Blessed are the upright

It was the week before Christmas, and all through the mountains, not a creature was stirring except 3 lunatics on big trail riding thumpers.
The plan had been to travel from Wombeyan caves to Jenoleon Caves via the lime burners fire trail. However, about 8 people had pulled out of the adventure, including all our support 4wds so we were left with 3 riders and no way to carry our luggage. Instantly the adventure took on a new spin. We decided to set a base camp and try as many trails as we could find from there.
Doug and myself journeyed through the night, up and down winding trails in “The Beast”, who I might add purred nicely along the rough terrain, carrying the load of supplies, trailbikes, and occupants within headbanging to DreamEvil… Children of the night searching for the light far away…(sim returns both hands to keyboard…more typing less air guitar). Camp was set up in the dark, a few curious kangaroos looked on, jealous of our veritable feast for two. Hearty beef stews and selection of fruits. We awoke the next morning to the approaching diesel thump of our third rider’s truck. Graeme had gotten up at 3am to leave Orange. This, ladies and gentleman, is commitment to the cause.
The riding started well about 60 km of winding and undulating track. The bikes thrived on the mountain fresh air. The amazing cliffs serving as sound reflectors for the throbbing machines.
Towards the end of the first days riding, on a steep downhill, my rear wheel came about causing the bike to tumble to the ground, followed quite quickly by myself. It was a relatively low speed crash and I stood up with out injury. However on my way to picking up the bike my boots, not allowing for ankle movement, slipped on the steep and loose surface, folding my knee in an altogether unnatural way. The pain was real but not till returning to base camp did the swelling actually start.
For the duration of the adventure I manned the fire, played with kangaroos and hopped after goannas. Returning home I promptly took myself to the Physio to discover I had damaged my medial and postial ligaments. All good really. The time on my back was not wasted, I spent fair portion of time writing a talk on John 12 for beach mission. God does indeed intend for all of us to be in his house.