Crack-up Part II

Okay, so maybe I am getting in over my head with this single track mountain biking. Every new trail seems to have a steep learning curve. I do mean steep. I started out yesterday afternoon going to the trails off 286 near Umstead State Park. On my way to park, I saw a guy with a cool bike. I asked him a little about it and he asked if I wanted to ride with him on his ride. He already had 20 miles in. No problem I thought. BIG mistake. Within the first 3 minutes I was in over my ability. I asked him how he went downhills so fast. He said he did not use his brakes. Bad idea. I was going faster than normal, especially for new trails. I was thinking how cool these trails were and caught a root and went flying. I mean flying. I hit on my left side. Thanks goodness because, my ribs are still hurt on my right side. I cut up my leg, my side and my left forearm was ragged and bleeding. My left shoulder hurt and my left hip and thigh were swelling. Okay, I thought, I will just finish up my hour ride. BAD idea in the 97 degree heat. I made it through but, when I got home to assess the damage, I was not pleased. Charlene was not pleased either. The worst injury seems to be my left shoulder as I am having a hard time lifting anything more than a coffee cup. Maybe some safe road riding with cars doing 60 is a better alternative!