So I had my first crash this past weekend. 31st El Tour de Tucson. It has never rained in the 31 year history, and that was about to change. We had rain, temps in the mid 50’s and breezy. I got to the start line with 10 minutes to spare. No way was I standing in that weather for a spot up front. It wasn’t about the clock this year; it was about getting to the finish in one piece. Had a great pace going heading for the home stretch, when it happened. The first rider went down, then the second, the third, and then me. It happened so fast yet I still see it in slow motion. Ass over tea kettle, still clipped in when I landed. Got up slowly, and looked around to see how everyone was. Girl, that went down first, was still on the ground complaining of a wrist injury. Other riders gathered and medical support was on the way. Ok now I have to figure out how to get to the finish with a sliced front tire. I muttered to another rider, that it looked like my day was over. He points over to the SAG vehicle that had now arrived, and there it was. In the back of the truck was a bike with a good front wheel. Walked over, tapped on the window and asked the rider in the truck if I could borrow his front wheel to get to the finish. He asked my bib number and I his. He let me take it, and off I went. We met at the finish line and exchanged wheels. Dude, saved me for sure. Came away with a bruised left hip and knee.