Bill,

Don' t you hate it when the bike decides it doesn' t want you onboard any more?! I ride 50-125 miles a week (commute to work this way) and having my brain on auto has nearly done me in a couple of times. (not suggesting you weren' t paying attention!)

Last year I got talked into doing several " adventure" races- one day events that have you paddling, mtn biking, orienteering, & trail running. On the first race I was into the moutain bike section and was making my way down a suburban-sized rock when my front tire hit a hole and I became airborne rather unexpectantly. Was flying long enough that I could see my landing spot so I managed to hit the dirt on my right shoulder and hip. Nice bruise from elbow to top of shoulder. 1/4 mile later I go to make a slight left turn in the trail and the front tire hits a small rock which shoots out and IMMEDIATELY turns my handle bars 90 degrees to the bike- I do the ungainly albatross act once more, turn shoulder into this landing and promptly scrap the crap out of my left shoulder. Fortunately head is saved from glancing blow with the gravel by my helmet. Was a bit annoying doing the rest of the course with slightly bend handle bars.

So it re-inforced for me that helmets are a VERY GOOD THING, gloves are valuable in saving your hands, and that I instinctively " tuck & roll" (or tuck & bounce) instead of putting my arms out to stop the fall-' cause I' m sure one or more wrists would have snapped if I did that.

Keep cycling, Bill! It' s surprising how quickly the muscles tone up and the breathing becomes easier.

Happy healing.

RC