Disaster Strikes

On March 30 while riding the Snowbird Century in S Miami-Dade County disaster struck. I rode from home to the start of the ride at the Fruit and Spice Park. The plan was to ride the full century and ride home again afterwards. This would give me about 114 miles for the day. I left the start about a minute early to stay out of the confusion of 700 riders starting at once. Some others I knew also had the same idea and about 10 of us were just riding along easy when the first fast group caught us. Now the ride begins in earnest. Soon we are joined by another large group. The pace is fast and the wind is maybe 2 mph, nice riding. At the point that the metric century and full century separate I am the only rider heading west on the Everglades Park road. At the turn around point at Payhaokee I refill my water bottles and grab a snack. Now the fun starts with the wind out of the NE and almost all of the rest of the ride heading north or east back to the start. As I am heading east I pass going the other way little groups on their way out.

Now out of the park with about 15 miles back to the start. I am setup to make a left turn and as I turn my head to check traffic a pickup passes within inches of me, Now this would have been OK except the truck was hauling a boat that was considerably wider than the truck. I was struck on the back of my left shoulder knocking me off the bike away from the trailer. The bike did not fare so well.

The bike was caught up between the wheels of the trailer and dragged across the intersection. Yes, the driver stopped. Every major component of the bike suffered catastrophic failure with the exception of the seat post and the cranks. My injuries were limited to road rash of my right knee, hip, and shoulder. So I am lucky and not so lucky. I am less than two weeks away from my departure date and riding my time trial bike. The good thing is that I have no real injury and have not missed any training days. Every vehicle that passes now is too close, in my opinion.