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Stick in front wheel caused injury
As a kid, did you ever attach a baseball card to your front bike fork with a clothespin so it would intentionally flip against the spokes and make noise? Seemed harmless, right? But now, riding on wooded trails, I've come to see sticks as evil. They are probably the greatest hazard I will face on the ride. I've read many stories of sticks flipping up and getting caught in the wheel or the derailleur. Both places produce the same result -- a rapid deceleration that throws the rider over the handlebars. This kind of accident happens very quickly, with little time to compensate. And the injuries reported are significant.
I'm not Speed Racer, so I have more reaction time to avoid sticks than faster riders, but it's hard to just keep your head down, focused on the path, seeking out lurking sticks. I still hit them too. These trails will be loaded with sticks, especially after storms, and if autumn's leaves are down, they may even be harder to spot. Aside from falling and getting injured, I don't need a messed up wheel out on the trail either. I'll be super-vigilant and careful.
I'm not Speed Racer, so I have more reaction time to avoid sticks than faster riders, but it's hard to just keep your head down, focused on the path, seeking out lurking sticks. I still hit them too. These trails will be loaded with sticks, especially after storms, and if autumn's leaves are down, they may even be harder to spot. Aside from falling and getting injured, I don't need a messed up wheel out on the trail either. I'll be super-vigilant and careful.