jessmarimba
08-05-2012, 06:10 PM
Today I joined a descending clinic at the park where I broke my back. It was sort of an accident - I signed up knowing that I need help descending, but didn't pay any attention to where the clinic would be. Last night I looked up directions and nearly had a heart attack when I saw the destination. I haven't even gone there to trail run since the wreck.
Fortunately, the trails aren't that difficult, and we didn't ride the EXACT one I got hurt on...but I definitely have had my fill of riding water bars for the time being.
My favorite part was sitting at the top of one section where we were practicing downhill switchbacks. While waiting our turn, another rider turns to me and details the story of a previous ride he'd done at the park, when an ambulance had to drive up the trail to pick up an injured girl. I listened attentively and then got a huge kick out of telling him who I was.
Unfortunately he then told me that two of the other people on that ride had been med students who had refused to step up and help. I understand there can be some liability issues for helping, but THEY LET ME TRY TO WALK. Certainly any med student with a conscience should speak up to try to stop someone from paralyzing themselves, even if they don't admit to their medical training? I am pretty furious hearing that now.
Anyway, it's been an interesting day. I don't think I'll go out of my way to go back to that park, but I'm glad that I could handle it today. Also not sure I got that much out of the clinic because I know most of what I need to do, I'm just still at the stage where I'm happy to ride my brakes and ease through the descents (on the plus side, this is seriously improving my balance).
Fortunately, the trails aren't that difficult, and we didn't ride the EXACT one I got hurt on...but I definitely have had my fill of riding water bars for the time being.
My favorite part was sitting at the top of one section where we were practicing downhill switchbacks. While waiting our turn, another rider turns to me and details the story of a previous ride he'd done at the park, when an ambulance had to drive up the trail to pick up an injured girl. I listened attentively and then got a huge kick out of telling him who I was.
Unfortunately he then told me that two of the other people on that ride had been med students who had refused to step up and help. I understand there can be some liability issues for helping, but THEY LET ME TRY TO WALK. Certainly any med student with a conscience should speak up to try to stop someone from paralyzing themselves, even if they don't admit to their medical training? I am pretty furious hearing that now.
Anyway, it's been an interesting day. I don't think I'll go out of my way to go back to that park, but I'm glad that I could handle it today. Also not sure I got that much out of the clinic because I know most of what I need to do, I'm just still at the stage where I'm happy to ride my brakes and ease through the descents (on the plus side, this is seriously improving my balance).