Crashes

Crashes are magnificent. Crashes are stupifying. When you're in them, crashes are terrifying. I must admit though when I am a spectator at a bike race, I can't help but enjoy watching crashes not because I like people to get hurt but because they usually end up being spectacular displays of aerials and gymnastics and gravitationally defiant maneuvers. As a bike racer, I deplore the thought of crashes. I have been fortunate to have only been in one that I consider major wherein I shattered my collarbone. I bet that as a spectator that there might be a little part of you that revels in the chaos and carnage of bike crashes when you witness them. Admit it. I bet you would be less likely to revel had you actually been in one though.




This past weekend there was a bad crash that took out roughly 15 guys at the Air Force Academy road race. I was behind it and rounded the corner just as it was happening. Fortunately no debris from the crash ended up impeding my forward progress but I did have the rear wheel of some dude's bike bounce off my leg as I careened through. As I went by I could hear a couple of riders moaning in pain on the ground. The next lap around the ambulance was there to clean up the carnage. Crashes, although remarkable sights, can cause serious injury and even death. Those are my deep thoughts for the day; I am glad I could impart a smidgen of my infinite wisdom upon you (sarcasm).

For those of you curious, we are all feeling much better after having been benevolently poisoned this past weekend by tainted water. Stay tuned next week as we will be traveling to New Mexico for the 5-day Tour of the Gila Stage Race and road trips always bring about great stories.

Patrick