The slightly longer version: Two weeks ago, I hung out with a friend of mine in Culver City. I parked in the garage next to Trader Joe's. When it was time to leave, I got on the motorcycle and started down the levels. Normal stuff.
On maybe the third level, I took the corner about ten percent too tight, and ten percent too fast. The bike angled a bit. I stuck out my foot to correct myself. This isn't a big deal, especially at low speeds. But this time, my boot folded out from under me, and the bike went down.
I stood up and quickly realized that my right foot was sticking out at a ninety-degree angle from my body. I hopped over to the wall and kicked it back into place. Balancing on one leg, I brought the bike back up. I still thought I could ride it out of there; the right foot controls the rear brakes, which are nice to have, but only control about thirty percent of your total stopping power. While nice to have, they aren't absolutely necessary.
I was able to ride down to the first floor. As I slowed, by instinct, I touched the floor with my right foot. It flopped around, completely unmoored from my leg. Uh-oh.
I stopped and called my friend. Luckily, he was able to come back and help me out.
It's a bad sprain. There is no pain, and not that much swelling. I can move everything. But it's going to take a while before I can stand on it, much less walk. Meanwhile, I'm in a boot/splint thing and jumping around on crutches.
This certainly won't keep me from riding -- I love it too much to ever stop. But I also realize in many ways I was very lucky. I didn't break my leg. I didn't wreck my bike. And I'm glad I had my first real accident since starting to ride with a light bike like my Honda Rebel, as opposed to a big Harley or something. I only have to get bitten by the dog once. That's not to say I was getting cocky and hot-dogging around on it, but when I climb back into the saddle it will be with even greater caution, and respect for the inherent risks.
Meanwhile, thanks to my lack of mobility, I'm getting that much more work and writing done. Silver linings and all of that...
