I introduced myself two (or so) weeks ago and confessed my silly falling-in-the-kitchen clipless story. Well, I've ridden about 50 miles since then without any trouble. I've actually gotten pretty good at getting clipped in (and out).

Well, last night was the night. I had planned on going 15 miles. When I got to the 7.5 mile mark I pulled off the side of the trail to get a few big gulps of water (still feel kinda shakey when I drink and ride so I don't do it much). After I stood there for a minute, I decided that I could go ahead to the 10 mile mark and make it an even 20. So, I took off in the same direction I was headed. I made it about half a mile before I came up on a road crossing (I was on the trail, btw.) I hate crossing this road because it bends back and goes over a hill so you can never really tell if something is coming or not. I unclipped early, slowed down to an almost stop, saw that no one was coming and started to cross. As soon as my front tire hit the road, a car popped up over the hill. Now, I could've made it across the road a good three times before it got to me but for some reason it freaked me out. I slammed on the brakes, not realizing that my good clipping skills had me already stuck to the bike and down I went. There was grass just a few feet back but no, I fell in the gravel at the edge of the road and partly on the road. Oddly enough, I don't even remember being on the ground. I've never moved so quickly. I just bolted right back up on my feet.

The lady in the car stopped to see if I was okay. She seemed a little concerned. I think she may have thought I was on drugs or something. Hahaha! People who don't know about clipless pedals have a really hard time figuring out why a person on a bike would just fall over!

I was right next to a trail put-in and fortunately the parking lot was totally empty. The woman in the car was the only witness and I was back up on my feet before she even got very close. So, my pride isn't too damaged. I can't say the same for my knee/elbow though. Some bloody scrapes, a knot and big bruise on each. I was mostly concerned about my brand spankin' new camera and cell phone which were in my jersey pocket. They were both fine though. I sat on the bench near the put-in and wimpered for a bit then I went to get my water bottle and tissues from my bike so I could clean up my wounds. Poor bikey. The brake housing (if that's what you call it) is scratched up and my new seat is scuffed. My pretty new Sidi's are also scratched/scuffed. I was really upset about that...not the blood gushing from my knee. You can see where my priorities are.

Riding back was pretty horrible. I was super tempted to call dh to come pick me up. I wanted to be tough though. The good news is that I was in so much pain from my knee/elbow that the ride seemed pretty effortless and I was bookin'. I'm feeling pretty stiff today but I'm gonna try to get in a ride tonight or tomorrow. Dh said that he was proud of me for not calling him b/c he was sure that whenever I had my first fall I'd call him and then demand that we sell the bike. Haha...yeah, I'm kinda wussy like that. I think biking has made me tougher though. And I still love it and can't wait to get back on the horse...as soon as I can bend my knee.