I came....I saw.....I hate gravity!

[sundial]

I rode my new girl Carmine on the trails and just about every ride I do something stupid--like fall. And it happens as I've come to a stop on uneven terrain, a slope, or something else. I'm unclipped on one side but I inevitably fall on the other side. And one time as I'm mounting my bike, the spandex catches the nose of the seat and I lose my balance. Dumb, dumb! At least it doesn't hurt to fall on the trails like it would on the road. I had good intentions of capturing Carmine's best side with a respectable amount of dirt on her when the camera battery died. So bear with me, I'll get a photo of my Specialized Rockhopper comp on the trail hopefully tomorrow.

[Tri Girl]

I don't consider it a successful mtn bike ride if I DON'T fall and injure myself.
Let's see that bike all caked in dirt and glory.

[uforgot]

It's the LAW!

[7rider]

I don't consider it a successful mtn bike ride if I DON'T fall and injure myself.
Let's see that bike all caked in dirt and glory.

It's like skiing...it's not a real day if you don't taste the ground at least once! It's part of that whole "communing with nature" thing.

[DirtDiva]

Someone (who shall remain nameless ) endoed twice on her last ride... It's all part of the fun.

[sundial]

You gals are serious mtb'ers and you fall in a most noble fashion. I'm just a lowly tomboy that wants to fly through the sticks, vines, small stumps and the like without falling when I've come to a complete stop. Or because my tights is duking it out with the saddle.

Gotta wait this afternoon before I can go out to play. Got the camera charged up this time.

[sundial]

Pics as promised.

I had a bad accident today. I came off the trail onto the pavement and I was going downhill around a curve while glancing over to another trailhead. I braked with both hands but I grabbed the front brake too hard and before I knew it, I flew over it, landed on my chest and felt my front teeth grind against the pavement. My chin did too. How I didn't end up with road rash is beyond me. My teeth are ok. My elbow hurts really bad. It happened so quick I don't remember if or how I braced with my arm. I think the nerve running from the pinky to my elbow is what's hurting right now. I feel like crying. I'm really sad about my crash. I wonder if I shouldn't ride my mtb now.

[blueskies]

Man, there have been just too many crashes lately! So sorry you're hurting, Sundial... especially out on your brand new (and very photogenic might I add) bike.

[mudgirl]

Ooooooh, me likey the new bikey!!!

Sorry to hear about your crash! Don't give up. Just start out slowly again. I had a really bad crash back in July. I had to go back to the easiest trails I had first started out on and work my way back up to the harder stuff in order to get my confidence back. Luckily it only took a couple months instead of a year! Just take it easy for a few rides and get "reaquainted" with your bike.

[Tuckervill]

Ow, I'm sorry. I'm cringing about teeth on pavement! oy.

I had the hardest time getting used to the suspension on the fork when I stopped. If you hit the brakes too hard, then the suspension gives, it's easy to do an endo. Once I realized what would happen, I learned to compensate...but maybe that contributed to your accident?

Don't stop! Maybe take it a little more easy and anticipate a little better? The only real wreck I've had mtb-ing is when I didn't anticipate what could happen and take steps to avoid it. Going through a little creek on a big flat rock, on a curve--bike went right out from under me and I landed on my knee. You can betcha I won't be forgetting that next time I see a big flat wet rock!

That's making me want to get back out there. :::must survive fitness boot camp:::must not ride:::must not waste money spent on fitness boot camp:::must not ride:::

Karen

[Tuckervill]

Hey, Sundial, what trail were you on? I don't know anything about trails on that side of the world, but I'd like to. That leaf covered trail looks nice!

Karen

[sundial]

Good morning girls. I slept some during the night and tried to sleep in but the fur kids are very persistent that mom get up and play. I still have swelling below my elbow and I've got an appt to see my doc this afternoon. I have bruises in strange places and I can't figure out what I hit on my way down. My chin is sore but would you believe no bruise? I feel like Festus on Gunsmoke, my arm just hangs and I kinda drag the left leg too. Got a whopper of a bruise on the inside of my left knee.

Tuckervill, I rode a trail inside Old Davidsonville State Park.

Mudgirl, blueskies and Emily, thank you for the encouragement. I would have taken Carmine back out today if I felt up to it. I'll get back on her in no time.

[Brandi]

Ouchi ouchi ouchi wawa! My comment on your fall! get back on that horse though don't let it stop you!

[Kano]

When I was on the main forum page, I got excited when I saw what's shown of this thread on my screen:

Under the topic "Mountain Biking"

I Came... I Saw... I Hate....

It just looked like the mountain biking thread for me!

Sadly, it's not -- I'm sorry to read about your injuries, Sundial. It doesn't sound like an experience I want to have ever! It's a great looking bike, though, and maybe she's "trained" now, never to throw you again. Take care, I hope the doctor says nothing's too seriously wounded, and you're back to normal in no time!

Karen in Boise