I love to ride at night. If I had to list the top three conditions to ride in, it would be snow, night, and warm rain. Tonight I decided I needed some ice cream, so a trip to Handel's was on.
(A lighter side note here, Handel's has the best ice cream ever. If there is one remotely close to you, you need to get there.)
I headed out, then decided to take the long route. The silence of the neighborhood made me pause. Earlier today was Columbus's Ride of Silence. I was not able to make it, but I did stop and make my daughters say a little prayer with me as everyone left the statehouse around 7:00.
I rode for about an hour tonight. I thought about the time I was hit by a car. Twelve years ago a car right hooked me. I remember looking her in the eye right before impact. I was knocked off my bike and unconscious for a short period. The worst of my injuries were a separated shoulder and a sprained wrist. The lady that hit me drove off. I was lucky. I could have been seriously injured. Instead, I was only hurt enough to take an evening off work.
I don't know why I keep torturing myself, but I cannot look at any of the ghost bikes without getting emotional. I wonder if these have the same affect on non-cyclists.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My personal ride of silence
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3 comments:
It was a haunting ride, that's for sure. I haven't ever been hit, but I can imagine it'd be even spookier for someone who had.
I haven't seen the Ghost bikes yet, but one of them is slightly off the path on my trip home. I'm going to ride by it tonight to check it out.
Thanks for the link, too. I was a little concerned that people would think me inconsiderate for taking pictures of the event. Glad you don't feel that way.
I'm originally from Columbus, but I live in Cleveland now. I'm new to cycling, and in fact, am only in my 3rd week of biking to work. I can't imagine what it would be like to get hit by a car and have them drive away. That's so horrible! I'm glad that you're continuing to bike and that you stopped to recognize those who didn't survive the accident.
(Oh, and I totally agree with you about Handels ice cream! Nothing even comes close to it!)
Welcome to the club Nikki! I'm not sure where you are in Cleveland, but HubBub is an amazing bikeshop (www.hubbub.com). I wish I still lived in the area just for that.
And about those Corgis... you have to let them know who the alpha dog is. There are a few physical ways that are not mean and faster. A well-trained dog is one of the great joys in life.
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