Graham’s Gold Coast Adventure: The Crash, The Cackle, and the Collarbones
You know that friend who can’t resist pulling your leg just to see your face go pale? Yep — that’s Graham.
So, there I was on the phone, listening to the details of what happened, when he said in his perfectly calm voice:
“And then… the fork snapped.”
My brain short-circuited. I instantly pictured his brand-new Specialized Roubaix SL8 Comp in two pieces and Graham catapulting through the air like a cartoon character. My heart stopped. Then, just as I was about to gasp out, “Oh no!”, he bursts into laughter.
Classic Graham. He had me again. 😆
The Ride That (Almost) Went Smoothly
Only a few weeks before, Graham had picked up his shiny new Specialized Roubaix SL8 Comp — a machine so smooth it could charm the tarmac itself. On Sunday, 12 October, he joined nearly 4,000 riders for the Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, one of Queensland’s biggest charity rides.
It was one of those muggy, sunscreen-melting, sweat-in-your-eyes kind of mornings. Riders streamed out of Brisbane’s South Bank in waves, cheered on by volunteers, families, and maybe the occasional confused pelican. Spirits were high, legs were strong, and Graham was cruising — 58 km in, feeling like the king of the road on his new bike.
Then, things took a turn. Literally.
At about 50 km/h in a tight bunch, he was nudged toward the kerb. Boom. Off he went, airborne. The crowd gasped. The bike tumbled. And Graham? He bounced like a pro.
The Aftermath (and the Bike That Refused to Die)
Here’s where the story gets wild — no blood. Not a scratch on him, though the x-rays later confirmed a broken collarbone and a few ribs that now double as percussion instruments. He’s currently at home, recovering like a champ and waiting for surgery, saying things like:
“You really know when the meds wear off!” 🙆🏼♂️
But here’s the kicker: while Graham took the scenic route in an ambulance, a mechanic gave his Roubaix a once-over. Chain back on, quick inspection…
Not. One. Scratch.
Honestly, that bike came out of it looking smug.
The Moral of the Story
If you ever needed proof that quality bikes are worth every cent — there it is. The man was airborne, and the bike’s ready for another 100 km charity ride.