I talk on my phone while I ride. I don't wobble. I don't careen down hills. I also reach for and drink from my water bottles while riding, open up food packets while riding, take off my bolero while riding. That one is a bit tricky. Oh, and if I put my bottles in backwards, water in the front instead of Sustain, I'll switch them while riding. So both bottles out of their cages at the same time. I also ride with no hands on occasion.

Have you ever watched the pro peloton? I aspire to have bike handling skills like theirs. It doesn't happen if you are white knuckling your handlebars. Don't be afraid to take a little risk every now and then. You'll become a better bike handler.

Just yesterday as I was commuting to work, riding up our hill, I realized I hadn't asked Thom to check on our neighbor's cat during the day. Without looking I reached back and grabbed my phone from my saddlebag and called him, talked for a few minutes, until I reached the top of the hill and put the phone back in the saddlebag.

The only person who calls me during a ride is Thom, so if possible, I'll answer the phone. He usually wants to know how long until I get home so he can start the grill.

I suppose that makes me evil.

V.