Crashes happen so fast. From the time you realize there may be a problem to the time you are on the pavement is just a flash.

I was just over 12 miles into a 40 mile ride and about three miles into a long, hard, 12 mile hill when it happened. The road is Highway 56 heading west out of Cedar City. The speed limit is 65 MPH and there is about 6 inches of pavement on the right side of the white line. Beyond the pavement was a lot of soft sandy conditions.

I knew it was important to stay away from the sand. But somehow I let my mind drift. And then the front tire drifted into the sand. A moment of panic followed by the sensation of trying to get my feet out of the pedals and onto the ground. It didn't work out. I wasn't fast enough.

Fortunately no cars were approaching. And fortunately I hit on the fleshiest part of my backside. And, quite unexpectedly my shorts didn't shred. Underneath the shorts was a different story. I hit hard, slid and scrambled to my feet. "THAT HURTS!" uttered from inside me time and again. I finally stopped talking to myself as the initial pain subsided. Then I thought about turning around and heading home. Then I resumed my ride and paid better attention to the white line and the loose sand just a few inches away from my wheels.

Although my shorts were intact I can't say the same for the flesh underneath. When I got back to my hotel I did a quick check and admired the patch of road rash. A good reminder to pay attention............
10:22:13 PM    comment []