Wear Your Helmet

A Cautionary Tale

Saturday morning I went out for a ride, looking to get in some quality miles before the heat and traffic built up later in the day. Time is getting short before Ragbrai and I don't know if it's anxiety or a competitive spirit that's starting to kick in, but I sure don't want to embarrass myself on the ride. I had a good training ride and was just turning into my driveway when I hit a wet spot and as a result of wet pavement, algae and mud the bike went out from under me. I've taken a spill from my bike before, but what was shocking about this tumble was how fast it happened. I wasn't even going that fast, as I was turning into my driveway, but one minute I was on the bike and the next I was on the ground. No time for recovery. No time to try and protect myself. Just Boom! and you're wondering how you wound up on the ground. Fortunately, I'm fine. My helmet tapped the ground, I've got some road rash and I'll be sore for a few days, but it certainly reminded me of why we wear helmets. Don't ever ride without yours.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in a few weeks. In the meantime, I've decided that the best remedy for road rash is alcohol, internally applied.

Worst. Vacation. Ever.

But enough about me.

Several things.

I received word that our jerseys are en route.

I've received word of a week-long cancellation, if you know of anyone.

I remind everyone that second installments are due July 1.

And, lastly, I haven't gotten nearly enough miles in this week but need to ride like never before.

I'd also like a place to stay in Red Oak and Chariton. How about you?

Mt Vernon Heritage Days Ride

If you are looking for a group ride with a bunch of RAGBRAIers then the Mt Vernon Heritage Days Ride on July 11th is your cup of tea. It's a 35 mile ride with beautiful scenery. Taken from the ride description:
Riders will meet at 9 AM in downtown Mount Vernon. This ride will go from Mount Vernon through Lisbon and south on the Sutliff Road toward Sutliff and on to Solon. Riders are welcome to stop at Sutliff on the way to and/or from Solon if they wish. From Solon, the ride returns on the same route. Sutliff Cider opens at 11 AM, is biker-friendly and is a great place to stop on the way back. The ride will end back in uptown Mount Vernon. Riders are encouraged to stay and enjoy the Heritage Days' music, beer garden, and food vendors.
I will probably be working at Sutliff Cider that day and would love to see a few CoeBRAI jerseys stop by. You can find more rides and information here:
http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/calendar/calendar.asp?s=y&m=&date=7/11/2009