Nobody likes to crash. I can't imagine anyone starting out a ride thinking, "Oh boy, I hope I hit the floor today." However, as it states in our Legal Disclaimer, "Cycling is an inherently dangerous sport." And, as most of you know, every once in a while you go down. Doesn't mean you like it, just means it happens. It won't hurt any less because you know it is going to happen, but maybe having the right expectation will help you get through the recovery when you do go down.
As some of you know, Crusher and Vortex went down hard a few weeks ago. A large group of us were on the last Full Moon Ride of the season heading out Fort Pickens road. Traditionally, as we approach the brick wall that is the Fort itself, we crank up a sprint to see who will have bragging rights for the month. We call this The Brick Wall Sprint...go figure. It is a wide open section of straight road with a slight incline at the finish. Speeds usually accelerate into the mid 30s with the winner a bit faster. We never had a crash here before...
Sprints are a fun way to break up the monotony of any ride, especially longer ones. Most cyclists enjoy a sprint or two during the course of a ride. It may be a city limit sign, a street sign of some sort, a telephone pole or even a brick wall as in the case of the sprint at Fort Pickens. Most every rider knows where the sprints are along the route of the ride. Most of the stronger guys will began to position themselves within the bunch a couple of miles from the finish line. There is usually a bit of antics during this "pre" sprint posturing. Some riders, to be sure, will make their intention known while others will put on their poker face playing as though they have no interest whatsoever in this particular sprint. (Uh, a note here to the savvy rider; don't give any credence to this pokered face rider. He's wanting to win just as bad as the dude who has an obvious interest.) It's all part of the game. I just love this kind of stuff!
Well, just as we were passing the mid 20s mph speed on our way to the blurry eyed all out rompin, stompin sprintville for this Brick Wall Sprint, just about everyone who wanted the prize had made their intentions known. There were two young Jedis at the front with the Vortex in 3rd followed by Crusher, the Chuckster and several others. With 200 meters to go to, it appeared to all that the sprint was cranking up in usual fashion. Shortly thereafter, Vortex jumped out of the saddle to get a jump on the two young Jedis. As his left foot cranked down, his pedal snapped off at the spindle. He slammed back down on his saddle while his left foot proceeded under his rear wheel thus stopping the whole machine in mid flight. Down he went hard into the pave' with such force that he broke his helmet, six ribs and opened up a gash on his forehead that would take 15 stitches at the Gulf Breeze Hospital emergency room to close. He also enjoyed very much road rash.
While Vortex was sliding down Fort Pickens road at 25mph+, he found out in very real terms why they call Crusher...Crusher! For somewhere in the carnage, along came the big Clydesdale at ramming speed right into the back of the now damaged Vortex, thus launching Crusher into orbit. Without the customary parachute to slow his descent, Crusher landed hard on the pave' after doing a triple sow cow with a one and a half twist. He stuck the landing thereby breaking his collar bone. Crusher also enjoyed some road rash. Thankfully, all others avoided the gymnastics and stayed upright. The banged up Crusher and the crushed Vortex headed to the hospital for repairs. As of this writing, both are recovery nicely.
Both wish to express their sincere thanks to all who have helped, prayed, brought by meals, flowers, medical supplies and so much more! "Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!!!"
Prognosis: Both are hoping to be back on the machines by Thanksgiving. Time will tell. If not, perhaps sometime in December for a few easy spins. Neither will be hammering for quite some time to come. (I'm just guessing, but I'm pretty sure no sprints for awhile.)
Regardless, both hope to soon...
See you out on the road,
Bob
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