Not A Post I Had Been Planning On Writing!

Hi folks – you might have noticed that me and Bertie have not moved very far over the last few days – unfortunately we had a pretty major bump a few days ago – before reading please rest assured that we are both well and being looked after and I am hoping to get back on the road tomorrow.

Before my “chilly night” I was dreaming of a comfy bed – it’s true what they say – be careful what you wish for!

Had a super ride in the morning – the smokey haze had cleared and I could see the surrounding mountains – good shoulder to ride on; very little traffic and super views all the way to a town called Dillon.   Really could be doing with replacing the rear tyre so wasted time finding a bike shop that is no longer there.   Not sure why but couldn’t phone but via internet I’ve arranged for a new tyre to be sent to Yellowstone Park where I’d hoped to arrive in a couple of days time.

I was carrying on to Twin Bridges were I planned to stay the night at the cyclists only campground – donation to stay the night and it has showers!   Approx 4 miles before getting there I stopped to have a drink – I wasn’t on the road,  I wasn’t on the shoulder – I was on the start of a gravel drive way.   Before starting off  again I was waiting for a semi (emphasis on the”i”) truck to pass – a big lorry!   It happened so fast I’m not sure what happened – I can only assume the truck crossed the white line – I just felt the impact on my left arm – the truck didn’t stop and my left pannier,  my tent and various other bits and pieces were strewn across the road.   I managed to gather all my stuff together and flag down the next passing vehicle – 3 girls stopped and then Zac and his mum in another vehicle – the girls didn’t have room but they helped get all my stuff in Zac’s truck and the bike loaded in the back and Zac and his Mum took me to Ruby Valley Hospital in Sheridan.   Blood pressure checks,  lots of x-rays, saline drip and lots of other checks – huge amounts of bruising especially on left arm but very lucky that it wasn’t  much worse.   Need to say big thank you to Zac and Anna  for driving me to  hospital;  Lynn the amazing nurse,  Joan the radiologist,  the Doctor who is Joan’s husband and all the other fantastic staff.   Another huge thank you to Lynn and her fabulous family for putting me up for 3 nights – hope to see you in Scotland next year.   Also a big thank you to Tony for looking after Bertie – surprisingly there doesn’t seem to be any real damage except to the pannier rack that Tony bent back into shape.

Zac and Ann who drove me to the hospital

The fantastic Lynn,  Andy,  Ryan,  Mike and Annie the dog who have been looking after me!

The people of  Twin Bridges (and Sheridan too) certainly live up to their name

New tent and panniers arrived today – tent is heavier than the other one but should do the trick – the panniers need some modification to keep them in place but will hopefully work – choice was limited by how quickly I could get them and get back on the road again.

Off to bed and back on the road again tomorrow.