I lingered just long enough to remove my leg warmers and headed out for the 16 mile stretch to the lunch stop in Shelter Valley. When I arrived things were just starting to pick up and I was able to quickly grab some chili, a Subway sandwich, some chips and a Coke. No more than 15 minutes later I was moving again.

After Shelter Valley was the climb back to rest stop #3. It was moderate and I made good time. Along the way I caught up with a rider in a 2007 Spooktacular jersey. Though we did not exchange names he was one of the guys I rode with during the first half of that Century.  We stayed together for the next 20 miles picking up a paceline consisting of seven or so riders along the way. The pace was relentless and a mild headwind had developed.  The group was a broad mix with some riders barely able to hold the front. It was fun but as we approached rest stop #2 a pulled off to pee, refill my bottles and grab a bite. This was a fateful decision that I would end up paying for.

It started out innocently enough. But as I went about my business I became aware of a guy who just would not stop talking. I made several return trips to grab food and drinks and every time I passed him he was just jabbering on. I got back on the bike and was no more than 5 miles down the road when he came up behind me with two young ladies in tow. Now, remember, a head wind had come up so part of me welcomed the help. But this guy would not stop talking and on top of it he started riding next to me pinning me against the shoulder.

My inner voice was screaming that this was not a good situation, but what could I do? Along the way he was constantly commenting that we needed to slow down for the girls. This was not pacelining, but for some stupid reason I let it continue. Then all of a sudden I found myself off the road and on the shoulder. It was deep sand and like an idiot I turned to the left to try and get back on the tarmac. Well you can guess what happened next. I veered left then swerved right. The bike rolled forward and I took a grater along my left side down the road.  Next thing I know I’m sitting stunned in the middle of the road with jabber jaws still commentating. I’m about to lose it with this guy but decided to focus on taking inventory of my condition.  I had road rash on my shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle.  I later learned I had severely stubbed my left big toe and bruised some ribs. The gash on my knee was fairly deep.