ICE 2 ICE Live Blog

Day 75

The first crash

Day 75

The first crash

Today I had my first spill. After 170 km it happend. It is the first one in the project and even the first one in a long time. Shortly before the spill, I did a press interview by phone and just said that it is incredibly important to be constantly focused because any carelessness can lead to a spill.

Of course, it happened as most accidents happen. Exactly then when you do not expect it. The highway was straight and the asphalt was great. Unfortunately, I had overlooked a reflector, where the emergency lane merged with first lane. As a result, I fell to the ground and got abrasions on my shoulder, knees, elbows and hips. The knee injury is a bit deeper and had to taken care of by my team with special patches. In addition, my whole body hurts from the impact. I guess I have some bruises on the right side.

Although we are close to the goal, we are just not there yet. I am often asked what I will do after the finish line. I can not answer that because I can only think of how we will all arrive healthy in Ushuaia.

At least today, the wind was finally a lot better. For long stretches I cycled with tailwind. Especially after the spill, it was very pleasant to have no headwind.

Also, my bike got a bit broken at the crash. The rear derailleur and derailleur hanger were badly bent. Thanks to the great support of Marian Holper from the Bikeshop Bikers in Vienna, I was able to practice all eventualities with a mechanic. Using special tools, I was able to straighten the derailleur hanger today so that the gears work again.

After 293 km we finished today’s stage. Our night place is once again a gas station, which we share with the stray dogs. We also share our dinner with them a bit. Maybe then they will look after us even better.

Even if my injuries hurt, I will not give up. Wounded animals are just more motivated. 😉