Frank and all,

Unfortunately I didn't make it to the vintage event at your place, which I am bummed about. But I am glad to hear that you officially marked the loop with a warning about the infamous TREE to make things safer for all. You see, during last year's trial at Frank's in the sweltering heat I had a sudden mishap with said tree which apparently he has not forgotten, nor have I.

Here again is the story...

Sometimes the Lord has to give ya a little thump for you to check yourself.

I was having a really fun day despite the summer heat, and cruising along on the loop, on my way to likely a fantastic near-last place result. Seriously I was really enjoying the sections and riding ok. My mind was not on the loop. I was definitely thinking about sections- either the one I just finished or the one coming up, but nonetheless wasn't paying enough attention to the loop trail. I wasn't "racing"-- but definitely in 2nd or likely 3rd gear, riding the loop at a decent clip. Should have been going slower for sure. I will also admit that the evidence is certain that I have never been nor plan to be an Enduro rider.

Anyway, on this part of the loop if I remember properly it was a slight off camber across a hill with trees to the left and a creek gully to the right. One of those WWI-type trenches, 4 or 6 foot deep I guess. The left handlebar "found" a tree as I passed through. Not one of those pesky bendy saplings, but real TREE. Instantly the bike went on it's side and I went over the bars head over heals and landed firmly on my right shoulder on the side of the loop beside the gully.

But it didn't stop there. Momentum and perhaps some dumb luck sent me over in a Olympic-style back somersault dismount down into the gully, where I landed perfectly upright on my feet after dropping down. But due to still more momentum I also slammed into the far side of the gully and cracked the right shoulder again.

It was hilarious, scary, and embarrassingly stupid at the same time.

I tried to finish up the loop, but after a couple minutes gave up because it felt like my arm was being ripped off. I never went to have it checked out but I can tell you that I had the worst bruise in my whole life-- a big yellow shoulder from the neck, shoulder blade, bicep (huge, by the way), and front half of upper chest. Couldn't sleep on that side for many weeks. Still feels weird, honestly.

Anyway, everyone was pretty cool about it even though I was an idiot and freaked out and embarrassed.

A lesson I learned the hard way-- guys and gals, don't let it happen to you! Ride Safe.