The reference dates for the trip can be broken down into two sections, BC (before Coffman's) and AD (Aurora Departure). Today was 2 AD. It started out with the normal routine (which I LOVE) with the added bonus that today was the single debut of the yellow jersey Kyle and Casey gave me. It was a 68 mile flat route to the KOA east of Pemberville. Everything was perfect and then this happened......
I've biked over 2800 miles with a few close calls but have always kept the bike upright until today. It was a fantastic morning with cool temperatures, no traffic and a terrific roads (sort of). About 10 minutes into the ride I was cruising at about 20 mph and approached an intersection. I slowed slightly to look both ways (safety first!) and had to take my eyes off the road (just for a second!) and there was an acute dip in the road. The bike bounced and I felt like I was on a mechanical bull and unfortunately I am not the Urban Cowboy and started to go down. I tried to save it and when I realized that a crash and burn was imminent, I tried to bail in the grass on the right. I didn't quite make it and hit the gravel with my right side. I got a pretty decent road rash on my arm, chest and leg and left thumb jammed into the handle bar so that is sore as well. Fortunately, the bike was fine (a few minor adjustments were needed). I got up and started riding (after a few thank yous to the bike gods that nothing was broken). A quick call to the SAG wagon and Dr. Cheryl was ready to spring into action at the next stop with the first aid kit.
The rest of the ride was really good though there was no place else to go but up. It occurred to me that I have been talking a lot about the corn (rightly so as it is EVERYWHERE) but there is nearly as much soybean. We had a roadside discussion with a farmer (you know me, hobnobbing with the farmers) and he said they rotate corn and soybeans because soybeans leave nitrogen-rich residue in the soil which helps the corn the next year (my Mr. Science fact for the day). I decided a soybean selfie was in order as I don't want to play favorites.
Until then....
You know they say we're not fully having fun until someone bleeds. Now that you have that Box checked you're gonna have so much more fun. And by the way you really got your money's worth on that tire. A helpful hint superglue gel works for cuts to seal up big cuts on tires not necessarily gashes.
ReplyDeleteThat scrape on your arm doesn't look good. Ouch! Good thing you discovered the chunk out of the tire. Another great barn picture.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of fake news, something seems amiss with today's pictures. You are clean-shaven in the pictures during the ride, but are sporting a week's worth of growth in the signature end-of-post selfie with Cheryl. Now I'm wondering if all the fabulous barn pictures are authentic, or do you have a barn picture book with you and just taking a photo from that each day.
OMG John. That is so funny that you caught that. I was writing the blog last night and realized I didn’t have a selfie and Cheryl was ready for bed so I pulled one out of the archives. There’s no pulling a fast on on you!!
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