Speaking of losing concentration...

I didn't crash, but could have... Back in 2003 I was following Kim through the canyons and she was doing very well. So well I was like, damn, she's haulin' ass! As I was being impressed by her turning ability, I realized I wasn't turning my bike. When I finally looked where I was going, I was heading off the road. Got it slowed enough and stopped in the gravel at the edge of a cliff above a creek and some huge boulders. My foot slipped in the gravel and I fell over. Filled my left glove with dirt. A little dirt got under my left grip and to this day you can turn the grip on the bar.

I gave the bike to a friend last year and every time I see it, I straighten that left grip.