Stars and Stripes behind White Pickard Fences

Sad and rough start to the day. With the local bike store manager who fetched me this morning for a ride on the course crashing badly.

(Our home stay street in Helena)

Chris Storie has been great to Ruth and I, and helped me out at Cahaba Cycles. We enjoyed much of the course together, and getting to a road crossing I looked back to where Chris ought to have been. Nothing but Oak silenced forest. I hung a moment, before biking up the adjacent tar and calling out to him. A muffled cry for help returned.

I raced up the single track I’d just come down, heart beating in my throat. I found Chris lying face down, stretched out on the track. Blood surrounding his face. He said he couldnt feel anything nor move nothing. I must have been as pale as him.

Neither of us had a phone on us. I hurt the cranks on the tarmac back to the race village, and had the Xterra crew call 911.  I’ve heard since that Chris is stable, and feeling is returning to his limbs. They’ve been examining his neck and spine, and seems he has some spinal concussion. They hadnt got to his arm and shoulder, but I reckon his one arm may be shattered. But at least its not worse case scenario.

So if you can spare a thought and prayer for Chris and his family, for a full recovery, please do.

I thought to show some of the American dream here in Helena. From my view on the patio. Its a USA postcard.

(Each home come standard with two flag pole slots – for them Stars and Stripes pride)

The Cahaba Cycles shop have done me a few favours. Check their site linked below. A great store.

(Cahaba Cycles)

I am a little shaken up from the sights this morning, but otherwise in fine form. Ruth has done the honors on the pre-race rub, and the body is responding well. Some more prep in the morning, registration and then getting off the feet till race face morning.