No. 41
Blaine and I met at Umtanum Creek Campground in Ellensburg, WA on Wednesday night. Thursday morning we headed to Washington-BDR Section 3, where I lightly “guided” my bike down on the pavement — no damage at all, I didn’t even fall. I quickly picked my bike up and without thinking, I lifted with my back instead of my knees… I felt a sharp pain… and then a pop! My back was fucked from that moment on! It got worse as the day(s) went on; agony with every rock, whoop, bump and body movement.
I was in pain and started to get the “sloppy fatigue” feeling when I slammed my left handguard into this gate which shoved my bike to the ground (again, I didn’t fall). Blaine was nice enough to lift my bike up since I couldn’t. I sat on the bike… put my hands on the handlebars… aaaand I seen my handlebars were pretty fuckin’ bent!
The original plan was to meet up Wednesday night. Ride WA-BDR Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the Canadian border, and also hike to Colchuck Lake. Our buddy Mike met us in Leavenworth Thursday evening before heading to a great disperse camp site that Blaine knew of.
Before heading to camp, Blaine purposely slammed my front wheel into a curb enough times to straighten my wheel. After reassessing my “handlebar” issue, we realized the handlebars were fine, but my front wheel was crooked — hence the curb slamming.
I woke up Friday morning and was feeling miserable! I was in pain and slept like shit, plus my body was all tense from the cold night. There was no way I was gonna be able to hike to Colchuck Lake with Blaine and Mike. Even the idea of trail-riding gave me pain. So to my better judgment, I decided to throw in the towel and ride home solo (Blaine and Mike hiked to Colchuck Lake and then continued riding the BDR).
I rode Scenic Highway 2 from Leavenworth to Monroe, stopping at Espresso Chalet for a Chai Latte. I gassed up in Monroe and then rode 235 miles home, without stopping — which isn’t normally a big deal — but it sure is when you’re in pain and have a slight handlebar wobble from the frontend being fucked.
With all that being said… I had a GREAT time! It’s always fun hanging out with Blaine and Mike, and Section 3 had lots of breathtaking views. Sadly, this was probably my last camping trip of the year, and it got cut short!
Crushing Baby Heads 
Loved the photos 📷 sounded like it would have been a nice close for the year, but I know there will be many short trips before the end of the year. And we all look forward to seeing much more from you, alot of us live through your photo’s – keep them coming.
lovely record of a good time. Sorry about your back. I’ve been to that lake years ago. So amazing
Enjoy your adventures Buddy! Living life!