I seem to go a long time without crashing, and then I will have a string of crashes all at once. Sometimes something changes that will cause this.

For instance: not too long ago I switched over to Crossmarks on my main steed, which have been generally great. But recently, the muddy trails have clogged up the tread pattern, and on several occasions (like Saturday at Chicopee), I have found myself sliding out on corners - often ending up on the ground.

And sometimes I am just a bad rider and fall because I'm an idiot.

I don't take a spill too often, that's because it takes so long to heal afterwards!!!!

Knowing how to fall is a very under-rated skill. i've walked away from some pretty spectacular wrecks by tucking a shoulder at the right time. caught a pedal at Big Creek and sailed ~18 ft. shoulder roll on landing and right up on my feet. minor scratches. 10 ft thru the air to superman chest plant on the Wed. Ramble, could have been much worse, walked away with scrapes on rt arm chest and rt knee. (witnesses for both)
When you become tentative you put yourself in danger.

Ride with Abandon it only hirts for a little while and keep a tube of Neosporin in your first aid kit.

I fall over all the time! Ever since I got the clipless pedals, I seem to fall over at least once/ride. Last week I actually made it through my first ride without falling over, but I only rode 5 miles after work. If I had ridden longer, I'm sure I could have fit in a little crash!

great job

Never. Butter side up all da time.

Went down today for the first time in well over a year. Looked back to see were x-ray Ed was, veered off trail with perfect timing to hit dead on into a large well planted rock. No carnage, just surprised to suddenly find myself on the ground.

Slammed the ground twice this weekend. Ouch. Camping at Hickory Knob State Park (where we tried to host the Baker's Dozen last year). The trail is in perfect condition and I will admit that I was having fun.

Not usually one to smack dirt too often, but I made up for at least six months of it.

MD

Think I hit the dirt at least once every couple of months or so (keeps me humble). Have a really good slobber-knocker once or twice a year.

slide in the corners a bit too much sometimes, usually wind up off the trail.... over the bars 3 times in 4 months.....

I have the occasional tip over. Rode VM a few months ago and hit just about every tree near the trail. Ended the ride by crashing while exiting on the bridge. I haven't been back since.

Since my chances of crashing are directly proportional to the square of the density of the leaves on the trail, I usually have at least one good crash in November.

Had a nice one yesterday on Pinhoti 3. Front end washed out in the leaves in the middle of a turn. It was awesome! Have a nice little bump on my right calf today.