In spite of (or maybe because of) the 40+mph winds yesterday I decided that a ride might be a bit of a lark. Having some intelligence, I chose the trail where the trees would offer some protection. It is a bit of a rush to hear the winds literally roaring overhead while riding along without feeling much of an impact.
Grabbing my trail bike I heading south turning around once I hit the Il. border. About 5 miles south of home I came to a sudden and unintentional stop. Due, however, to my exceptional bike handling skills
I avoided a Tombay. Looking at the rear end I couldn't help but notice the log that wedged tightly amidst my wheel and derailleur. It took a few minutes to get the wood out and when done I spent another few minutes bending things back into an approximately rideable shape. It was a bit of a slog back home because I had to stop a couple of more times to do some fine tuning (read as rebending) but I made it without further misadventure.
I hauled it up to my LBS today and $125 later have a much more easily ridden bike. He trued the wheel, and replaced the dropout, derailleur and cable. Next time I'm bringing the log home and having a campfire!