Today was off and on drizzle, heavy at times. But wind blew strongly from south, very gusty in afternoon. Followed route down out of Shropshire Hills, steep narrow descents of course. After 11 miles I meet Steve, sitting in the grass on side of road next to his bike, who asks my help. He's dazed and in pain, likely broken collar bone, torn shirt from where he hit pavement on his shoulder blade. Bloody hands, mud on his back and side. He said he doesn't remember what happened, obviously hit head, but helmet not damaged, just mud and grass stuck to it. He doesn't know where he is, wants to call wife for pickup since he lives in Shrewsbury less than 10 miles away. I try to explain where we are, then decide to ride down to next intersection for precise location, promising to return. Numbered road and pub less than 1/3 mile from where he is. I ride back, help him to his feet and walk him there, where he calls for pickup outside not yet open pub. We chat, he's still confused and not taking much in, wife arrives and I load his bike in the back and they're off to hospital. He emailed me later confirming that he broke his collar none, otherwise ok.
There but for the grace ...
Brian, one of the Bike Adventures group from two days ago, said they all had fallen at least once on this trip, fortunately nothing serious.
Since I'm now off route and more than a hour has passed, I decide to just bike into Shrewsbury and pick up direct route north, taking advantage of wind and direct roads.
Blown north on A roads, traffic not bad, not many trucks, drizzle intermittent, glorious wind ride at high speed. After particularly heavy drizzle, a.k.a. moderate rain, get off A49 for 3rd pot of tea and then when it stops decide to just pick up slow road route for last 12 miles to lodging, arriving 4pm after 65 miles.
No comments:
Post a Comment