Fell into the river

In August 2007 I was riding  my mountain bike  in the  Little Big Econ state forest.  Was enjoying some quick single track, the sugar sand was beaten down pretty good from some recent rains, so...quicker than normal. All is good...until. Came up to the part of the trail that runs along the river to the right of the bridge, coming from Jacobs trail. There is a section that splits, high road to the right, low narrow to the left, correct, I went left. The trail is about a foot across with a wall of dirt/sand on your right and a nice drop into the river on the left. Then the trail gets steep, about 12 foot climb (I know, not real steep, whatever)..anyway, I get to the top and the recent rains has eroded the top of the climb into a nice 2 foot wall. I hopped my front tire up, no problem. Then my momentum stops... I unclip my right foot and of course I start leaning to the left. I'm falling and there's nothing to grab on to. My left hand is clawing at the dirt but the bike and my weight are quickly succumbing to gravities affects. Next thing I know I'm in the river sitting on the back tire of the bike. About a 18 foot drop from the top. I hop up quickly, as I have seen BIG gators in these waters and start heading towards a  spot I can climb out. Dragging my bike behind me I step into a hole and sink up to my chest in water...I start walking quicker now. Climbed out and started to laugh, what else could I do? My friend Mike circled back as heard the commotion. He confirmed that I didn't make any 'girlie' noise/screams...was all grunts and manly sounds *whew*. Finally get my composure and mount the bike to continue and the rear tire said, no go. I had a nice S curve in the wheel from landing on it. I released the rear brake and it spun free. So I rode out with no rear brake..not fun.

Days later I get the bike to the shop (Orange Cycle) and tell the story...laughs for everyone. All in all, New tire, new rear wheel, new rear cassette, new chain, new bottom bracket, new rear swing arm bearings, front shock cleaned and lubed. ~$300

Bruises lasted for at least a month.

Still riding the trail, thought about selling the bike for a few days, but got over it.

Many days later: