Day before yesterday's ride
Wednesday, commute. The narrowest part of the tow path. Stopped waiting for oncoming cyclists, who haven't seen me, as they're not paying attention, instead having a conversation. They stop abruptly about 10 feet ahead, nearly wiping each other out.
First one moves off again, saying, 'Is it wider there?'
'No. Stay where you are.'
Number two rider follows. Number three sees sense and stays put.
I have to lean away from Number 1 to prevent her from colliding with me. As I lean my weight on to my left foot the grass underneath it turns out to be just that, nothing else, and gives way. (Either way) I end up falling into the canal still clipped in with my right foot.
I'm up pretty quick as the water is shallow and very cold. I don't like open water. I lift my bike on to the bank. Number 2 is reaching forward trying to pull me out. 'What are you doing? Get the hell away from me. Take my bike.'
I clamber up the bank, which is covered in stinging nettles that attack my knees, shins and ankles.
I'm halfway. 11 miles either way - home or work. There is no rescue plan. My partner has meetings all day and I have to get to work. I have to ride completely soaked and stinking. Take a shower at work fully clothed. Do the work I have to do, and then ride home in cold soaking wet clothes...Tough day.
Fortunately it was warm. Ironically I set a pb for the run in.
The fall destroys my work issue IPad (which slowly dies over the next 24 hours),rips a bottle boss raggedly out of the frame, the other has put a kink in the tube. My phone has now recovered.
The iPad is done for.