Home safe n sound, and no worse for the wear. Not sure what was worse though, doing tumbling exercises in MO or riding in the cold. Man did I fantasize about heated gear. So THAT's why you guys get that stuff.
If you guys don't mind, I'd like to share a few thoughts:
The first thought I had when it happened, was I felt like a horse's a$$. Absolutely stupid.
However, that first thought was fleeting. I quickly realized I was extremely fortunate. And it happened while riding with an exceptional group of guys. Smitty, Griff and Wheaton are some really cool headed cats. They didn't stand around asking what happened, they just went about their tasks quickly and effeciently. Calmed me down, kept me from moving too much before any injuries could be accessed (very little), picked up the few broken bike pieces and checked out the bike for ridability.
I have learned a lot from this forum about what an effective group ride is all about. On Friday I saw it first hand.
I have nothing but gratitude for you guys.
Another big freaking huge Thanks go out to ZZZZip (Skip) and his wife Gail. About 3 hours after leaving the Hooterville Gang, a thought came to mind "do I have that FJR Rider Assistance List with?" Now Skip became a victim of my drama queen melodramatics because I had remembered him as part of the Hooterville Gang from last year. Pretty sharp guy too, I don't think for a second he believed me when I told him I was doing Mach I when suddenly a herd of possums stampeded across the road in front of me. But heck, that's the story I'll tell my grandson....I think he might believe it.
Thank You Skip, the degree of hospitality you two showed me was far more than I expected.
All in all, I feel beat, ragged, chewed up and spit out. Come to think of it, that's about how I woulda felt had I gone to Tech Day in Owosso instead.
Hope you guys had a great day of riding in Arkansas. I'm hoping to make it next year again. Afterall, I have a certain curve to conquer now.
