Crash Redux

The utility cover with the blue paint splotch on the right side of the photo is what got me I had a good long run on the bike without a crash, but unfortunately my luck ran out last weekend after decideding to add a detour up into the Emerald Hills neighborhood — all hills and mostly narrow single lane roads that I’m only casually familiar with. I had made it through the worst of the uphill part (around 1000 ft of elevation) and was starting to descend, using a mix of memory and instinct to navigate, when I caught glimpse of a small sunken utility cover party obscured by shadows cast from overhead trees. I was too close to veer around and hit it head on — and promptly found myself flying head over heels over my bike towards, and then sliding across the pavement. Ow. I landed fairly hard, my bike then crashing on top of me — right in time for a large black SUV to come around the corner in front of me, likely catching my less than graceful landing. The driver quickly stopped and got out…