It all began so well, Big Chase (BC) leading out with me on his wheel. First lap done and we’re going strong. The Friday sun on our backs and the winds all but gone. Hello weekend.
Second lap to come and we organise ourselves ready for the next jump. Shooting up the straight, we exchange smiles. Grimacing at the pace; wondering if I can keep up with BC. As we sweep around the corner my brother’s solid red torso camouflages the hazard of a crimson car which lies ahead. BC swerves left and I do my best to brake. POW! It is the shortest of moments. I take evasive action and broadside the vehicle so as to avoid injury and minimise any damage up front. The crumple of the bike saving my life yet ending its own.
That’s the most f*cked up bike I’ve ever seen!
The driver is good enough to stop and ask after us. Having indicated right, they fail to enter into the turning-box, which would have given us ample room to ride through. Instead, they have remained in the lane intended for flowing traffic. By this time it is too late to talk about what should have been. Thankfully, I quickly get up and manoeuvre safely onto the pavement. I so dislike road hugging.
Earlier this week, an unsettling turn of events reminded us of William ‘Kim’ Flint, a cyclist who lost his life in 2010. Reportedly he was aiming to reclaim his crown to King of the Mountains (KOM) recorded by Strava; an app which has become popular amongst athletes, of all levels, wanting to track their progress. His family are filing a lawsuit against the firm. Much discussion on both sides of the pond seem to suggest that as an accomplished adult and a seasoned cyclist, Kim knew full well the risks that day. It is a risk we all take, and one we should be prepared for.
I on the other hand came off lightly. The worst I came to was picking the carbon shards out of my legs. I remain thankful; I have come off a lot worse. If not for BC coming to my aid and calling Captain to ambulance me home, a man who sprang into action without so much as a question, it would’ve been a different and lonely afternoon. “That’s the most f*cked up bike I’ve ever seen!” and that I was “lucky to be alive” is a couple of ways you could look at it. A good wash, tea and cake, followed by a relaxing drive home in the Team Camper was a most welcomed treat.
Much later I was further reminded that something else remains intact. Phew.
(images of what remains of the bike)
Showing Olympian resilience, it was only moments after the crash before Disco started mentally picking out a new frame 🙂 Glad you’re in one piece, mister.
Thanks Captain! It was made all the more sweeter with Alex and you there to help put me back all together again.
Not exactly what I was expecting to read on the new website but glad you’re alright and still showing that fighting spirit. The workshop’s open whenever you want to put a new bike together!
I will never forget what went through my mind when I heard that big bang behind me… ‘Lowell’s dead!’ The relief I felt when I turned around to see you climbing on to the pavement. My heart skipped a few beats I can tell you.
I knew you were okay when you started asking for photos of yourself and your new collapsible bike.
Turns out we were approx 100m from gaining a new KOM on Strava. We were flying mate. At least we live to fight another day, just may be at a time with less traffic.
Oh dear Mr B.
A humbling reminder to us all that we should not buy cheap carbon frames.
Glad you are not in bits my friend.
x
@Rob – thank you brother. I was hoping this steed would last long enough until you crafted your first ‘steel’ masterpiece and I’d be the proud owner of a ‘Sargent’! Will be the first happy customer 🙂
@Alex, isn’t life sweet? It’s a mixed bag this year with all that’s going on, either way we Baroudeurs live and fight another day. GT and much more to come brother!
@Mr Dixon, thank you! Funny how the expensive wheels survived and the cheap folding-bike folded. Looking forward to smiling and riding with you again x
New bike time!