred words of self-aggrandizing navel-gazing.
Of course, by doing this, I jinxed myself as effectively and thoroughly as if I had gotten off my bike, built an altar, sacrificed a convenient animal (like maybe a small lizard — there are lots of small lizards on Hogg’s Hollow right now), and begged the god of bike crashes (St. Beloki, I believe) to please please please favor me with his attention.
It All Happened So Fast
I didn’t ride Tuesday — lots of doctor appointment stuff with Susan — so my legs felt fresh on the climb and I got to the top of Jacob’s Ladder quickly and still feeling fresh.
I was in the mood to show off — to myself, since nobody was around — this newfound downhilling confidence. So I blasted down the first twisty section, hardly touching my brakes, letting the scrub oak brush against me, feeling good as it scratched my skin.
This opens up in just a few short feet to a loose section, with jagged granite jutting out through the trail. On a rigid bike, I always feel out of control, but have learned that if I keep my arms loose and stay back, the big 29″ bike wheels will roll over practically anything.
Next, there’s a quick drop — no more than 12-14.” Normally, drops make me nervous, but I have done this one so many times I didn’t even really think about it.
I should have thought about it.
Instead of dropping and rolling, my front wheel planted itself, becoming the fulcrum in a catapult. The rest of my bike quickly figured out what my front wheel was up to and happily took on the role of the lever.
And what was my role? Well, I was the payload, naturally.
I flew out and over my handlebars, landing on my head and right shoulder. And yes, my right shoulder is the one that separates easily and really needs to be repaired with surgery.
My primary memory of the moment of impact was of the sound. It was a distinctly ugly sound. A crunch. Like something was giving way.
Of course, I screamed.
Then I stopped screaming, because I realized — quite rationally, I think — that when you’re mountain biking alone, nobody can hear you scream.
I hopped up, adrenaline surging. My helmet felt weird. My glasses were askew. My shoulder hurt so bad that if I had had an audience, I would have resumed screaming.
My knee was a bloody mess. I didn’t have a camera — nor a phone, which would have had a camera but which also probably would have perished in the fall — but I did take a picture of my knee when I got home.
A Little Bit of “Me” Time
What really got on my nerves, though, was that my iPod shuffle continued, during what was clearly a painful and serious moment, to pipe a fast Pete Townshend song into my head.
The iPod should know better. I popped out the headphones.
With the adrenaline rush in full effect, I nearly got back on my bike. But my shoulder stopped me.
My right arm didn’t work. This would make it difficult to ride the 7/8 of the technical downhill still in front of me.
So.
I took off my helmet and sat down, giving myself over to the inevitable adrenaline shakes.
Once those subsided, I stood up, using — without thinking — my right arm to help.
Nearly blacking out, I sat back down.
It was time to reconsider how I was going to get home.
After my vision unclouded, I started thinking. It didn’t take long to come up with a plan. I’d walk my bike for the difficult part of the trail, then ride — if I could — to the dirt road. Then, instead of dropping down Hogg’s, I’d climb up to the Suncrest road and ride the pavement home.
Then, since that plan took roughly thirty seconds to come up with, I had time to think about more things. For example:
- I probably wasn’t going to get that early morning road ride in.
- I may not be a good bet for the Tour de Donut, either. Which is a shame, because I was coming up with a really good plan for it, involving giving the twins turns riding laps with me on it. Give them their first race experience in a really fun way.
- The sound I heard on impact might have been my helmet, because it was crushed.
- I am a 42 year old man with four kids and a sick wife. I can’t afford to be injuring myself like this. I don’t need to be a fast descender. I need to be a safe descender.
I don’t know how long I sat there, giving myself this self-evaluation, but I’m going to guess ten minutes. Maybe thirty.
Eventually, I stood up, lifted my bike, and found that if I moved my shoulder slowly, I could move my right hand up to the handlebar.
I then executed my plan, which turned out to be a good one. Once I got past the part of the trail that had lots of granite poking out, I was able to get back on my bike and gingerly coast down the singletrack, braking the whole way.
Once I hit a branch with my shoulder. That nearly brought out the scream. And once I hit a good bump — a small tree stump — and the jolt brought such a strong wave of pain that I started laughing, causing another part of me to wonder if I was now officially in shock.
Decision Time
I got to the road and then pedaled home, studiously avoiding potholes and bumps in the road. Then I walked in and announced, “I am going to need a camera and a ride to the hospital.”
First, though, I needed to get out of those shorts and jersey. They stank.
I took a picture of my knee and then climbed into the shower, where I cleaned the grime out of my cuts as best as I could, and took a count of everywhere I was cut up: right knee, head, backs of both hands, right hip, all up and down my back, right butt cheek.
And then I stood in the shower for a while, trying to make a decision. Should I go to the emergency room?
It’s not an easy call to make. What if I were just bruised? How embarrassing. But what if I didn’t go and something was really badly wrong? That would be stupid.
Finally I decided I’d rather be embarrassed than stupid, so my sister Kellene gave me a ride to the emergency room. There, they asked me my pain number. Oddly, I had just recently re-read an old post of mine and the comments thereto, so decided to go with 7. A strategic maneuver.
Friends in the Right Places
As I got led back to a room to wait my turn, I saw Mike Young, a good guy, very fast cyclist, and — as luck would have it — an emergency room doctor. I called out to him, telling me he needed to fix me up so I’d be good in time for Leadville (just a month away).
Mike was off-duty, but he came and took a look at the X-Rays and grabbed my shoulder in ways that made me whimper.
I have — no surprise — a first-class separated shoulder. Not much can be done about it. Mike says that there’s a good chance I’ll be able to do Leadville.
Kellene took me home, I pilfered some of Susan’s pain medication, and went to bed.
This morning, I’m stiff all over. When I want to move my right hand from the keyboard to the mouse, I have to use my left hand to lift and move it.
Worst, though, is the likelihood that this wreck will get into my brain — all wrecks get into my brain — and my hard-won, newfound ability to downhill is almost certainly gone.
I shall forever be Captain Timid, king of the slow, middle-aged downhillers.
Comment by Mr. Flynn | 07.10.2008 | 9:23 am
I have found that I have my riding by myself speed for downhill and riding with buddies speed. I bet there is about 3 mph difference between the two on the same trail. I don’t really like the idea of getting hurt alone. It has happened before when I broke my wrist about 5 – 6 years ago.
By the way, Long Sleeved Fatty Jerseys are a must!
Good luck getting better in time for Leadville
Comment by Bikerchick_IL | 07.10.2008 | 9:28 am
Oh, dear, Elden. So very sorry this happened! How you manage to make this self-deprecating instead of self-pitying is one of your greatest gifts to the universe. You did what you needed to do to take care of your head; hence the rest of your family.
It sux to be injured! But hey, aren’t you glad you have been so fastidious shaving this season?
Heal soon!
Comment by Anonymous | 07.10.2008 | 9:34 am
Man…….I’m glad I didn’t eat my oatmeal in front of the computer as usual. That is one gnarly looking knee shot. I’m sure the knee in no way compares to the shoulder. Sounds like you are keeping Kellene hopping. She’s a wonderful friend and an amazing sister.
We keep praying for you guys…you are constantly in our thoughts.
Have you considered maybe taking up Peanuckle?
Seriously.
Win Susan!!!
Comment by KT | 07.10.2008 | 9:39 am
Geez, Fatty, maybe you should take it easy sometimes.
You need to do some clean-up on that pic, it’s fuzzy. What’s that thing sticking out of the top, your kneecap?
St. Beloki, that’s good. I’ll keep that in mind when crossing the nasty railroad tracks on the way home today.
And yeah, maybe you should take up cards or something. Watch out for paper cuts, though.
Heal fast! Win, Susan!
Comment by UpNorth | 07.10.2008 | 9:40 am
OUCH! Good luck with the healing.
Comment by dougg | 07.10.2008 | 9:40 am
Ouch! Nicely done!
Comment by chtrich | 07.10.2008 | 9:40 am
There is no shame in being a slow, middle-aged downhiller. Live to enjoy riding another day!
I will be out of town this weekend so I was really hoping for a Tour De Donut report from you. Maybe you can at least go observe…and make sure the donuts are fresh.
Win Susan! – Heal Fatty.
Comment by Lizzylou | 07.10.2008 | 9:41 am
Last time I was in the emergency room they didn’t ask me a number. They asked me which face represented my pain level and I was show a poster of several smiley faces (though many were frowneys) exibiting various degrees of discomfort. You had a completely happy face, a face that looked like it had a mild sniffle, a cringing face, a sobbing face, and a face that looked ready to pass out. I wonder why the doctor couldn’t just look at my own face to see that I was in fact in the cringing catagory.
Comment by LanterneRouge | 07.10.2008 | 9:54 am
Not to put too fine a point on it but perhaps this incident indicates that your ability to downhill is not quite as “hard-won” and “newfound” as you think.
I’m just kidding. Get well soon so you can take of your family.
Comment by Shiny Flu | 07.10.2008 | 9:55 am
My last big crash was just like that. A trail I knew, pushing speed… then a technical section I’ve always cleared and bam.
Hope the healing comes fast! At least now you can finish your son’s game… left handed :)
Comment by Rick S. | 07.10.2008 | 10:04 am
You and Kenny need to take a week off the bike and go watch some movies and recover before Leadville.
Comment by dug | 07.10.2008 | 10:08 am
even in a post crash, “let me show you my insides” pic, you are flexing so hard you’re probably cutting off circulation.
or was that the idea, so that the blood wouldn’t obscure the wound?
Comment by Clydesteve | 07.10.2008 | 10:14 am
rats! Dug beat me to the obvious conclusion that the entire point of this post was to show a closeup of your flexed quads.
I have to hand it to you, Fatty, you really do sacrifice to keep this an award-winning blog!
Comment by Clydesteve | 07.10.2008 | 10:14 am
How about a photo of the helmet?
Comment by Heatherann | 07.10.2008 | 10:16 am
Aw man that sucks! Hope you feel better soon. I’m glad to hear you had a helmet on though. Susan doesn’t need a guy with a separated head right now.
Comment by Grizzly Adam | 07.10.2008 | 10:22 am
When you say you screamed, I can’t help but imagine you doing the famous “Wilhelm Scream” of movie sound effect legend.
It seems that every time I think I have made some improvements in my downhill skills I crash. A karmic reminder of the cold hard fact that, try as I may, I am no downhill phenom.
And you never know. Someone may have heard your screams. And turned around in terror.
Heal up quickly!
Comment by Boz | 07.10.2008 | 10:23 am
What ever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. You just gained a whole bunch of strength, my friend. My guess is you’ll start descending smarter, thus faster, though it may feel slower. Does that make sense? If it was a horse, you’d get back on, so fix the rim and get back out there !!
Comment by Paul | 07.10.2008 | 10:23 am
Ouch! I feel for you. Hope the shoulder heals up fast.
A couple weeks ago I did a summersault in the bottom of a ditch after I over-cooked a turn leading out 6 of my roadie friends. I felt like I could wrestle a bear with the adrenaline surge when I climbed back out of the ditch. A couple days later I realized there was poison ivy in the ditch, a gift that keeps on giving :)
Comment by jt | 07.10.2008 | 10:26 am
“Captain Timid, king of the slow, middle-aged downhillers”
Make that living king of the…
Fatty, yesterday I took my first off-road bike ride, mostly because of your blog. I took my hard-tail hybrid commuter out to South Mountain Park and did half of the Desert Classic trail with some work colleagues. It beat the crap out of my poor commuter bike (and me), but I can see how this kind of riding could be a blast with a bike built for the trails.
Right up until I go head-over-handlebars, I’ll have you to thank for introducing me to off-road biking. After that, I’ll have you to blame. :-)
WIN Susan!
Comment by NW | 07.10.2008 | 10:30 am
:(
That stinks.
Comment by carolyn | 07.10.2008 | 10:32 am
Dude, cell phone! Call for help next time.
Comment by Big Shorty | 07.10.2008 | 10:35 am
Fatty,
Twas the night for crashing….but mine much less spectacular. I’m a 250# 5′9 guy who was practicing for the original Tour de Donut in Illinois(20th anniversary)who succumbed to the rule of “At least one crash due to failing to clip out”. I wish I could claim it was due to an awesome downhill run, but we don’t have hills here…..it was more of a fat guy falling over like an elephant who got hit with a tranquelizer gun! Time to true up a wheel!!
Best of luck on your healing, I hear Leadville is a great time.
The Tour de Donut in Illinois is this weekend……need a roving corrspondent to fill the now pastry hole in the blog???
Win Susan!
Comment by Lisa B | 07.10.2008 | 10:38 am
Um, thanks for the pic of the knee … and for not subjecting us to pics of your right butt cheek. Tho I’m sure that would have been flexed, too. Take care of that shoulder and I’m sure Susan will happily share pain meds tonight, as well!
Comment by jmg | 07.10.2008 | 10:39 am
You know my favorite thing of the whole post? It’s how you managed to flex your quads for the damaged knee picture. Rock on.
Comment by Emily | 07.10.2008 | 10:40 am
Ow.
But someone did hear you scream when you crashed alone. The small lizards who had escaped sacrifice to St Beloki heard it, and they smiled quietly to themselves…
Comment by kenny | 07.10.2008 | 10:40 am
Dude,
Sorry to hear it. I quess I can empathize with your situation. My AC seperation hurt way more than breaking my collar bone. I did ride leadville a month later. I was able to keep riding. The hardest part was taking my jersey off after my ride. My wife would make fun of me because I would come home from a 3 hour ride and then need help getting undressed. From now on, whenever I’m feeling invincible on a ride, I think to myself that I’m only one rock or one root away from a trip to the emergency. I don’t know if this will help me, but at least it keeps me more aware. Heal fast my friend. Getting hurt sucks.
Kenny
Comment by anneb | 07.10.2008 | 10:52 am
Oh, ow, ow, ow, I should not have scrolled down on that pic…just couldn’t help myself though.
I’m doing the Illinois Tour de d this weekend and will be prouding sporting the pink jersey. Will try to consume a couple of extras for you.
Anne
Comment by Weiland | 07.10.2008 | 10:52 am
Funny how we can jinx ourselves like that. Last fall I was doing some intervals over my lunch break. The little voice inside my head said I should call it a day and head back to the office. I ignored it and wanted to get 1 more in. I even thought about it as I brushed off the voice and laughed when I thought about crashing. While I was out of the saddle performing one last hill sprint at about 17 mph my chain snapped, I shot forward hitting you know what on my bar stem thus losing control, going down and hitting the pavement. The impact with the asphalt shot me into the air and I rolled my bike. Surprisingly I didn’t separate my shoulder, but I did get a concussion out of it and a new helmet.
Get well soon!
Comment by fatty | 07.10.2008 | 11:04 am
everyone – believe it or not, i’m not flexing. my quads are currently super-awesome, which they need to be in order to haul the extra 20 pounds i’ve gained up the hill.
Comment by rich | 07.10.2008 | 11:19 am
Ouch! Hope you heal up quickly. I had a similar experience a couple of years ago. (still can’t sleep on my right side due to shoulder pain)
It’s true that “pride goeth before the endo” or something to that effect.
Win Susan!
Comment by Lifesgreat | 07.10.2008 | 11:19 am
I am sorry you got hurt-wishing you a speedy recovery. I am doing the Tour de Donut Saturday and don’t really like donuts. I ride, you eat-the perfect relay. . .
Comment by Mocougfan | 07.10.2008 | 11:20 am
Is that your bone sticking out? Sick.
As for not flexing…. whatever.
Comment by KanyonKris | 07.10.2008 | 11:21 am
Sorry you got caught with a crash at the same time you pushed the speed. Sometimes that happens. I hope your injuries heal quick.
I did a mellow ride in Corner Canyon and quite enjoyed it. I pushed a few turns, but stayed within my safety zone. Boring to some, but worked for me. Yes, it’s fun to open it up – speed is a rush. The ebb and flow.
Comment by Ka_Jun | 07.10.2008 | 11:24 am
Shit dude, all of you need to get better soon. Man…thank God that pic was out of focus, looked like you genuflected into some roadkill.
Comment by mikeb | 07.10.2008 | 11:28 am
Nice. But as a great man once said “but what are scars but conversation pieces you never lose?”
Comment by BillFrog | 07.10.2008 | 11:30 am
No, no, it’s okay – your confidence will come back. I had a similar crash in January (flat road, but speed and ice don’t mix), breaking my shoulder and pelvis. I didn’t walk for a month, and I now have a frozen shouder – but I can ride fine, and – six months later – I can manage a 60km/hr decent without feeling like the bike’s going to vanish out from under me again (admittedly on tar, not off-road – but then, I’ve always been a bit rubbish off-road). It’ll be okay. Just be patient. (But I guess that’s not your strong suit…)
Comment by EuroJoe | 07.10.2008 | 11:39 am
Ok no more reading your blog while eating for me, i made it past tho and on to the scissor incident….
best of luck!!
WIN SUSAN (and now fatty just a little bit)
Comment by Sprite's Keeper | 07.10.2008 | 11:51 am
Really weak comparison here, but I feel timid every time I start running on my treadmill. I always have this fear in the back of my mind that I will step down wrong and go down in a heap with some major tread burn. Hasn’t happened yet, but now, I’m all of the sudden nervous about going at it tonight..
Hope you heal soon.
Win Susan!
Comment by judi | 07.10.2008 | 11:56 am
Fatty I am glad you are ok. I hope you start to feel better soon.
Comment by M2 | 07.10.2008 | 12:13 pm
I feel your pain, Fatty. Separating a shoulder, especially if it’s attached to your dominate hand presents all kinds of new challenges. Especially when it comes to personal hygiene. I know this from experience.
“…my front wheel planted itself, becoming the fulcrum in a catapult. The rest of my bike quickly figured out what my front wheel was up to and happily took on the role of the lever.”
Ain’t physics a bitch!
Comment by Karl McCracken | 07.10.2008 | 12:13 pm
Aw, man, that’s gotta hurt! I mean, seriously – when your ego and confidence get smashed like that, it really stings, doesn’t it?
Been years since I’ve had a decent bloodied-up trip to casualty, but I’ve made up for it with regular road rash in the last few years. But here’s the thing though – that pain you’ve got today. You know, the sore all over, with bits stinging like hell, and other bits aching or downright throbbing, but none of it actually bad enough to make you scream any more? Don’t you almost (but not quite) LIKE it?
Or is that just me? Why’s everyone staring at me again?
Take it easy & give it time to heal before you go and do anything too daft again!
Comment by Susan (another one) | 07.10.2008 | 12:16 pm
1. Always have your cell. (I learned that the hard way too).
2. Learn to mouse left-handed.
Comment by Tina C | 07.10.2008 | 12:20 pm
Well, that looks painful. At least Captain Timid won’t face-plant into the asphalt…we hope! Feel better soon!
Comment by Jay Peitzer | 07.10.2008 | 12:21 pm
Well Fatty I’m going to be 60 this year. I’m your basic chicken descender….I can’t afford to wind up in the hospital. Have you ever noticed that women are always very aware of their age very secretive but aware. And guys no matter how old always think they’re still 18. Heal quickly and of course
WIN SUSAN!!!!
Comment by Don | 07.10.2008 | 12:26 pm
That really sucks bro! Hope you get better soon, at least with plenty of time for Leadville. Are there more picts, or just the one of your knee?
Comment by reagan | 07.10.2008 | 12:43 pm
I was cringing through the whole story…I could tell something bad was going to happen. At least you’re out there trying to do it! Now you have a story to tell “man I was going so fast down this hill…and then I flipped”
Comment by MAJ Mike | 07.10.2008 | 1:18 pm
“That’s gonna leave a mark.”
– Tommy Callahan
Comment by DrKim | 07.10.2008 | 1:25 pm
Fatty,
Bummer about the separated shoulder. last time I did that I was in the ER, and the doc said “we need xrays to determine whether it is a separation or a broken c-bone.” Afterwards, he came in and said “congratulations, you have both!” Lovely…super painful, but they heal fast. I was back out there in 2 weeks…albeit gingerly :-).
Heal fast, and take it easy. See if you can play that fun little video game one-handed. (give your son $1 for this comment) That will make it more challenging :-)
Comment by Flyin' Ute | 07.10.2008 | 1:37 pm
I was just thinking on my ride yesterday that my downhilling was really improving. I think it has just been a while since my last good crash and I have been riding more recklessly.
Thanks for showing me the slippery slope I was heading down. I am going to immediatley stop tempting fate an learn from you.
Thanks fatty. See you in Leadville.
Comment by Wild Dingo | 07.10.2008 | 1:39 pm
“St. Beloki”– you’re killing me!
..and so go the rides of our lives…sorry ’bout the crash.
I ride alone a lot during the week. I always tell SOMEONE where I’m going and what time i should be back (i leave generous pad time for unexpected bonks or flats). and when i get back, i email or call that person that i’m back. That way, someone can always come looking for me. it’s a good back up plan if a cell phone slips out or breaks.
Heal up Fatty and WIN Susan!
Comment by siobhandee | 07.10.2008 | 1:51 pm
Firstly, that photo is totally disgusting.
And secondly, does every single city have a place called Hogg’s Hollow? Was the Hogg family really that prolific? And why always a Hollow? Why?
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 07.10.2008 | 1:54 pm
I’m really really really sorry. Sorry I missed seeing it.
Comment by Hamish A | 07.10.2008 | 2:00 pm
Duuuuuude… *imagine Californian surfer drawl*
That sucks. I feel your pain (really, I do, I’m still not healed enough to ride yet). Don’t let it knock your confidence on the downhill though, you’ve no need to slip quietly to the back of the pack on the downs. You know you can do it. Just switch off that part of the brain that whispers otherwise.
Glad you’re always wearing a helmet. Take care of that arm! And not flexing? riiiiight ;-)
WIN Susan! And HEAL Fatty!
Comment by bikemike | 07.10.2008 | 2:06 pm
gravity sucks. no, really, it does. there’s a whole theory about it and stuff.
i also thought aliens only popped out of stomachs or intestines not knees. the more you know.
Comment by mark | 07.10.2008 | 2:13 pm
What a coincidence. I too crashed on the MTB yesterday, and my knee looked about like yours (though I didn’t take a picture). It was really quite a spectacular crash, even from my vantage point on the ground. I was doing at least 20mph when my front wheel washed out. I hit the deck and rolled. My bike flipped a few more times for good measure. The worst thing was that my keys were in my pocket (I almost always wear baggy shorts on the MTB), and I went down on that side.
Comment by Kendall | 07.10.2008 | 2:21 pm
That sucks! I was hoping to meet you at the Tour de Donut. Was that Dr. Mike Young at A.F. Hospital? He is good. He sewed the tip of my middle finger back on after I had an argument with a table saw last year.
Comment by regina | 07.10.2008 | 2:38 pm
Puke that picture is really something, I too am glad it is out of focus. Long live the King.
Comment by Charlie | 07.10.2008 | 2:44 pm
OK – something to think about from a guy who has pleanty of time to thnk about things like this on long slow climbs and is a chicken on the way back down…
From Twin Lakes to Columbine, I’m 65 minutes slower than Dave Wiens. From Columbine to Twinlakes back, I’m only 20 minutes slower.
You can gain much more time by climbing faster and descending slower than vice versa!
Comment by matt | 07.10.2008 | 2:51 pm
Ouch!
Heal quick, Dude.
Comment by Lizzylou | 07.10.2008 | 3:21 pm
Fatty – “everyone – believe it or not, i’m not flexing.”
Of course you’re saying this to enhance the quads even more. *wink*
Comment by Rob | 07.10.2008 | 3:23 pm
Get some elbow and knee pads. Seriously, if you don’t want to get laid up for 4 weeks nursing a smashed knee or elbow, get pads.
You don’t need massive DH racing armour either – some simple neoprene pads are easy to pack, and light enough to wear all the time.
I have the 661 “Chicken Wing” elbow and “Veggie Wrap” knee pads. Highly recommended.
Comment by Clint | 07.10.2008 | 3:23 pm
Holy buckets. Thats a pretty good gash.
Get better soon!
Comment by Jeffy | 07.10.2008 | 3:24 pm
Hey Fatty – sorry to hear of the crash and sorrier to have seen the pix. Maybe this will give you a chance to apply your wit and astute observational skills to the 4 (or is it 5?) repeating commercials on the TDF coverage? Get well and stay away from the Percoset! Jeffy
Comment by Big Boned | 07.10.2008 | 3:31 pm
Fatty,
Been a while since I’ve been here. I’ve been a bit depressed since I had a compound fracture of my elbow (the bone came through the skin) a couple weeks ago.
My accident was even more embarassing than yours – I was screwing off on my MTB in a PARKING LOT while waiting for friends to show up for a ride. I blame them – if they wouldn’t have been late, it never would have happened!
Anyway, I came today to get caught up and see this bit of bad news. Hope you heal soon – my doc said nothing on the bike for 8 more weeks (and my wife heard him – Rats!).
BB
Comment by TrekMom | 07.10.2008 | 3:41 pm
That stinks! Mostly about not riding the Tour de Donut, which I have to say is going to be much bigger than expected. I’ve upped the donut order 3 times in the last 3 days. Maybe if you’re not riding I can take it back down a little? You’re welcome to come be our celebrity guest host :-)
Comment by aussie kev | 07.10.2008 | 4:07 pm
sorry i have had the moniker of captain timed for over twenty years, since having a horrific downhill experience involving my chain coming of my single speed on a long downhill and the “required by law” front brake being mainly for show!!. i can still hear the sound of cycling shoe leather on bitumen as i tried to stop.
you will always be a little bit timid but it will come back – just look at stuey o’grady after his crash in last years tour and he is flying down hills again
k
Comment by Anonymous | 07.10.2008 | 4:07 pm
Sweeeet a new helmet!!
Comment by Mike Roadie | 07.10.2008 | 4:46 pm
Nice pic!!!!
So are you saying that you CAN see your belly-button???
As long as you are typing today, then no regrets on getting some head clearing time for yourself….
I am off to LSC San Jose….and I will be representing FC and Susan everywhere I go. Pictures to follow!!!!
Please help us WIN for Susan: http://bayarea08.livestrong.org/mike
St Beloki, indeed!
WIN
Unite
LiveSTRONG
Comment by KT | 07.10.2008 | 4:58 pm
Big Shorty, I had that almost that sort of experience this morning– shot across the road to the sidewalk, but failed to shift to a better gear form a very short but very vicious hill, stalled out, and almost fell over while trying to get my feet off the pedals.
It was a cartoon-moment; my legs just stopped going, my momentum went away, and I’m sure all those people in cars were laughing at me!
Oh well, at least I got to ride and didn’t run over any more glass. :)
Comment by Lins - Aust | 07.10.2008 | 5:08 pm
Ouch.
I agree with Rob. On singletrack I wear the types of pads he mentioned. I initially bought them to protect some bike crash inflicted nasty wounds which were still healing after the stitches were removed. Since the pads were relatively comfortable I continued to wear them and they have saved me from a few extra grazes/wounds. Oh and be sure to put them straight into the wash when you get back: they soak up all of the perspiration.
Comment by geckonia | 07.10.2008 | 5:49 pm
Were you listening to “I Am An Animal” by any chance?
I am an animal
My teeth are sharp and my mouth is full
And the passion is so strong
When I’m alone, loneliness will change me
I am a vegetable
I get my body badly pulled
I’m rooted to the spot
Nothing will rearrange me
I’m looking back and I can’t see the past
Anymore so, hazy
I’m on a track and I’m traveling so fast
Oh for sure I’m crazy
Comment by Catri | 07.10.2008 | 6:19 pm
That knee pic is awesome, in a fleshy-but-appropriate manner- did you require sutures for what appears to be a rather large laceration medially?
Hope you feel better soon-
Comment by Pam | 07.10.2008 | 7:22 pm
Saint Beloki…classic! I hate the whole number pain scale question. I was asked when in labor with my first child, and I said 6. The nurse looked at me like she didn’t believe me. Of course, after the birth (with an epidural, even), I felt like I had a better idea of what 6 really was. And when I gave birth to our second child without meds (not by choice, just went too quickly), I definitely could say I knew a 10! Happy Healing. Win Susan!
Comment by Joe | 07.10.2008 | 8:06 pm
I lived on my bike when I was younger. I was the show off, the speedster, the guy who would ham things up. On one ride I decided to ride a wheelie for a while.
Not a good idea. Front wheel,,,,for what ever reason,,,,came off. I was looking backwards at my friends,,,,soaking in the glory.
When I turned around the only thing I saw was my front wheel rolling down the road about 30 yards in front of me. I have no memory of the forks digging into the road or of me catapulting through the air about 15-20 feet. My eyes were fixed on the wheel.
I landed and broke my arm in a few places and whammed my chin into the road. I never felt it. I was transfixed by that wheel as it went thru a busy intersection with cars whizzing by yet never getting hit,,,,,and on it continued,,,,,,down the road.
Hope you heal soon and get back in the saddle!!
Comment by Bike Girl | 07.10.2008 | 9:15 pm
I have a healthy dose of crash fear after being hit three times by cars. It can really take a lot of self-pep-talking sometimes to get on the bike in busy urban traffic.
I have been trying to focus on the positive aspects of biking and wipe the crashes out of my mind.
It is difficult though. I comiserate.
Comment by Lazy Bike Commuter | 07.10.2008 | 10:08 pm
I broke my collarbone on a night ride a couple years back.
That is some PAIN right there. Although I think most of the pain was coming from a separation that went along with it, so I definitely feel for ya.
I was off the bike from the middle of October to the beginning of January though, so you’re winning in that regard.
Comment by Stephen | 07.10.2008 | 10:13 pm
ha ha ha, Beloki! Dude was strong, though.
Separated shoulder sucks, probably takes longer than a break to fully heal. You can still ride, but there’s always that little reminder.
Get back on the horse, carry your phone, and Win Susan!
Comment by radirpok | 07.11.2008 | 1:23 am
I’m getting more and more convinced that the time spent learning the basics – front wheel lift before a drop-off, for example – pays double later on, when you get to a technical section of a trail, and you know that you can do it, and you know that the technique you would use is the right one for that given section.
I’ve just started these short sessions – I do nothing else but practice basic stuff – a little bit of trackstand, front/rear wheel lift, jumping, and descending a steep but otherwise benign and short hill section behind the saddle. I also watched some instructional videos, and I have to say that I already feel an increased confidence and technical ability.
The point is that if you get hurt you must spend a lot of time off the saddle, so even though these practice runs are a bit boring they worth it in the long run.
I think there are some people who do things correctly the first time by instinct, but even these guys spend some time polishing their skills. And if you are not 14 learning will take much more time – if possible at all.
Comment by buckythedonkey | 07.11.2008 | 1:36 am
Mate, stay a timid descender and fulfill your ambitions of machismo by taking up bare-knuckle boxing. Sure, you’ll get your face beaten to a pulp but you’ll be unlikely to suffer Leadville-threatening injuries to your limbs.
Get well Fatty.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by highwaymunky | 07.11.2008 | 1:58 am
Poor Elden!
Top rated MTB injuries though well done on getting the good injuries and not just the feeble bruises!
Heal fast mate!
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by william | 07.11.2008 | 3:07 am
Cool. What’s the white bit on the left in that cut? (your right of course)
Comment by Hamish A | 07.11.2008 | 5:01 am
Oooh… perhaps as well as all the other cool Fat Cyclist stuff that Twin Six will be making they could do some lightweight body armor as well?
Just a thought. Commission checks to the usual address :-D
Comment by Wine Dog | 07.11.2008 | 6:04 am
Ouch mon! I’m sorry about the shoulder, those hurt. At least the helmet protected the melon. My brother crashed and when he got out of the shower there were two perfect images of himself in the bathroom mirror. What would Susan have done with two of you? :D Take care, heal well.
Win Susan.
Comment by Andre | 07.11.2008 | 6:39 am
Looks like a really bad spill. You will get better you’re Fat Cyclist, that is like Superman. A lot of people stand on those shoulders and we know you will come thru. Win Susan, God bless you both and the children.
Comment by VA Biker | 07.11.2008 | 7:23 am
I hope you heal in time for Leadville.
Your blog continues to demonstrate in full, gory detail why I don’t ride a mountain bike.
My typical MTB riding in a big, sweeping profile:
1. I stink at anything remotely technical.
2. I don’t want to crash and get hurt.
3. I always crash one of the 3 times I ride during the year because I never get over the psychological barrier of the fear of getting hurt while riding a mountain bike in the woods.
Yes, it is an evil little circle, which I pretty much gleefully ignore by riding my road bikes, on which I feel safer than I should. But really, how can I rationalize riding a mountain bike when I crash 33% of the time. Road crashes: oh, about .03% (2/~5750)…
WIN Susan!
Comment by Steve | 07.11.2008 | 7:51 am
Mmmm… scar tissue – the chicks dig it and it looks fantastic under a UV light! As for the shoulder – that sounded terrible. Don’t you MTB types wear body armour or something? If not – maybe you should. Get better soon.
Comment by FliesOnly | 07.11.2008 | 7:52 am
Ouch!
Thankfully, I have yet to experience a crash that has resulted me wanting/needing to join you in stating that:
“I shall forever be Captain Timid, king of the slow, middle-aged downhillers.”
Of course, now I’m sure I will. :)
Comment by regina | 07.11.2008 | 8:57 am
oh yes and do feel better soon and as always
WIN SUSAN!!!
Comment by Bjorn 4 Lycra | 07.11.2008 | 9:39 am
I’m with anonymous here comes a new helmet. A quick picture of the damaged one in the blog. Praise it for saving your boyish good looks followed by a quick gratuitous blog letter offering to further crash test other helmets and suddenly more prizes to give away. What a plan – it’s always good to have a plan.
Comment by Tasha | 07.11.2008 | 9:57 am
Hey Elden,
Sorry for the shoulder nudge yesterday…I just now read your entry…honest…I didn’t know about the crash. However, when I saw you yesterday your bruises and wounds looked cool and tough, in a take no prisoners kind of way.
Comment by Robert | 07.11.2008 | 10:26 am
Hey Fatty,
I think you owe us a shot of the helmet. I know how the shoulder feels. I caught a seam in the road that decided to throw me for a loop. Hope you get better fast, dont want you to miss out on all those doughnuts this weekend.
Comment by Andreas | 07.11.2008 | 10:36 am
Loving your writing! Sorry to hear about the accident but it made a very entertaining read!
Comment by Lisa | 07.11.2008 | 11:17 am
DUDE.
Comment by Andy | 07.11.2008 | 11:37 am
Hey Fatty,
Crashing sucks, sorry about that! However, no-one seems to have pointed out to you that riding fast down a technical trail on a RIGID is really not sensible! The right tool for the job, etc… a supension fork would have soaked up the drop and given it the finger as you and your bike disappeared up the trail.
Hope to see you in Leadville!
Comment by Miles Archer | 07.11.2008 | 12:39 pm
Saw this and thought it was right up your alley:
http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/2008/07/11/8719255.aspx
Given your former place of residence, you might already read Mr. Chen’s blog.
Comment by Solo | 07.11.2008 | 1:10 pm
Nice wounds. I was actually mocking the cycling gods the other day during a ride thinking about how I haven’t flatted all summer.
On a good note………….
Nashbar is having a Helmet SALE!!!!
Comment by Swedoz | 07.11.2008 | 1:59 pm
Take it easy Fatman. Sometimes we need our brains in one piece – even if it is only to keep us amused with your blog, afterall that is why you exist isn’t it.
Comment by Caloi Rider | 07.11.2008 | 3:00 pm
Captain Timid,
That totally beats being Captain Pansy, king of the slow under-30 crowd. Really, I can’t even downhill on those easy trails by your house (ask Botched–he knows I’m not just being modest).
Thank heaven I’m turning 30 next year.
Hope that knee heals quickly. Oh, and remember to use gauze pads and medical tape instead of those stupid giant band-aids.
Comment by 29er | 07.11.2008 | 3:34 pm
My kids thought your injury photo was cool!
I rode with 2 friends in AF Canyon today and we paused for a moment of silence at the bottom of “Joy” to wish you quick healing.
WIN Susan!
Comment by LoPhat | 07.11.2008 | 6:12 pm
You may already know, but Tegaderm is a wonder drug for abrasions.
Comment by Tom in Seattle | 07.11.2008 | 7:58 pm
Ouch! Hope you heal soon, and thanks for sharing that section about the thought process you went through after the crash. I need to do some thinking like that before next ski season.
You should have taken me up on that offer of unicycling lessons a few years ago. Slow and steady, all the way down…
Heal fast. Win Susan!
Comment by Groover | 07.11.2008 | 9:07 pm
Nice write up of an eventful ride (even if you wished it wouldn’t have been) … hope you recover in time for your big event.
Comment by leroy | 07.11.2008 | 9:49 pm
Ouch! Get well soon.
After the last two posts, I’m beginning to wonder if I am hard core enough to wear the Fat Cyclist jersey.
It would be encouraging if someone were to post about wearing the jersey to work on casual Friday or while folding laundry.
Comment by Coelecanth | 07.11.2008 | 11:05 pm
Slowing down by the ablative process sucks. I hope you heal soon.
I too am 42 and a few years back I washed out the front wheel on my road bike during a morning sprint to work. My left wrist now has a spanky stainless steel plate and 4 titanium screws. (Doesn’t set off airport metal detectors though, very disappointing.)
My record for that run was 8 minutes door to door in a flat out, in the drops, traffic-law scoffing sprint. Nowadays I do it in 15-20 minutes; I’ve lost my nerve. But do you know what? I’ve gained an appreciation for the beauty of the route I ride and I love the time it gives me to sort my thoughts before work. There are many ways to enjoy a ride, if you really have become Captain Timid hopefully you’ll find one of those other ways. And besides, as Captain Timid don’t you get to wear a cape? Capes and spandex rock.
All the best to you and yours and WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Keith | 07.12.2008 | 3:39 am
Heal well, heal quickly, and live to ride another day…
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 07.12.2008 | 4:14 am
That photo is living evidence of why cyclists shave their legs.
It’s the season for crashing. Over my way you only have to scroll back 2 entries for some right butt cheek carnage. And a further 8 posts back there is another review of a different right butt cheek carnage. My son and I are both just recovering from the “swathes of gauze” brigade.
A whole family of “timid” bike riders.
Comment by Philly Jen | 07.12.2008 | 4:22 am
I think you’ve really put quite your own spin on the cliché of the middle-aged guy who peels out on his sporty wheels, falls head-over-heels, undergoes a separation, ultimately returns home to his wife, and quietly self-medicates. Well done!
Thanking St. Beloki that your funny bone is still intact. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Heal up!
(So, like, is making your quads pop for the camera an act of genu-flexion?)
WIN Susan!
Comment by Jim | 07.12.2008 | 5:28 am
“Fatty”:
Be careful out there. You only get two shoulders. My mishap wasn’t a bike accident (I fell on ice rushing in to work — a healthcare worker on call for emergencies). My shoulder is as good as three surgeries could make it (rotator cuff injury). I am still a cyclist at 62 but the cycle three wheels, is a recumbent, and has under-seat steering. I’ll keep spinning, but it ain’t the same.
Stay upright and on two wheels as long as you can. At 42, I thought I was invincible. Not so…
Comment by Henrik | 07.12.2008 | 7:34 am
nice site:-)
Comment by Jake | 07.12.2008 | 9:25 am
Though I am always sorry to see someone fall, I have to make a point or two here. First, ANYONE can descend fast. Gravity ensures that it is so. You just have to stay off of the brakes. Not everyone can stand the heat, and some, therefore succomb to gravity and fall down. I have been the recipient of many gifts from gravity wherein my knees and rocks have collided, resulting in the inevitable blood gush. That being the case, I am intensely interested in seeing the post-cleanup photos, and a photo of the “crushed” helmet. It’s harder to get a real sense for a wound by the dried on blood version (evidenced Bruce Willis films) than by the cut itself, and for the gravity of a crash without actually seeing some kind of forensic evidence, like a crushed helmet.
As for the separated shoulder, I assume that with as many times as you have separated it, that could happen with a solid sneeze or two. You’ve gotta stop putting your right hand out in crashes. Roll baby, roll.
Comment by Nick | 07.12.2008 | 11:34 am
Mate – love the flex in that quad.
A nice long taper into Leadville – just what the docor ordered.
Comment by Garmon | 07.12.2008 | 11:56 am
Welcome to the club. I was reminded of the reality of my membership this morning during a dicey descent in Provo Canyon. I joined after a bad endo several years ago on the White Rim Trail; I broke my arm & wrist in three places. That gave me my entry ticket into the class of slow, middle-aged downhillers.
Comment by Beth | 07.12.2008 | 2:22 pm
Fatty,
I’m sorry to hear of your injury. I hope you feel better soon.
Had a similar fall last July. Landed on the right side of my head and then my right shoulder. Blacked out at that point. Came to and was talking gibberish to all who cared to listen. Anyway I ended up with a grade 5 shoulder separation. (As you probably know, there are only 6 classes of separation and as I like to say, I don’t do anything half-assed.) Either I have excellent pain tolerance or I just smashed it in the least painful possible way because when I hit the ER, which was about 45 minutes after the fall, I was reporting my pain at a 2/3 out of 10. Of course, that pain level was only when I didn’t move my arm. Anyway, had to have surgery to put it all back together and now I have two spiffy stainless steel anchors in my shoulder, a brand new bony thing that grew in after the surgery, and a lovely scar to match.
I hope you recover well and soon. By the way, I just did the Tour de Donut in Staunton, IL today (near St. Louis, MO). Check out the write-up on my blog. (http://verbosityvelocity.blogspot.com
Prayers are, as always, with Susan, you, and your family.
Comment by AnneB | 07.12.2008 | 4:15 pm
The Tour de Donut in Staunton rocked. I wore my pink jersey and it was kind of neat how many people actually recognized it. I kept hearing “hey, there’s one of those fat cyclist jerseys.” There was a guy from a St. Louis club who talked about wearing the black jersey.
Win Susan and Heal Fatty
Comment by Rod Newbound, RN | 07.12.2008 | 7:17 pm
You may be Captain Timid, but even with your bum right arm, you write like the wind. I found myself holding my breath all the way through your post.
Nice you knew Dr. Mike, who was able give you professional advice from both perspectives – doc & cyclist.
In my experience as a nurse, I’ve healed some very nasty skin tears with nothing more than gently cleansing them with normal saline a couple times a day.
Thanks for the thrilling ride.
Comment by Walt | 07.12.2008 | 10:45 pm
Dude, Fattie, I think you need a 36er. Those 29er wheels get hung up on everything!
-Walt
Comment by Cathi | 07.13.2008 | 5:00 am
Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. I am so glad that you came to the conclusion that you need to be a safe Elden – I am concerned though that your head
wasn’t checked more thoroughly, especially with that
much impact on the helmet. Why didn’t they give you any of your own painkillers? My x played pro hockey and he separated his shoulder more than once.
Be kind to that shoulder and yourself, and if you can’t make it to your next excursion, don’t worry -you’ll get there again. Health, as you of anyone knows, is EVERYTHING – and please look after yours
now, even if it’s not preventative. I hope your head is okay – but they send over 85 percent of people
with head injuries home without checking them out, so
if you get blurred vision, obviously headaches, and
any loss of memory or pain in your head that isn’t there normally – get back to that ER and get your head checked too, please.
Wow, just wow. I’m so sorry this happened.
Lots more ‘reflections’ now, I bet.
Cathi
Comment by Jaydon | 07.13.2008 | 5:22 am
I’ve been reading your blog for a long while, and
haven’t been on a bike in years, well, if you don’t count dirtbikes. I scrolled through and read the comments and hope that my wife doesn’t as she reads
too, After seeing all the shoulder separations and
various injuries, I have no chance to convince her
that this is a safe sport. I had no idea to tell you the truth how many riders and readers here have
had such serious accidents, but it does look thrilling, and usually anything that thrills me can send me to the ER also. Win Susan, and Get Up and At Em slowly. I hope that is it, and that your helmet kept your noggin in good shape, however, since I’ve crushed more than one Bell helmet, heed
Cathi’s*above* advice if you feel anything more in
your head area. Unfortunately, my Bell didn’t protect me, but I didn’t realize it for ages, and the
Emergency Room didn’t do any head scans. Caused me
LOTS of grief. I’m hoping it’s not the case,
as the shoulder, and knee and all that pain is more than enough.
Heal well, and yes, as someone else said, you are quite the writer for the shape you were in. I’m very impressed.
Comment by Eloise | 07.13.2008 | 11:30 am
Ouch! So sorry about your wreck. Hope you heal quickly and feel better soon.
Win Susan!
Comment by Carl | 07.13.2008 | 4:37 pm
So I went back to read the old post and ended up reading the old Al Maviva saddle sore entry. This led to me wondering, did you ever have anything done about your “dangly little skin tag” two inches below your third nipple. Just wondering, Jaxpaw.
Comment by FatMaineCyclist | 07.13.2008 | 5:54 pm
Two words…road bike. At least when you crash on a road bike there are usually no jagged rocks sticking out to rip your a** open. All you single-track adrenaline junkies are insane(in a good way)…nothing like a nice, muscle burning ride on smooth pavement at 22-23 mph.
Comment by Matt | 07.14.2008 | 3:11 am
Fatty you have my respect! Having yesterday broken my collarbone for the first time I have no idea how you achieved this.
I found myself apologising to the ambulance crew cos the only problem with collecting MTBers who have just covered 20 miles is they truly DO stink – I couldn’t stand myself.
They just grinned and said they’ve had worse…
Comment by Bluenoser | 07.14.2008 | 3:51 am
Oweee.
-B
Comment by buckythedonkey | 07.14.2008 | 6:32 am
Dear everybody, the Version 4 FC jersey pre-order page is now open!!
http://www.twinsix.com/gear/gear_t608j15.htm
1 x 2XL, done. Shipping to my better half, Merry Christmas to me. :-)
Comment by Oscar | 07.14.2008 | 11:29 am
Fatty, my hat goes off to you. I’m amazed you made it back home. I have a feeling I’d still be flat on my a** and waiting for help if that happened to me.
Power on, my friend, power on. Win Susan!
-O
Comment by Gregor | 07.14.2008 | 11:57 pm
Ouch, that looks like a couple of painful wounds! Good luck with the healing process. I’m coming up to a year since a broken pelvis, and there is definitely life after a big crash – but I am a bit more cautious now, I have to admit. Best wishes, get plenty of rest, time will pass and bodies will heal.
- Gregor (from Christchurch, New Zealand)
Comment by Duane | 07.15.2008 | 8:59 pm
I think it is possible to come back after a crash. I hope so. Once it is in your head it is hard to shake.
I crashed bad almost back to back. The 2nd crash came after taking time off to recover form the 1st crash.
The bike scares me. I took it to my bike shop to get it looked at after the 2nd crash… my memory of bringing it in is still fuzzy. I bought new tires.
When my new helmet arrives – I hope I can find the nerve to go out.
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » New Fat Cyclist Jerseys: Pre-Order This Week ONLY | 07.16.2008 | 11:32 am
[...] A Moment for Reflection The Day I Hated Brad [...]
Comment by Kathleen | 07.19.2008 | 11:51 pm
Be well Fatty.
hugs, Kathleen
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » The Bike Limiter | 07.21.2008 | 11:39 am
[...] days ago, I posted about a mountain bike wipeout I had. What I haven’t talked about is the agony I’ve gone through since [...]
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Quandary | 07.28.2008 | 2:08 pm
[...] WaltWorks: If I hadn’t crashed recently, I’d be riding my fully rigid steel 29″ singlespeed, for certain. Dug, Brad and I had [...]
Comment by Bicycle Maniac | 07.29.2008 | 12:26 am
Sweet gore shot of your knee. Sorry about your shoulder… in reading your story, I couldn’t help but wonder if I am on a similar path with regards to bicycle love and recurrent injuries. Here’s the tale of my recent brush with catastrophe:
http://ayearofbikecommuting.blogspot.com/2008/06/commuter-down.html
I’m almost all the way healed up, but the wrist I’ve broken twice before has not been the same since, even though I didn’t break it. I keep telling myself that if I get better at climbing, I should just back off the descents and take it a few mph slower. As you know, that’s easier said than done.
Get better.
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Online / Offline | 08.27.2008 | 9:54 am
[...] then, about a month before the Leadville 100, I turfed it. And then I was off my bike for a bit, then riding slowly, and then trying to ride back at my [...]
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Comfort Rides | 05.17.2010 | 11:51 am
[...] it’s kind of technical. Nowadays, I love the descent. Even though I’ve crashed hard on it, I know that (almost) every time, I can fly down. The thrill’s worth the risk. (Except [...]