Cracked Calfee...Karma?: Bikefanclub.com

I'm not crying now, because I think I am still in shock, but I will be later. I can not believe what just happened. I was all excited because I had just gotten a Wobblenaught fit done on my bike, and I was looking down and checking out my leg extension and new cleat position, etc. and not paying attention to where I was going. I was doing about 5 - 10mph on a short strip of sidewalk where I ride EVERY SINGLE DAY before hitting the bike lane when I looked up and realized I was but 2 feet away from and headed straight for a sign that I navigate around EVERY SINGLE DAY. I tried to stop, but didn't make it in time. The only part of the bike that hit the signpost was my handlebar on the left near the stem, and initially, I thought I had only knocked my handlebars out of alignment. I fixed them and quickly looked the bike over, checked wheels, brakes, steering, etc. but failed to see the mass of missing paint on my downtube. While stopped at a light a short time later, I saw what I thought was just a gnarly scratch, and I started cursing myself as I rode on, not really thinking about the fact that the frame didn't hit the sign. I certainly didn't think that the bike was seriously damaged. I just figured this was some sort of karma for posting about the service at Calfee a few days ago, and that I should keep my mouth shut next time; I got what I deserved. I only noticed that later on once I got up out of the saddle for a little sprint and I heard a CRACK, like I've heard before when putting pressure on the handlebars only LOUDER. I immediately stopped and took a closer look at my bike, and there it was- not a mere scratch in the paint but one of the most ugly sights I have seen in a long time- a cracked carbon fiber frame. I was bummed before...now I was devastated. No, wait...I AM (present tense) DEVASTATED. I went back to the scene of the accident after riding home very slowly on the sidewalk, and there's about a one foot skid mark before the sign, and then some paint chips on the ground about a foot past the sign.

WOW. And I have no insurance, and I certainly can't afford another bike of this caliber, and stupidity isn't covered under warranty last time I checked. Heck, I'm a laid-off thirtysomething returning college student...I couldn't even afford this bike, but I figured I spend so much time on it that I could justify the expense. I was so in love with this bike that the small paint chip I was complaining about was a big deal to me. This takes everything, including looking on the bright side, to a whole new level, but I guess it's just what I must do. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but I'm going to need to ponder the reason on this one for awhile. I had two big rides planned for this weekend, and my new fit really felt great. FWIW, there was a BIG difference in how my bike felt the short time that I was on it.

I hope maybe there is something the folks at Calfee can do for me, maybe give me a deal on a new frame or something. Geez...I am in a bad way. It's so strange, I had my Cannondale for over 4 years and no dents, scratches, wrecks, nada. If you're reading this and need something to cheer you up, just be glad it's me and not you.

I'm out...

Ethan
aka Tetrafied