Well, I am boned.

My only means of transportation is wrecked. Not many people know, I am poor. I don't own much, and I live a simple modest life. I do not own a car, I can not afford to get one or pay the up keep. So, I ride my bike every where in town to do everything. Groceries, pay bills, go to the post office, etc. I depend on that bike for the last little bit of dignity, and Independence I have. Well, now its gone, and I have no way of replacing it for the foreseeable future. Money is just to tight.

I went out for my morning exercise, before dawn. It was dark and overcast, and had apparently stormed over the night. I took my usual path (nothing special), I just wanted a short “wake me up” ride up and around agri-park (4 miles away), and back. To get my blood pumping. As I came over a hill, and around a curve there was some debris in the path (sticks and leaves), I swerved around it, looking up in just in time to see the rotten black tree trunk that had fallen across the path laying in the shadows.

I hit it... Almost full speed. 10-12 mph.

Its funny how time slows down in those moments. When you know the deed is done, the path chosen was the wrong one. I heard my self say in slow motion, “Oooooooooh Ffffuuuuuuuck!!!” and I jumped as the bike folded against the tree, and the dark ground slowly drifted beneath me. As I sailed 8-10 feet through the air. Coming down on another pile of broken branches, rocks, and leaves. I did a perfect roll, my Sensai would be proud (not really, he was the brooding type). Unfortunately, the debris was like get hit with a dozen billy clubs. I came to rest – what seemed like – far away from the bike. The wind knocked out of me, my arm throbbing, and gasping for breath.

I laid there for a time till I felt like I could move with out further injuring my self, and I wanted to cry when I saw my bike.

http://stickypawz.timduru.org/Misc/Stuff/dedbik.jpg

The front wheel bent out of shape, the tire flat, and the fork slight bent (which is to most obvious damage). After limping 2.5 miles home dragging my tortured bike all the way. Closer inspection shows the front break bracket bent, and both front and back breaks are seized. That is all I can see at the moment. I am sure there is more damage...

As for me, I just have bruises, and scratches. I bruised the bone of my elbow, my ankle and knee are achy and stiff, and my right side hurts a little. All that was from landing on the debris.

Ether way. With out my bike I am screwed. I have no idea what I am going to do. I blew my savings on a much needed but ultimately failed vacation. So, I am really, really screwed.

[Sigh]

Ryngs