The Tree That Tripped Me

My bruises and scrapes from my mysterious crash at Water Dog just over three weeks ago have mostly healed. As of this morning, I looked mostly normal. What better way to celebrate than with another ride at that park?

Off I went, up Carlmont and the bazillion switchbacks that followed. I was retracing the outbound portion of the loop I crashed on last time. I wondered if I’d find and recognize the area where it happened. Then, BAM!

Just like last time, I was down before I had time to react. My ribs went into my handlebars and I scraped up my right elbow. I noticed afterward that I’d also bruised the heel of my right hand, my left knee, and the back of my left leg near the ankle.

This time, I was sure I’d caught my right handlebar on something. I sat up, looked around, and laughed. That section of trail I was looking for? It found me instead.

I got up and examined what had happened. I was riding downhill on a rutted trail. As I came out of a left turn I could ride either to the left or right of the rut. I chose the right; it’s the natural exit for a left turn. Ironically, because I was looking ahead like I’m supposed to, I didn’t see the boomerang-shaped trunk of a young tree sticking out into the trail at handlebar height.

I got up and examined the trunk. The part that stuck out was well worn from handlebar strikes. I picked up my bike, took a picture, picked a new line, walked back up the trail, and re-rode it.

The tree that tripped me:

Aside from my elbow, I picked up a few minor scrapes on my arms from trailside growth. Perhaps I should start bringing a saw with me on my rides.

I finished the ride with a trip through the Carlmont jump park. As I rolled to the exit, I noticed that the house at the very bottom is for sale. Tempting.

As I rode back to my car, I realized I used to live a mere two blocks from that park. Too bad I didn’t ride back then!