With an anticipated long day ahead of us we woke earlier than normal at 6:00am and were on the road at 7am. Todays ride took us west and south along hwy 112. We rode the contours of the coastline and spent most of the day ascending and descending small hills. It was perhaps the most difficult terrain we have yet experienced. There were two significant climbs before we turned off hwy 112 on to hwy 113; the latter being the most difficult. It looked like it might rain all day and sure enough as we started our last climb of the day the heavens opened and we had to stop and break out the rain gear once again. At the top of the last climb we huddled in the rain and had a quick lunch. From that point on it was all downhill literally, and the general outlook for the day was really positive because all the hard work was done. We have already completed 60km and it was just after 12:00pm. Our plan was to look at the campsite just outside Forks and check to see how we felt, and what kind of amenities it had. Even though it had started to rain heavily we were in great spirits. It didn’t last long…
One the decent towards the turn off to hwy 113, the road was steep, there was no real shoulder, and only the typical steel barriers that adorn most sides of the road on US highways. As I was halfway down the hill I turned my head to check on Suzanne who was behind me like I’ve done this a million times before, but this time was different. As I turned around I veered off to the right and hit the steel barriers at approximately 40km/h. At impact with the barrier, I went over the handle bars and slid into the right hand lane. My right pannier came off and ended up in the middle of the two lanes and my bike landed somewhere in front of me. It all happened really fast. I lay motionless for a second until a small, red, compact car rolled up beside me, and from what I remember a couple of foreigners in the car tried to ask if I was okay. I got up quickly, grabbed my pannier and my bike and headed for the safety of the side of the road. At this point Suzanne was still behind me and was no doubt horrified by what she just witnessed.
I don’t know about anybody else but when I have just injured myself I move, quickly, into this state of shock where I feel nauseous and have to sit down. My knees kind of give way on me and if I don’t find somewhere to sit I might actually collapse. I’ve always been like that. It’s kind of embarrassing on my Tuesday night mountain bike rides when I have to ask the guys to wait for a second while I sit and overcome the nausea. Anyway, apart from some severe road rash on my left side I seemed to be okay. I was extremely lucky! Suzanne was a little worried about concussion but I don’t seem to have experienced any symptoms as yet, so hopefully everything with be okay. Other than my body feeling really sore and my waterproof jacket not being so waterproof anymore, everything else seems to be fine. The only damage to my bike, and I didn’t do a very thorough inspection, seems to be a bent brake handle. Once again – very lucky. I hate to think what might have happened had I not had all my rain gear on. The road rash may have been a lot worse. No doubt my body will ache tomorrow, but I’ ll still be able to cycle and I’m eternally thankful for that. I learned a couple of valuable but painful lessons today that will always be with me. Sometimes, I just wish I could learn those lessons without the pain.
After the accident I didn’t really have the heart to do much more biking. 7 miles down the road we checked out a recreational site that allowed camping. We rode in, noticed a shelter and a bathroom, and decided to stay the night. We met a really interesting guy named Scott and his dog named Bow. Scott was enjoying his summer before starting his first year of teaching and Bow was happy to be with his owner but annoyed that he had to be on leash. You see, when you’re a German Short-Hair Pointer, being on a leash is almost as bad as having an accident on your bike.
Tomorrow we need to fix Suzanne’s bike before we ride south towards Forks. We’re still wet, I’m sore, Suzanne has a little bit of a cold, but we filled ourselves with good food and good company tonight at camp.
Here’s to a day full of sunshine and no accidents.
Thanks for reading.
Christopher.
