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:
Officer Down Memorial Challenge - April 1 2007
I finished the race in fine shape...in fact I was the first to complete the 35(actually 35.9) mile ride. Well actually the first that was riding just the 35 mile leg. There were other riders ahead of me...they were heading across the state to Ceder Key (145 miles). Anyway...three cheers for me :)
***The Ceremony***
There were about 6 different color guards from various agencies present. They marched to the starting line and then Taps was played from a bugle. Next each of the officers name were read by the Lake county Sheriff's daughter. Next a bell was rung for each officer..it was very quite and solemn moment. Amazing Grace was played by the bag pipers and the race began.
***The Ride***
I left the starting line at 6:30am with the first bunch to leave and was trying to figure out which rider to hook up with...then I went over railroad tracks and clunk...my GPS fell off my bike. I was think...how much did that thing cost...so I turned around and picked it up;) I caught up with about 12 riders that were going all the way to Cedar Key, which was to other ride co-starting with ours. These guys/gals were fast, so I tuck in behind them and pedaled like crazy, we managed around 20-25 mph for the whole trip. Yes, I felt like I was going to throw up a few times, especially my turn at the front which last about 10 seconds.
I meet a few of the riders and got the chance to tell them why I was riding, which was to honor the Callins and Michaels memory. I pointed out the Callins house on Lake Mills where Mike grew up, and spoke about Mike's character. I also heard some great stories about other fallen officers.
Well after about a hour and half I reached the finish, there was an aid station set up with beverages and food...but no finish line. Guess what, I beat the finish line set-up. Now that's fast! ;)
Afterwards I had to ride home...another 12 miles. So my mileage for the day was actually 48 miles. Whew
Me putting on my socks
That's me in the yellow
