Crash!

I managed to put myself into the dirt rather nicely on a recent trip to Fort Custer Recreation Area!

Matt and I traveled down to Kalamazoo, Michigan to watch Andrea and Mackenzie play Lacrosse. After the game was finished we were to do some riding at the Fort Custer Recreation Area mountain bike trails.

I had never been there before and was quite excited as I have heard some good things about the riding there. It is a really nice set of four loops that have ability ratings that will satisfy all but the most radical hucksters. We rode three of the loops that have a nice variety of terrain that is usually on the technical side so the speed is kept to the low side. There are a couple of nice lakes that the trail goes by with excellent views.

On the first loop we did a constructed obstacle is presented for your enjoyment. It consists of a large table that is about four feet off the ground with various ramps going up and down. The first time around I was a little bit to the right of the down ramp I chose. No problem though, we continued on easily.

Then on our last loop lap we decided to do the first one over again. As we came up to the ramps and table, traveling as fast if not faster then the first lap, I thought, I better go left a little to get on the down ramp better. That didn't work! My front wheel just missed the left edge of the ramp. My right fork tip caught the edge though. This caused me to slam down onto the ground sideways. Most of the initial impact was to my head and helmet which plowed up about 10 pounds of dirt. My hands and left knee managed to get quite mangled in the process. Cracked the helmet in three places. Bummer.

The next night, my left hand ring finger began to swell up. I had a heck of a time trying to get my wedding ring off so the swelling would not get worse. I iced my hand for a long time, ibuprophen, and then with some baby oil, I manged to yank off the ring. I think I broke or cracked the lower phalange of that finger as it is still swollen and I cannot get thee ring back on. I have resorted to using my old dog tag chain and wearing it around my neck.

I have secured a new Giro Ionis helmet. It is awesome. Fits my head much better then the smashed Atmos and is much more quiet while riding.

Perhaps a lesson has been learned about chasing 22 year olds through the woods? Naw!