Bicycle fanatics

[Gremal]

I have a highly modified Trek 7.9 FX I use as a commuter bike going about 11 miles each way to work and back. The distance is fine--it's the traffic that is really a pain. The commute takes me on overpasses for two of the major freeways in the San Francisco bay area and cars are flying on and off the cloverleafs, so I have to look over both shoulders just to make sure I am not going to be taken out. I was in a nasty accident about two years ago and broke my collar bone and 2-3 ribs. My bike was totaled and it kept me out of the saddle for about a year. Took me a while to get back into cycling but now I average about 19 mph for my commute. Factoring in red lights and all, it only takes me 10 mins longer to get to work on bike compared to when I drive. And yes, there's a shower at work.

I like avoiding gas and emissions (creating them--I'm sure I breathe much of it in) but mostly I just like the physical challenge and getting in a good rhythm. Anyone else into cycling? What kind of bike are you riding?

[naturephoto1]

I haven't been on the road with a/my Bicycle since I got hit by a car in April of 1993. My Trek touring bicycle was totaled and I was almost totaled. I have never been the same, I broke both wrists, about 4 or 5 ribs, can't remember if I broke a collar bone, broke my nose, had a pneumothorax, slid across asphalt after bouncing off of the car windshield scarred all over my arms and back. I needed surgery on my back a year later to remove scar tissue. Anyway you got the idea.

I used my replacement Trek touring bicycle (the last and only touring frame left in the line) on a trainer to help recondition my body after the accident. That was a bit interesting with 2 broken wrists with a plate in the right one and an external fixator on the left.

Rich

[Gremal]

Sorry to hear that, Rich. I had a hard enough time recovering from my accident. Can't imagine going through what happened to you.

Several years ago, a family friend was hit by a truck and didn't make it. There are many sad stories. I keep thinking that if I keep my wits about me and make the right moves, I can avoid an accident, but all it takes is someone reaching for their cell phone that fell under the passenger seat or nodding off at the wheel, and it's all over for me. Sometimes I think I should quit while I'm still in one piece. But when I'm flying at over 20 mph and the endorphins kick in, it all seems worth it somehow.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Sorry to hear that, Rich. Several years ago, a family friend was hit by a truck and didn't make it. There are many sad stories. I keep thinking that if I keep my wits about me and make the right moves, I can avoid an accident, but all it takes is someone reaching for their cell phone that fell under the passenger seat or nodding off at the wheel, and it's all over for me. Sometimes I think I should quit while I'm still in one piece. But when I'm flying at over 20 mph and the endorphins kick in, it all seems worth it somehow.

I am just happy I was wearing a helmet. It cracked inside and did exactly what it should. Had I not been wearing one I would have been killed or a vegetable.

Anytime I see a bicycle or a motorcycle rider without a helmet I think they are out of their minds. If they only knew.

Rich

[sbjork]

A couple of years ago, I had a nimrod back his SUV right out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes, went over sideways and hit the pavement at 25mph. I cracked a couple of ribs and shattered my collarbone into four pieces. I still have the steel plate in my shoulder. My helmet cracked just like it should, and my head is intact.


EVERYONE: WEAR A HELMET! YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER WHAT OTHER VEHICLES WILL DO!


That ends my PSA for the day.

[BRu-LAy]

I used to have a Giant OCR 3 until it got stolen. I'm planning to get another one after my wedding. Haven't decided yet if I'll stay with Giant, or go to either Specialized or Trek. Leaning more to Specialized.

Anyone use the Look shoes and have any funny/embarassing stories of when you first used them? I had my share

[Gremal]

Originally Posted by BRu-LAy

Anyone use the Look shoes and have any funny/embarassing stories of when you first used them? I had my share

Yeah, the first time I used the shoes, I couldn't click out in time and was slowly inching up to a very busy intersection. My balance isn't good enough to stay totally still with my feet locked in, so my choices were to keep inching forward into traffic of fall down. I fell down. The motorists must have been wondering what my problem was, but even on the ground it took me a couple minutes to twist out of the pedals. Now it's second nature.

Should have given myself some practice in a vacant lot or something before bicycling in traffic that first time.

[BRu-LAy]

Originally Posted by Gremal

Yeah, the first time I used the shoes, I couldn't click out in time and was slowly inching up to a very busy intersection. My balance isn't good enough to stay totally still with my feet locked in, so my choices were to keep inching forward into traffic of fall down. I fell down. The motorists must have been wondering what my problem was, but even on the ground it took me a couple minutes to twist out of the pedals. Now it's second nature.

Should have given myself some practice in a vacant lot or something before bicycling in traffic that first time.

+1 ME TOO! The exact same thing happened. It's weird, with those shoes you think you have a grasp on yourself, but once you hit that certain angle BAM! Then the people at the intersection are like WTF??