A really early morning rise for the BMC 100 on 20th April. It was absolutely freezing lining up for the start, but I was quite excited about the day of mountain biking ahead - new trails and 100km of fun. I started off really well and was feeling quite confident as we cruised through the trees on some really nice single track. We popped out onto fire trail with the occasional set of 4wd ruts to negotiate keeping things interesting ... a bit too interesting for me ... I chose a poor line and the trees along the side of the road were not as easy to squeeze past as I had thought... my front wheel slipped into a rather deep rut. I was over the bars in a flash and landed on my back across the rut on the other side of the road. At first I thought I was just badly winded ... I would have looked hilarious, the deep water filled ruts providing a generous mud bath. I hopped back on but it was a slow ouchy ride to the first water stop of the race. 20km in, and I was out for the day.

I scored a ride in an ambulance, despite my protest that I could get a ride home with my friend's Dad (who was running the water stop). Moving and breathing was becoming more and more painful and it was time to get checked out. Turns out I have a crack in my tenth rib on the right along with sprained facet joints at T12-L2.

I have had nearly two weeks off work now. What is really amazing is that I didn't miss riding at all for a week. I was too troubled with trying not to move the wrong way! Ribs are a shocker and anti-inflammatory drugs are definitely better than constipating codeine (believe me that with sore ribs you do not want to make any additional effort when doing a poo!) Regular visits to an osteopath and a bucket load of tablets later I am still whingy. My posture isn't quite right. I have a distinct lean to the right because of the muscles on the right being in spasm - and the left side is sore too as he muscles on that side are working hard to keep me stable. Unreal!

Yesterday I got on the trainer in the lounge room. woo-hoo! I was very excited that after the effort of getting on (it hurt a bit!) I could peddle virtually pain free. Yes! So I did an hour yesterday and another today ... once I can get on and off ok, I will try the real thing... perhaps this weekend.

Oh yes, I have decided that I am going to train for the tour of Bright this year :)

Can't wait to get back out on the bike!

Happy and safe riding to you!