The fourth day started in perfect weather and I picked up the trail right on the edge of town. The riding was really epic with a bit of everything from easy forests and grassy plains to steep muddy climbs and rocky ascents. I rode it for roughly 170 km before stopping for a late lunch.

After getting fuelled and supplied for the night I continued up the rocky trail. It rose steeply with small pastures offering a little relief every now and then. On a melliw rocky section my rear tyre spun out off a rock and I ended up sideways on the trail. I couldn’t get purchase on my downside foot and fell over on the rocks with the bike expecting nothing but a small tumble. I had the wind knocked out of me and a weird burning pain on the left side of my lower back. I had landed right on my camera.

I knew immediately that it was not good, because it took quite a bit of effort to get the bike upright. It was a painful operation and I decided to head for a hospital. Getting down the steep descents went without issues and I found a hospital just 12 km away from where I was.

The friendly staff took me right in and before too long I’d been in ultrasound and x-rays. The doctor let me know that there was no apparent damage to organs or the spine which was good news. He said that a muscle in my back is damaged but it should be okay with painkillers and rest. They injected me with something and I felt much better.

I got back on the bike and rode to La Gruber Hostel for the night. I’m taking a day off today and figuring out what to do next. The same spot is still very painful at certain movements but I think I can ride tarmac on the bike. Enduro is definitely off the menu.

It is what it is.

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