big maggy's blog

Matching Injuries.

Normally I don’t leave home, if I am going to ride a bike of any sort, without a helmet or gloves. Sunglasses are not mandatory but are certainly prefered. Why then did Susan and I embark on a mountain bike ride (a discipline of cyclesport that netted me a broken shoulder last time I tried) up a Moroccan mountain with a complete stranger who was only on his second ride ever.?!! The bikes were new and shiny and looked well-maintained (good start) and the climb seemed no steeper than Bon nuit except it was a snake to a height of 1800 meters above sea level and we started at 100m. Spectacular views and a stunning plain to ride across on a swift shale/granite surface were the prize for the hour or so slog to the top. The villages we passed through were like something from the bible. After a 10 min water break we started the fast descent toward the final village and the end point. Possibly the furthest point from the hotel and now snaking down on slightly stonier ground, Susan entered a corner a bit too quick, the front slid outwards just as she steadied her speed with the brakes. The inevitable happened and I watched as she went face first into the ground. Susan now has a cut on her chin in roughly the same spot as the one I gained earlier this year in the 2 up 25tt. The gloves that are still in the cupboard on jersey got off lightly as Susan’s hands and left knee got the gravel rash. The Prada sunglasses remained unscathed, thankfully. Once she was tidied up and seated in the back up truck the guide and I completed the remaining 30 minutes of the route. An hour later we were back in the hotel trying to find a plaster big enough to cover the damage without going the 90 minutes to Marrakech. I can only thank our lucky stars or god or allah (we are in a muslim country) that the crash wasn’t faster or more severe and Susan’s head didn’t get knocked – the stones were very jagged and pointy and would have done a lot of damage. We are considering it a lesson learnt and will be taking helmets and gloves (and padded shorts) on holiday with us in future.
Big Maggys will be stocking a range of Etto helmets and if you speak to Moffaman he will point you in the direction of the gorgeous blue, red & white race helmet (Hurricane I think).  Never leave home without it on your head as it is cock all use to you on your handlebars.

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