Xterra South East Championships, Pelham Alabama, Crash – DNF

Checked course and conditions in Oak Mountain National Park just outside Pelham in the Southern Bible belt of the

Swam well, but couldn’t hang on the front few, being lead by American Craig Evans. The non-wetsuit dynamic spread the field more than in Temecula three weeks ago. Out fifth, alongside Australian Andy Noble. Was incredible being back down at sea level. Felt I ought to chew the air before swallowing from time to time. As if AT, the redline, is crossed less when coming back. Dropped Noble quickly, and soon passed 2006 USA series champion, Seth Wealing, to move into third. Was feeling great, pushing good gears and handling the single track well on my Specialized hardtail. Climbed well up the 3km drag with varying gradients, after which the ride is nearly done.  

The first section down from the crest, was the danger part labeled “Blood Rock”. Made it through well, just trailing second, with Conrad some 2:10 ahead. Twas about 12min from the end of the ride. I was having the break through race I needed.  Just after, in a moment of relaxing having made the hard part, I hesitated and misjudged a bump. Back wheel clipped it, knew in mid air I was in trouble. Going real fast, too much air, landed on my front wheel, weight too far forward. Held it a moment, then came crashing down, head first, shoulder, right side. Grinding to a hault, I tried to stand, grab my bike, and make up for precious lost seconds. Foolish. It had been my hardest hit ever. Couldn’t find my bike for a start, as it lay 15m away. Nor could I hide the pain building in my left wrist. Ambulance, morphine, hospital, and a cast for my broken scaphoid.   Conrad had another class day, with a tactically good swim, sensational ride, and solid run. What an athlete, what an inspiration. Read his tale at conradstoltz.com. And a real friend arriving at the trauma unit with plenty eat and drink and more understanding sympathy than any other could have. Seemed he had spent a few hours in an ER unit starving too.  

The end of a great spell for me, and have many positives to ponder over in my rehab. Even on yesterday alone, I have much to make my own in a positive light. I know that I know that I can put it together some day. And I will.