HaveFun Editor Down, Thanks For All The Speedy Recovery Messages

It all happened so fast, though I can remember it all to the last detail, down to my helmet scraping the pavement. With my hip cushioning most of the impact, I now have some metal in my leg.

It was one of those perfect Wednesday evenings for a ride; Last week temperatures were in the mid-seventies, only a slight chance of rain according to several weather service channels and several friends showed up for a ride. The goal was to sneak in a 30-miler by heading southeast on some county roads from Boehm's Bike Shop near 35E in Mendota Heights, for a meandering loop before dark.

At the 10 mile mark of the ride we all agreed, with the skies all around us becoming animus and dark, it was time to turn back. Within minutes of our decision a major storm system opened up for a wet ride home.  Following the shortest route back we noticed blue skies and rainbows ahead while riding through sun showers. Then, on a newly paved road near the bike shop, we had to cut up on the curb-cutouts to get onto the trail leading back to our vehicles. Riding along looking for an easy cut out, I slowed my bike down slightly and turned my wheel into the curb with a one inch curb lip to manuver. To my surprise, my front wheel just skidded along the wet pavement edge, throwing me off balance and into the apron of the bike trail. With a brief stay at the Fairview campus, in Burnsville and a titanium rod and plate holding the themor bone to my hip socket, I am on the mend.

In two weeks I should be able to get out and cover some biking events and by the first of August, ride my bike again.

Along with all the funny cards, flowers and meals being sent by friends and well-wisher's, I would like to thank the two paramedic's who brought me in, Dr. Joe Nemanich, from Twin City Orthopedics and the Fairview Ridges medical staff for their excellent care through surgery. Also Marcy, who has to put up with me on a daily basis while I recover.

The lesson I am taking away from this is:  Treat the curb cuts onto trails, similar to driving your bike over a railroad crossing. That is turning your wheel into the curb-cut apron as close to a 90 degree angle as possible.  This will make it safer to drive your bike across, over or through obstacles when the pavement is wet.

Keep riding and have fun!

Russ Lowthian,  editor HaveFuNBiking.com

Article Published: 06-13-2012