Keep the Rubber Side Down

Every cyclist eventually has their turn hitting the deck. It’s the part of the sport we’re all afraid. You know it’s going to eventually happen to you, but if you dwell on it, you’ll never be able to enjoy the thrill of riding your bike.

This past week we were out with the camera taking photos of our friend Katie in her awesome new Velocity kit. On Paris Mountain there is a gnarly climb up Autobon Road that features a great turn for taking cornering shots. Katie took several passes around the corner as she dialed in her line and we dialed in the camera. Then disaster struck. The perfect storm of leaves, speed, break pressure and camber all came together to knock out Katie’s rear wheel…on “film”.

I think we know what Katie was saying when this photo was taken

Now Katie has amazing bike handling skills. She can mix it up at the front of a hammering peloton with the big dawgs — strike that, she is one of the big dawgs — or stay on anyone’s wheel down the descents of the local MTB trails. I would dare say that some cat 2 crit racers would have trouble holding her wheel around the turns down Paris Mountain. As luck would have it though, it was just her time to go down on the bike. It happens to the best of us. We’re just thankful that she escaped with just road rash and some ripped-up shorts. (I think we know some people who can find her some new shorts.)

Just a little road rash