We had quite an adventure today. Decided that with it being the nicest day in quite a long time, we didn't want to head to the MTB race, but to stay local and enjoy the day. Our friend, PJ, joined DH and I, and the plan was to go out for a long MTB loop of about 50 miles of local trails (Estabrook Woods, Carlisle cons land, Great Brook State Park, Russell Mill and Greenough Land). We got out to Estabrook where another rider asked if he could tag along. He was new to the area and didn't know the trails. We were happy to oblige, though he rode quite a bit slower than we did, and we (meaning I) had to wait for him pretty often, especially since he followed us far enough to not know where he was AT ALL. The good news is that I have quite a lot of patience, the weather was beautiful, and I was happy to be out on my bike. However, at Great Brook, we found him a map, and he happily went on his way back home (he also let us know it was his 3rd time on the bike THIS YEAR, where we have been riding pretty close to every day all year). We felt good about sharing the trails with someone new, but did pick up the pace a bit after he left.
Soon thereafter, just as we were heading to Indian Hill at the Stone Row intersection, I heard a pretty good crash, followed by a loud yell and some pretty loud moaning. Next I heard DH and PJ asking, "Dude - are you ok?" (yes, they really did say dude), to which he loudly replied, "NO!". I came around the corner, took one look at the angle of his foot compared to his leg, was off my bike with phone in hand and dialing 911. It appeared, at first glance (with my years of medical training ) to be a compound fracture of his ankle. I spoke to 911, PJ went off to direct the emergency responders to our location, and then I set about ensuring that Scott (as I learned), stayed conscious and alert until help arrived. I talked to him, learned what he thought had happened (tried to take a corner too sharply, front wheel washed out, and foot wouldn't release from his pedal). I called his wife and left messages, and then we waited for the EMTs.
When they arrived, they set about cutting the buckle off of his Sidis (the EMT recognized they were expensive shoes that he should try to save), and then cut off his sock. What we saw was heartening - a dislocation instead of a break! Scott stayed together through the air casting of his leg, transfer via board to the stretcher, and was grateful that we were all there to help him. Afterward, PJ commented about how I went directly into a mode - taking charge, and taking care of the downed rider. It's a good thing I'm not that squeamish - I also later learned that the Park Rangers wouldn't come over for fear of throwing up at seeing his ankle .
With Scott safely transported, we decided to cut our ride a bit shorter given what time it now was. I did stop later when Scott's wife called to thank me - a nice touch. I have asked her to call me in a couple of days just to see how he is doing.
We ended up with 3:20 moving time, and 35 miles of mostly trails. Not bad for an adventure-filled Sunday .
I'm calling this one the Good Karma Ride.
SheFly