Don't Get Distracted!

[Denise223]

Hi Everyone!

Well, I learned my lesson last night!

Ben & I were enjoying a ride on a local pathway. It was pretty busy at the time we got there - 7:15pm.

The weather was good. We've had so much rain out here lately that there were a lot of bugs out - (I think I swallowed a few--ICK!!)

I was having a much easier & better time shifting, too - thanks to Melissam. She did a great job of explaining it to me . I was able to pedal much more efficiently, and that really helped me a lot!!

Anyway, things were going great -- I was MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE with my new PI shorts & shirt!! I stayed soooooooooooo much drier & didn't have to worry about my shorts (or shirt) riding up.

At around mile 6.5, I heard loud voices on my left & saw (out of my peripheral vision) the flashing lights on a fire truck & a crowd of people gathered together.

So, I looked to my left (off & on) and saw what appeared to be a fight going on. My bike went just off the pavement & onto the wet & muddy grass. When I tried to turn my wheel a bit to the left, to get onto the pavement again, I didn't make it & crashed onto the pavement. I am very thankful that no one was behind me!!

I learned a very, very good lesson. And that is:

PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I'M DOING, NO MATTER WHAT!!!!

I banged my elbow & leg up pretty good. I will not take my eyes off the road ever again. An accident can happen in a split second & things could have been so much worse. I am grateful!

Have a peaceful day & safe riding!

Denise