So it's the day after Xmas. Jason and I decide to go for a ride. Originally, we were gonna hit Foresthill but as the day got later we had to settle for Granite Bay. Jason had a flat tire which pushed us back even later. We finally got out there only to have J losing tire pressure about 4 mi. into our ride. With neither of us packing a pump (genius), we headed back.
I happened to be riding my friends Specialized Enduro for the first time. This is my first lesson…"when riding a bike for the first time, take it easy". I didn't. I wish I could say I was taking a huge drop off or something but I was only riding fast on basic single-track.
That's my 2nd lesson….."You can get hurt on even the easiest, most familiar trails!" We had the last ½ mi. slight downhill back to the road and we had been riding slowly because of J's tire. So I wanted to bomb down this on the Enduro. I took a corner too fast and I think my front tire washed out in a loose patch and threw me over the bars and straight into the ground. I say "I think" because it happened so fast I don't know exactly what happened.
This brings me to my 3rd lesson and I apologize to all of the people who look at this sight. "I should always have my helmet cam on, no matter the ride!" I didn't and so I don't know for sure how it happened but it would have been a good wreck to see. I hit the ground hard and tumbled several times before coming to rest. I could feel the bones moving and knew instantly that my collar bone was broken. What I didn't know was that it was shattered in 7 pieces and I had also fractured several ribs.
Lastly, I want to thank the couple who helped me walk down while Jason went to get the car. You guys helped immensely, keeping me talking and walking. If you read this, email me: etruxal@sacoutdoors.com I owe both of you a few beers for giving up your ride.
I spent 6 hours in the ER and had surgery 2 days later. Now I have a 4 month recovery and will be missing the entire ski season (if it ever happens)! I guess after Jason separating his shoulder in Downieville last year and us walking out 10 mi., we are even!
I will be back riding in May and we plan to get several more rides documented this year.
Granite Bay Crash - Dec. 26, 2011
Find us on Facebook
See us on Youtube
