This Is Why Safety Gear Exists

Instead of running my scheduled 4 miles on Saturday, I planned to go ride the Baker's Dozen MTB race course.  However, rain showers were already attacking Manassas and moving north toward Leesburg by noon.  With an hour drive to get to Leesburg, the forecast wasn't looking good for getting a ride completed.  

Further to the north near Catonsville, MD lies Patapsco state park.  Kevin and I decided to go there to get away from the rain and a MORE post indicated the trails were ready for primetime.  Correct on both accounts.  

The trails were in great shape.  Not many ruts.  No mud.  Smooth trails ready for a butt whoopin'.  Unfortunately, it was Kevin's butt that received the whoopin' because he decided to jump the rock.

For some reason, The Rock kept saying "You better ask somebodyyyyy!"

Kevin made it over the rock.  Regrettably, he landed almost vertically on his front wheel.  Never a good thing.  Over the handle bars, he tried to turn it into a headstand, but to no avail.  The failed headstand turned into a somersault, which ended with Kevin's back squarely across a downed tree trunk.  This is what happened to his helmet. 

These things happen, but it's a good thing Kevin wore his helmet

The helmet worked as intended.  You should check out what happened to Kevin here.  THIS IS WHY SAFETY GEAR EXISTS PEOPLE.  USE IT!

God bless his spirit, Kevin is tougher than me. After collecting his thoughts...and quite possibly his unmentionables, we continued on.

Patapsco is awesome. It has lots-o-trails for variety and good climbs that turn into great downhill sections. Patapsco is a step up technically (rocks & roots mostly) from the trails I'm used to. So, it offers challenging terrain for me to improve my skills upon.

Continue riding. Stay safe. And always wear your helmet.