hmai18

It's been raining here since last night. Had to miss the local club ride this morning because of it, so when the rain stopped and the sun starting showing itself, I said to myself, just get out there and ride. By this time, the roads had mostly dried and I was feeling pretty good about things.

Coming back on the return leg of my ride, I come into a turn too hot and end up having to hop the curb. No problem, bunny-hopped fine, but I'm still carrying a bit too much speed so I end up riding onto somebody's lawn. At this point, I'm pretty happy that I didn't total my front wheel on the curb, but I speak too soon. As I turn the front wheel to roll off the lawn and back onto the sidewalk so I can make my way back to the road, my wheel slips in the still-wet grass and down I go onto my right side.

First thing I do is check the bike for damage; my right shifter is all scratched up now, and so are my half-week old Quattros. At this point, I'm cursing my stupid luck, but then I notice the blood running down my right leg. Turns out I took out a nice piece of flesh on my right knee too. Hooray! My first blood-drawing cycling injury.

Ugh. I'm one of those perfectionists that just absolutely freaks out whenever I scratch something. Not much I can do about it though. I knew that my first roadie would end up with some signs of wear, but not this early in its life. At least I didn't do any major damage to it.

Snuffleupagus

Unscathed bikes generally indicate a lack of usage. Scrapes add personality

I'm glad you personally are unhurt, and the bike is still in good running shape.

hmai18

Yeah, I guess you're right. I just have the personality type that gets really anal about wear and tear on my gear. The drivetrain still shifts fine and the wheels are just as true as they were before I went down, so I guess I have nothing to complain about.

I have to admit that I felt pretty hardcore riding home with blood running down my leg, though.

Snuffleupagus

Heck yeah

My MTB shoes bear the stains of many a bloody get-off.

puddin' legs

Folks in the training group used to joke and look wearily at someone they didn't know with a very shiny new kit..usually a sign of a new rider. Scratched rig/brake levers? He's ok! He's been there and done that...we can relax!

jitteringjr

I prefer to limit the personality on mine. If I need to prove usage, I can direct them to the odometer on my Cateye.


Oh and be careful Hmai!