Dilberto

I ride in the SoCal Low Desert, which is some of the most inhospitable and rugged terrain, for MTB. Today, on a trail I have ridden over 200 times without incident - my right foot came unclipped descending a fast, steep, rocky ridge. The loss of balance could not have come at a WORSE time. I was traveling about 15mph, when the right foot popped out of the pedal suddenly. I was fearing the absolute worst; falling off a high ridge and tumbling 200+ feet to a brutal death. Since this particular ride is less than 2 hours.....I ride light(bibs, jersey, helmet and bottle only).

Instead, I tried my best to steer straight to a "safe" stop. No chance. The loose, swaying leg made the bike snake uncontrollably to a raised, jagged rock outcropping along the ridge edge. When I saw the cliff edge fast approaching.....I laid my beloved carbon Superfly down. First, my right hand struck the rocks, immediately dislocating my middle finger at the second joint knuckle. I initiated an Akido-style barrel roll as I felt the decomposed Limestone shred my upper back, shoulder, right elbow and knee. After the tumble - I immediately got up to assess the damage. Indeed, I successfully arrested the deadly fall - but my right knee was gushing blood, my right middle finger was dangling helplessly(I popped it back, in the socket), the elbow lacerated and my right tricep and shoulder looked like a huge rotary cheese grater swept by it.

My mind keeps re-playing the scenario, in an attempt to see how I could have handled this differently. The Crank Bros. pedal and cleats are brand-new. Does anybody have similar stories and/or suggestions????