First Wreck~

 It had to happen sooner or later...  I totaled up my miles out of curiosity & I've ridden 3,672 since April 1, 2020.  Butch & I had pulled the bikes out of the shed Easter Sunday of 2019 & rode the Wabash for the first time from Mineola to Silver City & back.  By 2020 I had some control over the invasive bushes on our property & time to ride more often, almost always on my own.

Friday was a nice day, not too hot, not too humid & rain was forecast over the upcoming weekend.  It was the first time in forever I've managed two rides in a week.  I decided to leave from Silver City & travel the just over 8.5 miles north to the area I call The Lookout.

Parked in Silver City~

I was looking forward to riding a section I hadn't seen since November 17th of last year.  The trail would be in its late summer lushness.  I like riding this section in the fall for whatever reason.  I guess because the views are more prominent with the foliage gone.

The Bronco waits by the old Jail~

Rather than make the sharp turn up onto the trail in town, I circled around & came back past the Bronco on my way north.  My plan was just to enjoy the ride.  It didn't take long for the enjoyment of the fresh air & green scenery to take effect.

This pond is as beautiful in the Summer as it was in the fall~

The first rise out of town goes from about 1,047 to 1,181 ft.  Even with assist, it's a good gradual grade. Next is the downhill to Mineola.  This area has seen huge improvements over the years I've ridden through.

1,015 ft. Elevation.  Mineola Trail Head~

Leaving town is almost flat across the valley & since the first time I admired this view between Farah's ears, I've enjoyed it.

Across the Valley~

I didn't see anyone out on the trail, which surprised me.  It was smooth sailing to the bridge at Keg Creek.

Keg Creek downstream~

The day had warmed into the mid-80's but it seemed mild compared to the 90's.  It wasn't long before I began the next climb.  I was amazed at how the Wild Grape had literally exploded in this area!  It used to cover the trees & shrubs for a way, but now it dominated the landscape for close to half a mile.

The Grapes, the Grapes!

The buds were almost ready to open & the fruit will be enjoyed by wildlife.  But - it's so invasive!  When I rode further & saw it climbing high into the Walnuts, I was glad I've kept the ones that have started in our woods under control!

Wild Grape climbing the Walnut trees~

Another uphill grade before I arrived at Margaritaville.

Flags flying at Margaritaville~

Again, no one around.  I didn't stay, as it's only a short way to the bench at the Lookout.  It came up so fast I almost rode right on by!

My turn-around spot~

The Eastern Red Cedar in the background have grown enough they're starting to block the view.  I'll be sad when it's gone.  This is pretty much the high spot of the ride at 1,250 ft.  I called Butch & enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the afternoon.

Starting back, I'd mentioned to Butch the trail was in pretty rough shape in several areas.  A couple large, unexpected holes right in the bike track, branches hanging over the trail at rider height & areas where the gravel & grit had washed to the low side.

The downhill to Mineola is always so much fun.  I kept to a reasonable speed, knowing the trail could be rough in spots.

Coming back to the Mineola Trail Head~

Less than two miles out from Silver City, with a moment's inattention, my front tire was pulled into a rut filled in by a fine sandy grit on my right.  So fine & deep I didn't see it in time to avoid it.  A split second later, the surface of the trail came right at me as the bike fell away toward the shoulder & ditch.  The bike went right; I went left - hard...  I threw up my left arm to shield my face as I hit & slid.  I remember seeing my sunglasses flying off to the side.  I'd grabbed the right rear brake as I lost balance.  When the momentum stopped & I stopped, I hurt!  My left forearm was a bloody mess.  My left knee, even though my tights had started bleeding. My right shoulder really hurt, feeling wrenched from holding the brake with the weight of the bike as it fell/slid off the trail.

As I got to a sitting position, my next thought was - Thank you Lord!  Nothing felt broken!  I got the bike up & on the kickstand, then opened my bag.  I had very large band aids & lots of paper towels.  I rinsed all my wounds with clear water, dried them with the paper towels & used the band aids to cover them all up.  (I remember my mentor Dean saying the worst thing about ageing was thinning skin & he was so right!)

Last bridge, Silver City~

Checking out the bike, I didn't find a mark on it.  I cowgirled up, got on & completed the ride back to the Bronco.  I appreciated the assist loading from the Lift Caddy, since my shoulder was giving me fits.  

When I arrived at Doris's to pick up Finn, she didn't miss the bandages!  Doris reiterated what my horse-riding friends have said for years - that my guardian Angel works overtime.  At home, I unloaded the bike & called Butch to tell him my news.  He wasn't happy about it but was kind with his comments.  In the shower, it was no fun at all when the water hit the wounds!  Looking in the mirror, the bridge of my nose had turned black & blue.  

Though feeling a little beat up, my shoulder seems to be just a pulled muscle.  I've worked so hard this season to make improvements to my plantings etc., it would be nice to be able stay on top of things into fall!  I definitely learned a hard lesson!  As beautiful as it may be, staying aware at all times is key.