Lately I've been very accident prone when it comes to the bike.

Let's see, during the past two days I've:

* Had a rock get kicked up by someone's tire and hit the first knuckle of my thumb. (Nice bruise on thumb)

* Had a major blowout. (Must o' been the helium, eh?)

* Fell because I lost my balance and didn't clip out in time. (Nice bruises on left leg and left elbow.)

* (This one gets extra points because of degree of difficulty.) Tried to clip in, missed, right foot jammed forward, chainring bit into back of right calf, right foot got caught between front wheel and frame, while trying to get foot out, chainright kept spinning and left it's mark on back of right calf. (Nice cuts on back of right calf.)

Good news: the bike is fine. All bruises and cuts will heal quickly and soon be a distant memory. I still had a great time riding this weekend.

Now it's onto the safe (I hope!) stationary bike at the gym until Saturday.

-- Melissa