Bad news today. Chester, our family hamster and cheerful companion since Christmas 2009, passed away this morning. We miss him terribly.
Our neighbors and friends have been very supportive. This evening the Yus brought us a chocolate cake and a very nice card.
111 rides
1786 miles
216,709′ gained
1 broken collarbone
4 more weeks in the sling
I guess it was inevitable, but this still sucks.
I rode up Kennedy yesterday afternoon, with the intent of riding down Priest Rock and Overgrown, then connecting to Jones Trail and making the loop back home. I felt okay going uphill and pushed reasonably hard, completing the uphill in about 44 minutes. Not a personal record but still respectable considering I’d ridden the day before and consumed a healthy dose of red wine at the Scott’s house on Friday night.
Going down Priest Rock I pushed it a little but and was riding very confidently. About 2/3 of the way down the top section, I was approaching a slight left-hand turn when my front wheel washed out and I went down very hard onto my left side. Banged my head, shoulder, and hip. I could tell, lying there in my stunned state, that my shoulder didn’t feel right. I crossed my fingers and hoped that it was just in shock from the collision with the ground, but when I stood up and heard the clicking sound I knew the collarbone was toast.
Some nearby hikers called 911 on my behalf and before too long 3 ranger trucks came rolling up the hill, lights flashing. The rangers and firefighters were awesome, I was extremely impressed and super grateful for the help. My bike and I got a lift down the hill to a waiting fire truck and ambulance. Meilei was also there to pick up the bike and we decided she would take me down to the ER at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Gatos.
Next step is a visit to the orthopedist. Hopefully I can be back on the trail before too long!
