Not exactly what I had planned....

[dgaddis1]

I rode in the Tumble Creek Mountain Bike Rumble on Saturday, and it was my first race. It was a six hour endurance event...unfortunately I didn't finish. An hour into the race I slipped and fell (while stoped!!) and landed in a pile of sticks and hurt my leg pretty good. I was able to ride for 3 more hours...but I couldn't go any more. It was starting to swell and even the smallest bumps felt like I was getting punched right where it was hurt. I dropped out around the four hour mark, after completing six laps and riding 37 miles. Other than the hurt leg I felt pretty good, I was just starting to feel a bit tired. Had it not been for the leg I would have definitely made my goal, which was 50 miles, or 9 laps. During the four hours I pitted once, around the 3 hour mark, to refill my hydration pack (which turned out to be only half empty) and eat a handful of pringles...other than that I did all my eating on the bike without stopping.

Here's pics of my leg...and really, it's not as bad as it looks. It looks and feels much better today than it did last night.
good-times.webshots.com/album/556294944yAmrJM?vhost=good-times

Thanks to Paul, Daniel, and Angela for cheering me on every time I came through the scoring tent!! Had it not been for them cheering me on I probably would have dropped out after the 5th lap.

Also, I'd like you guys to think about me next Saturday, I've got an interview with a very well respected cycling component manufacturer located in Macon. Needless to say, I'm praying it goes well.

[driftwood]

You are my hero! Now we both have scars from races. Remember...a medal will tarnish over time, but a scar story just gets better and better

[azdrawdy]

That leg looks painful!

Thanks for sharing the story. You can think of us this Saturday as we are sitting around the campfires and talking about your gash! Maybe my SO will show her new chainring tattoos off! Got those on the Deep Step weekend before last...

Good luck on your interview...Discounts on posts and stems are a REQUIRED method of showing camradeship to fellow mtb'ers!

Michael

[dgaddis1]

Speaking of tatoos....I saw a picture somewhere online of a guy that wrecked near the end of a very long descent down a mountain and the hot brake disc hit him on the back of the shoulder, left a really nasty 3rd degree burn.

The leg is healing pretty well. I'm hoping to get out and ride some Thurs. and/or Fri. afternoon. I wont be able to ride at all next week because I'm going to Houston for some training for work....it's gonna be a long week.

[drewjordan]

Man, I bet that abrasion burned in the shower!!!