Blood Rock vs. Slade

Sunday Dec. 2, 2008 has been my first ride in two weeks. Had a grandfather in the hospital then a lousy case of the flu which kept me off my bike. I decided I was gonna take it easy and go to oak mountain.

The ride was non-eventful. Got there about 12:30, the day was overcast and the temperature was in the low 60s. It was a comfortable day for the ride.

About 6 miles in I could really tell I had been off my bike for 2 weeks and that my energy wasn't fully recovered from the illness. The 2 mile climb up the red fire road was miserable. I hiked a bit more than usual. I have almost made it to the top without rests but not today. The rest of the ride was uneventful untill I got to the BUMP trail.

I have been having an affair with the BUMP trail of late. I have been teasing with the idea of actually riding down blood rock. I have tried it a few times and haven't even made it a quarter of the way down before giving up. Today was going to be different. I hit the switchbacks at a good pace and lined up for the first drop. I felt myself get off target a bit and threw my foot down to correct. I was still rolling so I pused a little harder. First rock drop good, second one, allright, theres bloodrock lets go left.....

and then I was in the rocks. Luckily I was unhurt except for a nice scrape across my fat belly. My jersey on the other hand wasn't so fortunate. I tried to mend my jersey with flat tire repair kits and blister pads so I wouldn't scare animals, small children and women with my manliness but the jersey was just too far gone.

I continued my ride down the BUMP trail but was unaware what was conspiring right under my ass. I came off BUMP and started up Johnson's. I switched gears to climb and I heard the worst noice. What was even worse my bike came to a complete and sudden stop.

I looked down at my chain thinking it had seized up. I was wrong. The chain was completely snapped and the bottom sprocket was broken as well. I got off my bike to see if i could repair my chain and ride in the 2nd and top sprokets and thats when I saw my derailur was completely snapped off the bike as well.

I gathered up my mangled bike, retreated to the access rode and pushed my way back to the parking lot. I loaded up my bike headed over to Bike Link (thank Jesus for Sunday holiday hours!) where John was kind enough to repair my bike on the spot. They had a good laugh as I attempted to hide my pale gut by using a stapler to mend my tattered jersey. I also think I was insulted when I found out I have the most repaired bike in the shop. I have only had this bike since February and I have started to make my own repairs.

I am now home and shopping for kevlar jerseys on the internet.

Maybe I will see you next time. Blood Rock you will be mine!