A Disappointing End of the Day

Today I participated in the Philadelphia Livestrong Challenge.  I set off around 8:10am with the rest of the 45-mile group.  The ride started off quite well, this of course being the first time I’d gone on any manner of group ride in my life.  I ended up making friends with a fellow rider named Bob who took me “under his wing” as a past participant to make sure I didn’t kill myself.  It was certainly great having a friendly face amongst the hills to keep me upbeat.

Even so, my day didn’t end even remotely close to how I’d hoped.  A little before mile marker 10, on a quick left-right turn series, I was involved in a bit of a pileup.  As far as I can tell I was the only rider who was tossed off of their saddle, but it didn’t really matter much in the end.  I flipped over the front bars, did some strange aerobatics that involved jamming my left elbow and head (with helmet) onto the ground.  I popped up immediately and walked my bike to the side of the road as police and other riders stopped to ask if I was ok.

At this point, I could feel that I’d hit my left elbow quite hard, but it seemed as though I’d be able to recover.  I calmed my nerves, hopped onto the bike, and gave it a go with Bob for some more distance.  I made it to approximately mile 22 before I couldn’t stand to put weight on my arm anymore and stopped.  I was picked up by a SAG (Support and Gear) vehicle, and eventually made my way through medical stations and to the start line, but I didn’t get to finish.

My arm is quite sore right now, but I don’t seem to have done any major structural damage that won’t heal on it’s own.  To say I’m disappointed in my inability to finish would be an understatement, but it is simply how the cards fell today.  I met a lot of great people and am looking forward to next year’s challenge in Philadelphia.  You can be sure I’ll be back, and next year I won’t be so kind to the course…

 

- Andy

2009 Livestrong Challenge - Philadelphia

I've been talking about doing this for a week or so now (basically since I was informed of it's existence), and finally I paid the registration fee and committed to participating. I will be riding my bike 45-miles for the fight against cancer on August 23rd, 2009 around Philadelphia. I only need to raise $250 in order to be allowed to ride, but I figured I might as well set my sights high. You can visit my 'fundraising headquarters' at http://philly09.livestrong.org/andym84/. After about 9 years of being off my bike, I'm going to do a 45-mile ride after only riding for about 3.5 weeks consistently. Am I crazy? More than likely...

At least it's for a good cause.



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- Andy