Roadkill

Rocinante is now a murderer. But it wasn't his fault -- that chipmunk was hell-bent on suicide, I tell you.

The crime was committed yesterday during a fun 4th of July ride with some friends on an incredible stretch of greenways that continued, almost unbroken, for roughly 40 miles. Rocinante was hugging the wheel of the bike in front of us, cruising at a very comfy 16 to 17 mph. The greenway was winding through a fairly densely wooded section. We both got lax - let our guards down. Suddenly, a renegade chipmunk skirted out in front of the rider in front of us and was clipped by her rear wheel. Within seconds both of Rocinante's wheels had sealed the deal for the furry critter.

It all happened so fast! And while there was no time to prevent it from happening, there was certainly plenty of time to replay the gruesome scene over and over in my head. Poor chippy. I suppose I could just say that the little guy was maimed from his run-in with the rider in front of me. Rocinante was just being merciful in finishing off the job. Yes, I think I'll stick with that rationale...that way I don't have to think of my poor bicycle as the fugitive he now is.