Bandadged, battered, and bruised am I. Got new tires on the bike this week (after getting a flat on the birthday ride.) They're non-nubby, which means they are practically smooth. The guy at the shop said I would notice better control on the road, but would have a harder time on off road surfaces. I never go onto off road surfaces, so I wasn't worried.
Then decided to go for a "power ride" tonight. Try to get that metabolism going! I was literally in my final mile and a half. I was riding on a paved path that runs behind some nearby apartments along the nature preserve. At the very end of the path, as it prepares to return you to the busy boulevard, the pavement ends, and for all of twelve feet is a loose gravel path. I mellowed my speed a bit more than usual in light of the bike guy's warning...but not...quite...enough.
There was that moment, you know the one, you're going down, you know you're going down, and absolutely nothing can be done to prevent it. I did, I knew I was going to, and there was nothing to be done. "Crash" implies I connected with another object, so it doesn't seem appropriate. I fell, and slid...across the gravel...OUCH! 50% of me wanted to cry out in pain, while the other 50% was highly aware of the fact that I was riding along the busiest boulevard in Elk Grove at the busiest time of day, only slightly out of view of the rushing masses. So embarassing.
I immediately picked up bike, leaned it up against a nearby fence, sat down, and passed out! Apparently when one does not make a semi regular habit of falling off of one's bike, the odd every 30 year tumble can take a bit out of you. I came to, and true to myself, was immediately concerned about where my iPhone was, and whether or not anyone had noticed and maybe called 911 because this biker guy was passed out in the gravel.
I called Tom to come get me, but after a few minutes I felt more myself and managed to ride home.
My knee is...unpleasant to behold let's say. I have another good scrape up on my elbow, and an odd little dinger on my shoulder. But otherwise I seem to be physically fine.
I am, however, exhausted! And when I came to I was drenched in sweat. Which led me to an interesting weight loss observation. The occasional physical trauma must be a calorie burning gold mine! All that stress and strain on the body, not to mention the fretting over the iPhone and my public image.
I think if I can manage one more good spill I might be able to reach my weight loss goal. Get a car involved and I might be able to achieve my 1980's weight!
What? Not the way to go about it? Fine! Be that way.
Oh, and so we're clear: I was wearing my helmet. The front visor came off, so it's a reasonably good thing I was wearing my helmet. If you ride a bike, wear a helmet! I plan to flash a picture of my knee at Tom anytime he balks that his helmet makes him "look gay." (More on that another tme.)
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