Ken E and . . . Derailleur Demise

Yesterday, on the way out from doing trail maintenance Jeff and John came across another mountain biker. We were driving back on the single paved road off of Rainier Road when we saw this guy make a sudden “bee line” on dirt dual track away from where we were driving. (He thought we were the MP security?) After a number times honking the horn he ambled back to where we were. Once he saw bikes standing up in the back of the truck he just stated “Ohh bikes!!!!” Introductions were made, chat surfaced about secret SINGLE TRACK and we then exchanged “vital records” (e-mail, phone numbers, blood type, insurance coverage, and next of kin), and then parted.

Today, Sunday - Ken was the only soul to show up for a recovery ride with John. We met up at the 1 PM appointed time and rode up to where the steep baby-headed hill intersects with the hidden single track. It wasn’t but probably 10 minutes into the single track that John LIKE WHOA . . . HIT A WALL, and not by his own accord. A 3” thick ‘outrigger’ branch from a stump SLAMMED his rear derailleur and totally bent it backwards and inward to the spokes. It started throwing John over the bars!!! He thanked his football days of ballet-pirouette training (no S***)! Well, it’s probably more likely based on genes from his Mom (Liz) and Dad (Ed), of Mill Valley CA. BIG SPECIAL THANKS & LOVE for SAVING YOUR SON’S BACON!

The net, net:
1) Argghhhhhh! Bent derailleur!
2) Only two functional gears to use for a 10 mile ride – and some steep hills.
3) Damn the torpedoes -- full speed ahead, the heck with “Recovery! – It’s HAMMER TIME.”
4) Enjoy the rest of the ride with Ken and show / ride secret single track!
5) Take bike into shop – “Oh . . . , you’re definitely really screwed on this . . .”
6) Got to thank parents for dexterity and “grace.”

All of this said . . . everyone, meet Ken E! (For privacy, we don’t use last names unless you say so.) Ken has been riding Ft. Lewis incognito for about 10 years. He also rides Capital Forest but not with the recent mud-fest conditions. Ken works in the medical field. His steed = A Litespeed hard-tail with front suspension fork. This guy can HAUL TAIL with this bike – super light, and takes off like a rocket. Look for Ken again!