The Anatomy of a Fall

Various factors conspire to result in an unavoidable mishap. Such was the case on the 15th day when heading out of Sarria I had a tumble.

The first factor was that I ignored that Rocinante's rear brake was non-existent coming off the backside of O'Cebriero. It was worn and needed another cable adjustment.

The second factor was the Saturday night festivities at Albergue Don Alvarado in Sarria. Some background here might be helpful. There aren't a lot of rules on the camino as to how you get to Santiago and qualify for your Compostela. However the minimal requirements are that you walk the last 100 km on the camino, or you ride (a bicycle, horse, mule, llama, etc.) the last 200 km. These are the only requirements.

At 112 km (about 70 miles), Sarria is the closest city to Santiago on the camino that is served by both bus and train. Thus Sarria is the starting point for the majority of peregrinos, most coming in from the airport at Madrid.

So it's Saturday night, people are young, fresh, enthused, and the party in Don Alvarado's "Fire Room, or Sala de Fuego" is going strong. The wine is flowing and there is a generous supply of exotic Spanish spirits compliments of the house. As glasses were passed, our group debated and traded cigarettes to determine the best (Marlboro Reds tied with Winstons. They also have Old Gold's and Lucky Strikes). There were curse lessons in 5 different languages and tattoos on display.



My Sunday morning start was a bit slower than usual. I missed two turns and when I recovered the camino blazes, I was led down yet another muddy, rocky, rutted, dung path. My mood turned foul. 

Making a slow right turn down a simple slippery slope, I braked too hard on the left hand. Then the front went into a spin and slide.

The body's ability to recognize an immediate danger is amazing. You know something is not right. Klaxons sound and the body tenses ready for a fight. But just as quick while the wheel spins beneath; instinctively you know - it's over. There's no chance for a fight. Prepare for damage control. Dip the chin into the right shoulder to initiate the roll. Ahhh, ofuook me... the handlebar digs into an already tender liver. Go with the roll and baa boom - flat on the back with legs and arms akimbo.

From snowboarding I've become familiar with post fall diagnostics. Eyes flutter, the jaw hinges - lights begin to come back on. Fingers wiggle, Wiggle toes. Nice. No snapping sounds of broken bones or snapped ligaments. It's going to be OK. Just a bit of filth to brush off, but I wasn't all that clean to begin with.

Sabers up - onward to Santiago!