The Value of a Good Helmet

Things have been going pretty well lately; finding my groove in the new job, making improvements in my riding, and just spent a couple of great days at the beach. Got back home Tuesday afternoon knowing I couldn't ride Wednesday, but planned to head out at sunup on Thursday.
Only really had one goal for Thursday, that was to ride 37 miles; that would give me 500 for the month and over 150 for the week. Simple, right? Left my house just after 0600 to meet my friend Rob at the dam at 0645 where we would do our usual route. I enjoy riding with Rob and his wife April, both are a pleasure to talk with as we ride and are great sources of encouragement for me.
Rob and I rolled out and headed toward Irmo, couple of good hills to climb just before getting into town. We turned around at the Wendy's on Lake Murray Blvd. and went back down the hill we'd just climbed, intent on taking a left on Weed Rd. and riding out to Pine Island.
We came down the hill hot, Rob in front and me behind tapping my brakes at 29mph. Just before Weed, I hit something in the bike lane that didn't pop my tire, but did puncture it. Without time to process this, I laid into the turn at about 25mph; halfway through the turn it became painfully obvious something was wrong. My front tire was soft and the front end of the bike was coming out from under me. I hit the road hard, landed on my right shoulder, bounced my head off the pavement, and finally rolled/slid to a stop. Rob said he heard me behind him and knew what had happened before he ever turned around.
If you've ever had your breath knocked out of you, you know what an alarming feeling that is. I knew no matter what, I needed to get out of the road so I crawled off to the side while Rob cleaned up the mess I left in the street. Before I stood up I knew I was injured, my right shoulder was on fire and I could hardly breathe. A state trooper took Rob to get his truck and Rob got me and my bike home so my wife could get me to the ER.
I don't like going to the ER, but I think this qualified. And if I must go to an ER, I'm going to my ER at Palmetto Health Richland. They are like family to me, and treated me like royalty. Some fluids, pain meds, and a couple of x-rays, and a couple of hours later I was on my way home; diagnosis: broken collar bone.
I was overdue. I have been riding for several years, was even hit by a car two years ago, but I had never hit the ground. I try to be safety-conscious and always wear a helmet. Had I not been wearing a helmet yesterday, I know without a doubt I would not be at my home today. I vividly remember my head hitting the road and for a split second thinking how glad I am that I have on my helmet. Things are going to happen, not everything can be prevented; but with preparation, the damage can be minimized.
I am especially glad that I was riding with someone yesterday, and wonder now if I'll ever ride solo again. Rob was a great source of comfort and assurance for me and was willing to do whatever he had to do to help. I thank God for friends like that.
So, it looks like I am off the bike for several weeks while I heal up. What does this mean for me? I really have to cut way back on the eating so I don't come back 20 pounds heavier. I dropped 14 pounds after Mt. Mitchell with the goal of being under 200 by next year's AOMM; I have plateaued since then and need to get back to dropping. (Thanks for asking Kathryn, hold me accountable!) I will follow with the ortho doc in two weeks to see what my future looks like. Hopefully I can at least be back on the trainer in few weeks, we'll see.
Be blessed, be safe.

Flatland Touring

This is what I woke up to Monday morning. Found myself with a couple of days off so I made some quick plans, threw my stuff in the Element, and headed for the coast to do some flatland riding. I thought it might be a little cooler, but not so; at least there's always a good breeze at the beach.
I set up "base camp" at the Myrtle Beach State Park, a very affordable venue for such a trip. Pier, couple of stores, and decent showers made for a nice home away from home. Could have done without all the air traffic leaving MB Airport and taking off directly overhead, but I got used to it.
Left camp Monday and went through the old Air Base to 707, bound for Pawley's Island. Passed a highway patrol car sitting beside the road, not knowing I'd see him again soon. I was rolling down 707 at a good clip, minding my own, when this car blew by me about a foot off my left hip! Just happened to be a driveway cut in the curb and I jumped up on the sidewalk. Lo, and behold, there's my friend the state trooper; saw the whole thing! Followed some lady up into her yard with the blue lights flashing. It was everything I could do not to pull up in front of them and rub her face in it! What did she need to get home for that was worth the disregard she showed for my health and safety? I kept rolling and soon forgot her. I was here to enjoy my ride.
Made it to PI without further incident, and with all of the side trips I made on the way (through neighborhoods I used to ride through when I went to school there) I was almost at 50 miles when I got to the south end of the island. Turned around and headed back north, with a quick stop at the Murrell's Inlet Grand Strand Bicycles. Hats off to these guys who do such a great job helping cyclists, local and visiting, to keep rolling.
Back to the campground for the rest of the day, it had gotten pretty hot and it was time to relax after putting in almost 80 miles. Sandwich, nap, and some sand and salt water. Good stuff. Spent most of the evening sitting on the pier, watching folks fish and kids chase pigeons. I think pigeons must be like the Goodfeathers
from Animaniacs; they won the turf war and ran off all the seagulls. Anyways, all the kids would come to the pier and chase the pigeons away and laugh like they'd done something grand. Then, to everyone's surprise, this kid actually comes up with a hand full of bird! "Look Dad!" I don't know who was more shocked: dad, the kid, or the bird!
Tuesday morning would have been another solo venture, but my buddy Tim (of Grand Strand Bicycles) has opened a second shop, this one in Myrtle Beach, near where the old Pavilion Amusement Park was; he was ready to start a group ride out of the new store. So, about nine of us rolled out and headed up the coast, going north on Ocean Blvd. It'd be really easy to talk me into moving to the beach! We had a great ride, saw some beautiful homes, and actually had a deer to walk out in front of us! If you're going to the Myrtle Beach area for vacation, take your bike with you and check out http://www.grandstrandbicycles.com/home.html for group rides out of both locations.
Unfortunately, noon is checkout time, so after a bite to eat and a shower, it was time to point it toward home. Had a great time, even though it meant missing my usual Tuesday night Tri-City ride. Look forward to going back to the coast soon and hanging with my friends at GSB.
Be safe, be blessed.

Not A Bad Week

It is summertime in South Carolina! When we rolled out of the parking lot for the Tuesday evening ride, it was an even 100 degrees! It has gotten a little crazy around here, weather-wise, and if you don't get your ride in early, you may not get to ride. Fortunately for me, my schedule allows me to roll out at daybreak several mornings a week, which is what I did this morning.
Left the house at 0630 when it was probably 70 degrees; lit out for my usual stomping grounds and got to stomping. Things went better than normal this morning, however. I averaged close to a full mph faster than usual. I asked myself why, because I really haven't been doing anything obviously different. I think it's this: I am becoming a better climber by being more conscious of my technique and actively trying to pedal in circles. By pushing and pulling the pedals through a complete stroke, I am producing more power to go up a little faster, and increasing my endurance when I have to go a little longer. By getting up the hills a little quicker, my average doesn't take a beating like it used to. And to be honest, I'm feeling better about my riding. To me, that's what it's all about: riding better today than I did yesterday.
Be blessed, be safe.
p.s. Ended my week with 120.97 miles.

Been a Good Week!

Not a lot to report today, other than it's been a good week on the bike. Sunday, Tuesday, and today, I was up before the sun and in the road as soon as it was light enough. Actually did a two-fer on Tuesday and rode that evening; had a great time, of course, with the Tri-City folks! Finished (yes, working the next few days, no more riding till Sunday) the week out with 155.42 miles. Respectable, I say.
Be blessed, be safe!

Minor Improvements Are Still Improvements

It's Tuesday once again, where does the time go? I don't mind Tuesday getting here quickly though, because that means it's time to ride with Tri-City! I was excited last week because I almost hit 17 mph average on the route, thought I did well; this week I DID hit 17 mph average and felt great! Haven't weighed in lately, it's time, but it just felt good out there, I am feeling stronger, lighter, and faster.
One minor hiccup though, I have an open blister on a very tender spot for a cyclist; gotcha, it's not what you thought! I've been working in my yard and have a blister in the palm of my right hand almost the size of a dime. Everything I do to to it makes it feel like it's on fire, such as leaning on handlebars! And the worst thing to try to make it feel better is lidocaine creme; like dropping a red-hot coal in my hand! Oh, well, the price I pay to make my yard a little nicer. Maybe one day soon I won't be embarrassed to invite some folks over to ride and cookout; the day is coming!
Until then, be blessed and be safe!

Where'd That Come From?

I don't know whose they were, but I had a great set of legs under me this afternoon on the Tri-City ride. Lately, my average speeds have been in the 15+mph range, tonight I averaged 16.92mph for 28.45 miles; where'd that come from?! That's after riding the last two days, working 12 hours last night, and sleeping about 4 hours today. You think I'd do well just to hold the bike up straight. But, I think we all have days like that, where we get in our zone and anything is possible. Enjoy it while it lasts, I say.
Be blessed, be safe.

A Thankful Memorial Day To You!

I am thankful today and every day for the men and women who serve in the greatest military force in the world. Throughout our history, the American military has defended the vulnerable and innocent and never sought by might to increase our borders. They have sacrificed to give and preserve freedom to so many who might not otherwise ever taste freedom. They bid their families farewell and many went and gave their very lives for strangers. God bless each of them and their families who miss them. And thank you.
Celebrated my Memorial Day with a bike ride, of course, one where I rode where I wanted to and was not stopped at the first checkpoint and ordered at gunpoint to present my "papers." We don't live like that here. I have a nice bike that I worked hard and paid for myself and I pedaled it through beautiful countryside without seeing any bombed-out shells of buildings or destroyed military vehicles. This is a wonderful place.
Rode a little slower today, not that I meant to; cruised out to Bonk City and back, 44.88 miles at 15.2 mph average. Pushed it hard (for me) yesterday and I guess I am still tired. I am trying to lose some (a lot!) weight and am not eating as much so the stores are not there. But, each time I saddle up I am carrying a little less weight, so it's worth it.
I hope you all enjoy your day today, doing whatever you do to revel in your freedom.
Be blessed, be safe.