par Heidi » Jeu Mars 11, 2004 3:09 pm
We had one more ride to do and were hoping for no mud. We headed for the Wharfdale Track which involved driving the RV up a narrow road along a cliff forever before coming to the carpark. We started on a nice doubletrack that gave way to singletrack and headed into the forest. Again, some challenging rock sections and gulches, but a lot of fast riding. As we got further and further into the forest we started crossing some serious fords that we had to climb down and back up the other side. This got a bit old after a while and getting off to climb over waist high tree after tree was no longer fun. We turned around and headed back to the carpark. So far we had done good with no serious crashes or injuries. I say “so far” for a reason. I had ridden through hell and back on Wakamarina, made it out of Rameka alive, and negotiated Charming Creek and Moonlight with no problem. They were all super tough with a gazillion opportunites to endo and break body parts. For me though, I crashed on a flat section of doubletrack about 200 meters from the carpark and snapped my carbon fiber brake lever while ramming my elbow and shoulder into the ground at high speed. I instantly thought broken ribs because the pain was so great. I laid on the ground gasping and wheezing, feeling the burrrrrrn of my once again ripped open elbow. DAMMIT! I finally caught my breath though and pedaled slowly to the RV. I was so upset with myself and still have barely gotten over the anger.
We drove to Christchurch that afternoon and spent the rest of the evening in the city eating and drinking. I had a drink that cost more than my dinner, a few beers, and a couple vodka and cranberries before heading back to the RV. Our trip was over.