Wipe Out

In 1963 a band called The Surfaris recorded a "B" side song on their first 45 release. The song, "Wipe Out," featured a drum solo by Ron Wilson along with an introductory hyena-like laugh followed by the words "Wipe Out." The song rose to No. 2 on the charts and still receives air play on oldies stations all over the country.

I always love that song as a kid. The drummer in me admired the solo work. Wilson was actually playing a simple paradiddle drum cadence he'd learned while participating in his high school marching band.

So...funny how when I recently had my first bike crash I began humming that tune. It's been in the back of my head for days, in fact. The crash was relatively minor. A little bruise and road rash on my hip. No damage to the bike at all. Mostly ego damage. Thank God no one saw me!!!

Prior to my ride, it had rained a bit. The air was humid, and although windy, the bike path hadn't dried up. I was riding full out down a slight hill and rounding a curve when my bike tire slid out from behind me. Leaning to my right, I took the bike down to the asphalt and skidding about 20 feet. My first wipe out ever (and I've been cycling for six years).

I consider myself very lucky. I know people who have taken headers, broken appendages and gotten major road rashes causing pain and stiffness for weeks. Still, I'm certain next time I hop on the bike I'll be peddling with a certain drum solo beat stuck in my head thanks to The Surfaris very capable and talented abilities.

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