Random Thoughts

This past weekend was the Liberty Hill ride, a 105 mile ride through the hill country around Burnet.  Very pretty scenery, lots of hills and a supported ride.  That means that we could count on a rest stop every 10-15 miles where the ride organizers would have refreshments and food for us.  We ran into a bit of a problem right off the bat.  One of our riders had a flat within the first 2 miles.   Not a big deal but it rather sets the stage for the rest of the day.  The team broke up into separate groups but we managed to get it back together as a group by mile 30,, just in time for the aforementioned drama.  Our route was through some really gorgeous areas.  We were on roads that were not traveled very much.  Grass was growing in the cracks of some parts of the road.  IN some areas the road would funnel down to one lane.  We crossed cattle guards, small bridges, under railroad trestles and across a few low water crossings.  On one low water crossing, there was water flowing over the road and a slimy moss had grown on the road.  I crossed over first without problem.  Felicia followed next.  Her wheels lost traction and she went flying head over handlebars.  Her left cleat was still locked into the pedal, and the bike was on her.  She was banged up pretty good, she had some road rash, and was muddy but thankfully, was not hurt serious.  She took a hard fall on her ribs and chest.  She was able to ride up to the next rest stop and get medical attention. 

Earlier I wrote about the qualities of a team.  After Felicia fell, the team really pulled together and made sure that she was okay.  Everyone just sort of circled around and rode along at a pace that was comfortable for her.  Everyone took turns bugging the crap out her to make sure she was okay.  Kim took the gold star for being a great team member.  She cut her ride short and made sure that Felicia got back to her car.  What makes that so special is that you have to bear in mind that Kim will finish her ride, on her own, unsupported and by herself.  A totally unselfish thing to do,, and also the right thing to do..

Later on, we found that Felicia was not the only one to take a spill at that crossing.  We had three other riders go down.  Everyone was okay but it is scary when you crash like that.  It shakes your confidence and makes you unsure of your abilities.

Despite that,, all four riders will be back on their bikes like nothing happened,, although we all will be walking our bikes across slimy Texas streams.