A day I should have just stayed in bed....

On Saturday I started out on my 'long' ride to help prepare for the hotter n hell, and at mile 24 stopped to eat a cliff bar and talk to my riding buddy. When getting ready to start, clipped in left foot then leaned to the left to look for my buddy and down I went (should have been my first clue) This was my first fall and we laughed about it for a few minutes then continued our ride. The next fall would be so funny. As we are riding there is about 20 yards between the both of us when a car buzzes me. I have been buzzed before but this was way too close. I felt as if the car was going to keep coming closer and hit me. I panicked and swerved to the right and went into the grass (very narrow shoulder). Yes I over corrected, but it was just a reaction at that point. I was able to slow but the grass sloped down into a ditch about 3-4 feet deep. I hit my shoulder and elbow but am otherwise fine. The bike is also fine. I just wish drivers would give a bit more space.

Shortly after the fall I got a front flat, then at mile 70 the front sidewall blew out. I'm not sure if it was damaged in the fall or not. The funny thing is I was able to put a tube patch, and use a dollar bill between the tube and tire and made it home. The tire has a bulge where the patch is on the side but I was able to get home and will be getting a new tire today. In the end I completed 93 miles, but it was a long and stressful day.