Calfee Saves Little Girl: News at 11:00!: Bikefanclub.com

While riding my usual loop on the American River bike trail last week, I had a close call. At times on the trail, parents have their children out for a nice family ride. One particular father seemed hell bent to collect on some insurance money (or he just wanted his little daughter out of the way). While descending in a pack, down one of the steeper parts of the trail, my group approached the bottom of a hill at about 25 mph. A father, his wife and daughter (who looked to be about 7 years old) were stopped at the bottom of the hill on the other side of the trail. As we approached them, the father gave his daughter a quick shove up the hill. Being too steep for her, she faltered and almost fell into our group, but she turned sharply and put her feet out. She luckily stopped on her side of the trail as we passed safely. We all shook our heads and rode on. About 12 miles later, we were on the other side of the river and completing our loop on the trail. This part of the trail has a few sharp, blind corners that are challenging to take at speed, but I always (luckily) take them slowly in the fall because the trail is covered with a blanket of leaves. Anyway... I'm at the front of the group on my Tetra and as I turn into one of the tight curves, the SAME GUY shoves his little daughter ACROSS the bike trail, ACROSS our lane right in front of me! I applied my brakes, but knew I was going to hit her. I squeezed the brakes a little harder and went into a beautiful, controlled skid. In full skid mode, the bike still handled like a dream and I slowed down just enough to miss her by inches. I never went down, but skidded to a stop and without even unclipping, just started peddling again. I was a little shook up, but that didn't stop me from yelling at the father "VERY STUPID!". Reflecting on it with the others in my group, it's almost inconceivable that someone would be so reckless with their child. I kissed my Calfee when I finished the ride. I still can't get over how controlled the bike felt while in that skid. But I'm soooo thankful it was!
Ride safe,
Rich

Edited by Saxon (12/07/05 02:56 AM)

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