Cycling - a chat about all things bike.

[Dominique]

[QUOTE=Incubus;389620]Please forgive me cycling deities...it's been sometime since my last cycling thread post.

I confess to having been a little perturbed that some members of the rather too slow group ride I did today hadn't actually ridden on roads before.

HaHa! Watch what you say....karma is crazy you know. My S/O just isn't the athlete that I am but does try to do some of the things that I do so as to avoid the nag (except running, that is a flat out forget it)anyhow...she is so slow on the bicycle, I am always circling back around or loosing my balance and putting my feet down....Not to mention how she gets off and pushes the bicycle up most hills. I even ride the beater bike and let her have the really nice bike. It's been the hottest summer I ever remember, and I do not do very well in these extremely high temperatures. So yesterday, I wanted to go to the farmers market...It's only a mile and a half away, and I insisted we take the bicycles. So at the end of the shopping spree, I was the one with the horrible head ache. Karma.

I wear the lycra shorts, and the long pants,(because i have no ass) I only have a couple of the tops. Gloves are a must. Told you that story.

I'd love to cycle in pairs for safety reasons, and no matter how much I try to convince you and myself that I've slowed down to the speed of life, I still get on that bicycle and get to where I am going. I stopped on my way home from work one day last week, to a blood drive. I had on my bicycle shorts, my messenger bag still over my shoulders and my helmet and gloves still on. I wanted in from the heat. Every single person said to me "Did you ride your bicycle?" WTH? What is so odd about that? Why is that shocking in July? Ok, I'll stop here.....

[jelli]

Cycling. I can never ever think of that very word without thinking of the love of my life - Cruel Joke aka Cruel.

Back on the dash site, my Cruel was all about the cycling. Could talk your ears off about rides, safety, equipment, and all the while I would sit there like a little school girl with my chin in my hands and my eyes brightly shining waiting for the next ride recap.

Along came an accident and they weren't sure if she'd lose her leg or not, luckily not. A lot of time healing, weight gain, and trying to replace what had been lost. I don't know if you can ever get back to that place or if the next best thing is even satisfying enough.

Cruel can, but doesn't ride much bike anymore. However, she does ride the motorized one every chance she gets home off the road. She says life has changed.

Still nostalgia sets in once in awhile.



Unofficial Results: 1999 Assault on Mt. Mitchell
10:43 h
Unofficial Results: 2000 Assault on Mt Mitchell
10:25:42 h
Unofficial Results: 2001 Assault on Mt Mitchell
07:43 h

[Dominique]

Yes, it's a skinny little tire vs a big car or truck. An accident changed the way I ride, but didn't stop me from riding. Albeit, grateful everytime I get on it.

Your not safe anyplace.

Hah! At least there's just you and one non-cyclist. I think I could hack that...albeit with a little frustration and lots of riding in circles. However, I'd rather be frustrated than put in danger on busy roads by folks who don't know how to ride on roads. We live in a seaside town and it's summer holiday time and so really busy at weekends. Anyone who hasn't ridden on roads really should not have been on them today.

Sadly I've never had a partner who rides or has even shown any interest, hence I ride and have ridden alone a lot of the time which is why I'm loving getting out with the Sky Rides and the Clarion folks.

I love the heat...although I know you lot are having serious heat over there and I've not experienced anything like it apart from a few weeks in Morocco and certainly not for doing any serious cycling in, so I'm not sure how I'd deal with that. However, it's been quite warm here this week and I've loved getting out and about on my wheels in it. Tuesdays Breeze (slow but social) ride was perfect and ended with a gorgeous sunset on the way back.

I am determined that I shall not become a lycra warrior. I will always wear my regular baggy cargo shorts/trews over my bike shorts and I have to wear baggy sports shirts to cover up my middle-aged muffin-top belly . I have just bought a budget priced cycling jacket and a waterpoof-ish jacket though. What gloves do you wear Yellow Band? I think I should have a pair of gloves now that I'm doing more mileage, although I am very careful about not putting pressure on my ulna nerve and flex my hands a lot whilst riding.

Yanno, I think lots of folks think us cyclists are a bit weird wanting to expend energy to get where we're going.



Oooops! rambled on a bit there.

[jelli]

Originally Posted by Incubus

Yanno, I think lots of folks think us cyclists are a bit weird wanting to expend energy to get where were going.

I believe cyclists rock!!!!

Originally Posted by jelli

I believe cyclists rock!!!!

...and you rock too jelli. Do you ever ride?

I'm so sorry to hear that Cruel Joke had such a nasty accident that has all but stopped her riding.

Motor vehicles vs. HPV's = an unholy mess.

[jelli]

Originally Posted by Incubus

...and you rock too jelli. Do you ever ride?

I'm so sorry to hear that Cruel Joke had such a nasty accident that has all but stopped her riding.

Motor vehicles vs. HPV's = an unholy mess.

Cruel vs SUV definitely not good. I was 3 cars behind her when the accident happened. Luckily I couldn't see. Well, let's get around that experience.

Cruel did purchase me a bike and a trainer. Also bikes for the kid which none of them ride much anymore - between school, jobs, bf/gf's, etc.

My bike is a hybrid. Her name is Flame and she has been dusty for far to long. I am looking to find a class around to show me general maintenance, change a tire(as much as I dread it), etc.

We live in a great area for cycling. George Hincapie lives here in Greenville. George and the US Postal and now Discovery team ride all over our area for training.

Oooh it would have been horrible to see the accident.

I feel so very fortunate that I've not had a serious accident on the road in 40yrs of riding a bicycle. Although with the amount of numpties¹ on the roads nowadays it's probably only a matter of time. I encountered 3 yesterday who nearly took me out completely. It was only my good observation and quick reactions that kept me on the bike. It this that made me so concerned when I heard some of our group ride had never ridden on a road before.

Maintenance classes are a great idea jelli but surely riding your bike so that it needs maintenance would be a good idea first. Poor Flame being relegated to the garage with no-one to ride her. Howabout a cycling challenge to add to todays numpty² challenge? Get thee hence to the cycle path and give good old Flame an outing

[jelli]

Originally Posted by Incubus

Oooh it would have been horrible to see the accident.

I feel so very fortunate that I've not had a serious accident on the road in 40yrs of riding a bicycle. Although with the amount of numpties¹ on the roads nowadays it's probably only a matter of time. I encountered 3 yesterday who nearly took me out completely. It was only my good observation and quick reactions that kept me on the bike. It this that made me so concerned when I heard some of our group ride had never ridden on a road before.

Maintenance classes are a great idea jelli but surely riding your bike so that it needs maintenance would be a good idea first. Poor Flame being relegated to the garage with no-one to ride her. Howabout a cycling challenge to add to todays numpty² challenge? Get thee hence to the cycle path and give good old Flame an outing

Challenge is on. I will report back when she's officially blown off the dust.

whhhhhhiiiiiiishhhhhh...

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by jelli

Cruel vs SUV definitely not good. I was 3 cars behind her when the accident happened. Luckily I couldn't see. Well, let's get around that experience.

Cruel did purchase me a bike and a trainer. Also bikes for the kid which none of them ride much anymore - between school, jobs, bf/gf's, etc.

My bike is a hybrid. Her name is Flame and she has been dusty for far to long. I am looking to find a class around to show me general maintenance, change a tire(as much as I dread it), etc.

We live in a great area for cycling. George Hincapie lives here in Greenville. George and the US Postal and now Discovery team ride all over our area for training.

Pssst... my favorite cyclist, aka Big George now rides for Team BMC. His team won the Tour this year! If George rides again next year (and he plans to), he will have ridden in a record 17 Tours!

[Medusa]

CRAP

Someone at work was selling a nice Fuji for $500 and I missed out on it!

WAH!

[jelli]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Pssst... my favorite cyclist, aka Big George now rides for Team BMC. His team won the Tour this year! If George rides again next year (and he plans to), he will have ridden in a record 17 Tours!

Ty for the info!

We've met up with George at several cycling events in S'burg, G'ville, Saluda, etc. They hold the USA Cycling championships here in G'ville. One of his all time favorite training rides for him and his friends is Paris Mtn.

[Dominique]

. What gloves do you wear Yellow Band? I think I should have a pair of gloves now that I'm doing more mileage, although I am very careful about not putting pressure on my ulna nerve and flex my hands a lot whilst riding.
[/QUOTE]

When I fell off the side of the road, my natural instinct (i didn't remember doing this) was to stick my arm out to break my fall. The glove took the skid very well. I only broke the nail on my little finger. The glove was torn off of my hand and hanging by a few strands but still attached at the wrist
with the velcro strap. Those gloves were Pearl Uzuim. I have since bought another pair. I buy them in the winter from the bicycle catalogs fairly inexpensive on sale for $10.00 They also have terry cloth on the thumb and fore finger sides to wipe away perspiation. I like them too, because I don't want calluses on the palms of my hands. I LOVE the lobster gloves for cold weather riding.

I think every long term bicycle rider has ulnar entrapments. Another reason I don't miss riding stretched out over my handlebars. Sitting straight up, I have some wind resistance, but I'm not racing, it doesn't matter. It's about comfort. I don't care how geeky it looks.

I believe I have a slight advantage when falling, even from a bike, in that I was taught how to fall and not stick my arm(s) out when I practiced (and taught) judo. Although that was many moons ago those lessons stick. When I took a little tumble due to a group of peds recently, it was my elbow and knee that took the brunt as I didn't stick my arms out. However, I know in the event of a big tumble or full on crash knowing how to fall wouldn't help one little bit.

I've had loads of problems in my previous serious cycling life with carpel tunnel syndrome and wore wrist splits when riding for ages. Thank the cycling God/desses I'm not having such issues at the moment but my increasing mileage means I would like the extra padding that half decent pair of gloves offers. I will look at the PI gloves. I recently got a pair of PI undershorts and am impressed with the quality.

[pajama]

Incubus - What are numpties? isaw the footnote number but couldnt find the corresponding reference.

Yellow thanks for the recommendation for gloves. I think i would like theterry also.

pardon the bad typing...icing hand while i type. Had 1st "incident" on my bike. TTotally my fault. I was passing a ped on a narrowed bridge on the greenway and got too close to the rail on the left. whacked, i.e. destroyed my mirror and panicked and reached out to (i dobt know what) push off or stop or something. Funny grabing railing when youre moving quivkly will bend ur fingers backwards. LOL

But on a possitive note....rode 9 miles, in higher gears, in shorter time, and didnt have to walk anyof it. Incident occured right at end of ride.

Saturday going riding with some friends out to a little community 10 miles out for breakfast.

'Im lovin riding. Oh! and The Boy may be getting hisnew bike soon, a hybrid, so he can start riding with me.

A

Hey there pajara. Here's a link to the numpty definition
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...&postcount=185
The footnote numbers were just counting the number of times I have used numpty/numpties today as I challenged jelli to use the word 3 times today

9 miles wooohoooo...Go you, that's awesome!

Sorry to hear you hurt yourself...here's hoping it's the first of not-very-many.

Happy pedaling

[Dominique]

In Pennsylvania, that is illegal. Passing a bicyle on the left side of the rider to make a right hand turn. Over the week end, a 48 year old woman, who was training for an upcoming triathalon, was passed by a truck who swung wide, passed her on her left and turned right, the truck clipped the front wheel of her bicycle, throwing her over UNDERNEATH the rear set of wheels of the truck, and yes. She was killed. It didn't matter that she wasn't wearing a helmet. HOWEVER, something Linus spoke about way back in the thread, something I never do, and was sort of shocked that people did, she was wearing an IPOD in both ears and it is assumed she heard nothing. (long sentence)

As much as we bicycle riders complain about the reckless things we see vehical operators doing, we need to be sure we are being smart. I know since Jelli (by the way Jelli, thanks for joining in on the conversation) told us about Cruels BAD accident and nearly loosing her leg, thats been in the back of my mind. Maybe this morning I was feeling a little less cavalier. I know I am not the same from my incident. (it was much more than a broken finger nail). Maybe we should be talking about riding vigilently?

Another thing I've been thinking about today, since I actually made fun of it *outloud* last night in my post....is that BEATER bicycle. Yes, I know it's quirks and can operate it, but the reality of it is- I should either take it to a bike shop and have it repaired properly or donate it to be reconditioned and buy another one. Someone is going to get hurt on it because it is a BEATER.....

Also, as if our law makers have nothing else to do, they want to make it mandatory for bicycle riders to wear helmets. Something they've been tossing around on the floor I'm told.

I really cannot comprehend why folks would wear headphones in traffic. No-one deserves to be in an accident but blocking off a whole sense that makes you aware of your environment is a choice you make about your own safety levels.

I believe I am a very canny rider; after so many years in the saddle and a strong sense of self preservation I endeavour to be uber aware of what is going on around me. Especially now there are so many more numpties³ on the roads in bigger and bigger vehicles. The rise of the rather large 4x4 or SUV is in full swing here now.

Yellow Band...don't buy another bike just get that 'beater' repaired. Unless you're looking for an excuse for another new bike...Recycle (pun entirely intended!)

I would be a conscientious objector if helmets were made compulsory - although I think they should be for children. There is no conclusive proof that wearing them saves more lives than when not worn. Although as I have previously stated I am becoming tempted to purchase one due to the road-numpty issue and the slow nature of town cycling, when, I believe, ones noggin may be saved if a collision occurred. On bigger roads and much higher speeds I don't believe that any sort of helmet will help if you hit the floor at speed.

The Helmet Issue divides whole cycling fora everywhere.

[Goofy]

Originally Posted by Incubus

Hey there pajara. Here's a link to the numpty definition
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...&postcount=185

Incubus, I'm going to have to steal this word. It is FABULOUS!

[jelli]

This is a journal posting of Cruel's accident. I know you can wear all the proper equipment, take every safety measure, and still life happens, so just be safe riders!!!!

10-08-2004 08:57 PM
As most of you don't know...

Wednesday night Cruel was cycling to work around 8:30 and was struck by an SUV. What an ordeal.

I needed to come here tonight for support and encouragement for him/me.

::: crying :::

I have never been so terrified in my entire life. Ever!

To come so close to losing the one you haven't had nearly long enough time to love.

I was 3 cars behind Cruel when the accident happened although I didn't see it take place... I was taking his lunch since he had forgotten it on the counter. I thought there must be a dog or something that had been hit. so I pulled over to the side to go see if I could help and I see the the yellow of his helmet...

Cruel hands me a small handful of blood and a tooth that was yanked clear out... and proceeds to ask "How's my bike?"

Cruel was life flighted off the accident scene for fear of left leg damage would lead to loss.

Cruel also made small jokes about "Well, I at least got to ride in a helicopter, although I couldn't see out the window."

I think his humor was more out of worry for myself.

::: jelli to Cruel while in the trauma bay :::

"Baby, let me be strong now. You just focus on getting well."

```````````````````````````
Injuries:

Right ankle in air brace.

Right knee and both palms are road rashed.

Left knee is severely injured. Glove effect to top of knee.

Left inner thigh/knee are had 14 sutures for another gash.

Bruises and swelling over arms and legs.

Face is road rashed, teeth injured, and mouth swollen.

Concussion.

No internal injuries. And they cleared the neck and spine.

We're lucky to have him tonight.

``````````````

Tonight, I brought him home. This is where he wanted to be. This is where they said he'd heal faster. As I sit here, he's lying in bed, drugged and still in pain.

My heart still feeling as if someone is stepping on it.

{{{{{{{{{{Cruel}}}}}}}}}} soul of my soul. How I pray for you. How many deals with the Goddess I have made in the last 48hrs. ::: crying :::

I am at a loss and feeling ever so helpless. I wish I could lift your pain from your mind and body.

Heal fast my love.

I'm right here.