This Is Why I Train: A Crash, A Lesson, A Reminder

Ever since wrapping up my epic hut-to-hut trip and returning from the elk hunt, I’ve kept a solid rhythm on the bike — riding 2–3 times a week. It’s been amazing to just get out and pedal with no structured plan, no pressure to hit a time or mileage goal… just pure ride-bliss. It’s been fun, free, and flowy.

Fast forward to earlier this week — I’m cruising along Trail 365, heading north through a wash on a non-technical section (famous last words). It started with me forgetting my knee pads. Rookie move. I forgot how rocky the south foothills of Albuquerque can be — decomposed granite, jagged boulders, and plenty of trail erosion thanks to the monsoon season. Think: nature’s cheese grater.

Early in the ride, I tried taking a spicy line through a section that had clearly been chewed up by runoff. I dabbed my knee into a boulder, and BAM — first blood. Even worse, my Mondraker Raze R got its first major scratch. She’s a year old… and now she’s officially a trail bike.

Later, on the way back — still on that “non-technical” trail — things escalated.

I was sweating more than usual (thanks, rain + humidity combo), and my sunglasses were fogged up. I didn’t wear my sweatband, which meant I had more sweat pooling on my lenses than usual. I didn’t realize just how much it was blocking my peripheral vision.

As I leaned into a turn through the wash, I dropped my left foot to gain traction — textbook move — and WHAM! I hit a rock hidden in the shadows.

I was in a solid athletic base position, weight centered, but the impact launched me forward into my handlebars. I now have the bottom of my handlebar bell imprinted on my thigh. My right index finger jammed into the ground (didn’t break, but it definitely protested), the nail cuticle was sliced, and I earned some fresh abrasions on my right shoulder and knee.

I laid there for a second, in shock. Then I stood up, shook it off, starting walking and then got back on the bike. I was hurting, no doubt, but also reminded of something bigger: God was watching over me. That crash could have been worse. I walked away humbled, grateful, and with a few new lessons tattooed into my skin.

Takeaways (aka, Learn from My Mistakes):

• Don’t underestimate the terrain. If I’m riding fast (which, let’s be honest, I usually am), I need knee pads. Always.
• Keep the lenses clean. Better yet, if visibility is bad, just ditch the glasses altogether.
• Don’t assume a shadowy berm is your friend. If I had seen that rock clearly, I might’ve stayed tighter on the inside line or kept my foot up.

This Is Why I Train

I train to enjoy the trails — not fear them. I want to ride at speeds I’m comfortable with and be confident that my body can handle what the trail throws at me.

Yes, I’ve slowed down (just ask my riding buddies), and no, I haven’t had a good crash since the infamous “Tree Hugging Incident” back in April. I pray the next one, whenever it happens, is less dramatic… and ideally, less expensive.

Wanna Ride Stronger — and Smarter?

If you love being outside, pushing your limits, and living life beyond the gym walls, come train with us at the Performance Ranch. I’m not saying you should crash — but if you do, wouldn’t you rather be strong enough to bounce back?

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