WIPE OUT!!!

I have officially had my first WIPE OUT! Yup, it was destined to happen and finally did. Yesterday I went out with a friend for a 25 mile bike ride. I was hyped that I was ready to push myself and do 25 miles.

It was a gorgeous ride, a beautiful trail along the river.... plenty of trees, gorgeous scenery and the flowing water. I saw several horses during the ride, really taking it all in. About 8 miles into the ride there is an underpass under a major freeway, you pass a section where there are cars. Of course, using caution I passed. I crossed the road before my friend. As I look back to check on her I somehow winded up getting wedged between the concrete path and dirt, my tire was completely wedged and I couldn't get out of the grove. Looking up I see this wooden railing, I'm headed strait for it.... my heart is pumping, I'm losing control, I pull to the left as much as I can and then it happened, I was flying off the bike... I suddenly turned into the flying cyclist and landed hard on the concrete. Oh man, did it hurt!

Thank goodness, I really arched my back and avoided hitting my face, I jumped up quickly in the horror that I was about to be ran over by other cyclist. I pick up my bike and my friend helps rinse off my arm. Being a previous Boy Scout Leader, I of course, had Neosporin. I check out my bike, straiten my handlebar and hit the trail again. My knee and underneath my forearm, were throbbing... not to mention, the fact I was shaken up. About another 5 miles in, I found myself in the same situation, I over corrected and almost wiped out again. My adrenalin was pumping and well, I was just plain terrified.

With the adrenalin pumping up twice and the fear, I decided I better call it a day at 15 miles. It was a great ride, but I must admit, I wondered what Mother Nature was telling me. This week alone, I have been chased by a dog, almost hit by a car, ate a bug, wiped out and ALMOST wiped out again!

Today I am very sore, feel like I have whiplash in my neck, my ribs hurt (they took a lot of impact on the fall) and my knee is very swollen. I thought maybe I need to give my bike a break and maybe park it a while but then I realized something. Like all sports, you begin to get a confidence and you don't win them all. It's not time to park my bike, I will make a conscience effort to be more aware of my surroundings and my form. Most importantly, I will remember how much I enjoy the ride.

Of course, I have a few pics.... I considered reenactment of the crash, but just couldn't do it, LOL!

This is the railing that I almost hit, notice my bike track along the side of the concrete


This is my arm immediately after the crash


My helpful and concerned friend (awesome lady)


My arm today


Now this is getting random, but thought I'd let y'all know that I am a red head now


And this is a size 18 dress that I tried on today (I didn't buy it, but was super hyped that it fit)

Oh yea... a few weeks back, a friend of mine gave me some clothes (thanks Rai) and this is one of the dresses she gave me, I haven't worn it out yet, but I am thinking about wearing it when I go dancing with my friends... I am working up my confidence for it though. Oh yea, this is a pre-red picture (I'm a fiery red as of last night)