Yep, I went and had myself a good ol’ UPD. No lasting or serious injuries, just an awesome looking bloody lower leg.
Here’s the story: Around 10:30 this morning was taking the SHJag29er on a quick 5 mile ride. This ride in on a Greenway in our town. This greenway follows a beautiful river for 2.5 miles, mostly winding along a paved 7 foot wide path, with a small portion just graveled and an even smaller section, say 150 yardrs, an elevated wood boardwalk. At the very end of the boardwalk, the trail swithes to concrete for several feet and then back to pavement. This is where the fun began, at the transition of the wood boardwalk to the concrete trail. The trail also makes a hard 90 degree turn to the right at the exact moment you depart the boardwalk.
Did I mention that I did not have enough air in the SHJag Moto-Raptor tire? Well, I didn’t have enough air in it! The ShJag tube has a presta valve and I had left my pump at home. I thought, no problem, I’ll not do any hopping, just a fast, fun and un-eventful ride.
So, back to the story. Add together a smooth wooden boardwalk, nearby restaurant, and the 29er and they all beg, in unison, for speed. I was flying as I neared the end of the boardwalk and I decide to not slow at all for the 90 degree turn from wood to concrete. My idea was to just do a power lean into the turn and zip right thru that section. As I so skillfully leaned into the turn, at high speed, the Motorapor gave up it’s sidewall to the load and folded over. I’m sure I was a sight to behold. It was one of those UPD’s where your trying to fall but gravity decides to suspend itself for a moment and just laugh at you as you straddle the seat and perform an unplanned and unpractice coasting session.
After about 7 feet or so, gravity had enjoyed its little sick game for long enough and decide to claim my body for it’s own. Down I go!!! However, instead of landing on the concrete, my wonderful SHJag29er decided to break my fall. In the process, my Shimano DX pedals with the EXTRA LONG studs installed, proceeded to razor my left calf.
The damage went from behind my knee, all the way to my shoe. Eleven and 1/2 inches (yes, I measued). Six grooves are nice and long bloody cuts, with the other four only being long red marks.
No other injuries, just the bloody calf. Later in the ride, while passing a traffic light, I heard a father say to his kids, “Whoo, look at that!” I’m not sure if he was referring to the big guy gracefully zooming along on one wheel, or my unsightly blood covered leg. I didn’t stop to find out for sure.
As a post note, if anyone ever tells you that Peroxide does not burn. Run from them. Run very fast. --chirokid–