On Sunday I did a century ride (stats here) and wife Lena did a 60 mile ride in Chico, CA.



[These three pictures from someone else:]







Unfortunately at mile 70 I had a bad crash. I was the #2 man in a pace line going 20 MPH, and my wheel hit the wheel of the guy in front of me, and I went down as well as the next one or two guys in line. I think it was mostly my fault, but the guy behind me who saw it all, said the #1 guy slowed down unexpectedly.

Anyway, everyone was really lucky to avoid any permanent damage. My helmet cracked slightly, so it probably saved me (I've already purchased a new one). My thigh got the worst, and started blowing up immediately. Left thumb, shoulder, and elbow also bruised. I didn't feel this one at all, or even notice it until I got back:



I remember hitting the wheel, but don't remember actually falling. I'm sure I didn't get a concussion -- it just happened so fast. I fell to the right, but the bruising is on the left.

The bike brake levers were twisted, handlebar stem twisted, seat twisted, rear wheel out of true, seat fabric slightly torn, and the RD was bent. With some help I got everything working, but I couldn't use all the gears.

I was able to finish the ride, but it was torture. My left thigh hurt at the top of each stroke. At first it wasn't feasible to ride, but after a mile or so it wasn't too bad. But if I stopped at all, it would freeze up again. I had to ride slowly, and there was a headwind.

When I got to the end, it turned out that the course was only 95 miles. I would have done an extra five, but I was really hurting at that point.

Now I keep flashing back to those few seconds before our wheels hit, and I find myself using body English to try to prevent it. I hope to get over that soon.

Other than the crash it was a good ride.