I dropped the bike about noon after I hit a small patch of wet leaves and the front end lost traction and slid into a large patch of wet leaves in the gutter. I was only going about 20 and damage to the bike was pretty minimal. A kid driving by was nice enough to help me lift the 560 lb bike, which I checked out and rode the 5 miles or so home. I was a little sore, so I took a shower and hit the rack.
When I got up a half hour or so later, I was much sorer, and sitting in a chair in the family room was not improving matters. Moving had become a real bear, and I could feel clunking and movement at the injury site. I decided the better part of valor at that point was to see a physician, so I had daughter drive me down to the urgent care facility, and they immediately referred me to the Saint Vincent Hospital ER. I had great staff helping me in the ER. They treaded my pain appropriately and convinced me a CAT scan with contrast was needed. Seemed like a lot to ask of a cat, but I agreed anyway. I expected black and white cats to provide the contrast, but to my surprise, I found there were no cats, just a big machine and I was the donut hole filler. The machine whirred and buzzed, told me to breathe and hold my breath; it seems quite in tune to what was happening — good thing I was a bit out of it after receiving a morphine push. The folks at the St. Vincent's were great. But after they found nine broken ribs, a bruised kidney, and a pneumothorax, I was transferred by ambulance to Emanuel Hospital's trauma unit. On arrival, I was treated to the full trauma unit Monty; they work hard and earn their pay down there. They booked me for a room for the night, or two, or three depending upon how my innards heal. Sigh. But I feel good and have been walking and being my usual garrulous self. Note to self, don't drop the bike. Yes, I wear full EN1621-2 armor and leathers, a full face helmet, riding gloves, and boots, all the gear all the time. I was riding within the speed limit of about 20 mph. I just hit poorly and did some serious damage. Stay safe out there, have fun, and Merry Christmas! Maddog
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