3rd crash - now I'm "real" cyclist

[nomummytummy]

Doing OK so far...Until you get to that part. That's what's known as rationalization. If it weren't for the kiddos I'd say knock yourself out, but you do have some responsibilities now.

You got off this time but next time, who knows?
Do get a new helmet.

Hadn't thought about a new helmet. Thanks for the reminder about that. The responsibilities do weigh on my mind. I'm constantly trying to find the balance between needing to be there for the kids - today & in the future - and role-modelling that life's a journey & when we act from fear, we often don't go far. It's the scary &/or hard stufff - physically & emotionally - that leads to the greatest rewards and fulfillment. My greatest hope is that I raise my children to be bold. My parents gave me that gift, funny how it's Mum who is now suggesting I become more cautious.

Zen Century - I hugged my boys & hubby - Don't need an excuse to hug them, they won't always want me to in a few years!
Crazycanuk - was around the bays in Wellington - roads probably similar quality to AUK

Now - how do I justify riding tomorrow??? I think that I might not get away with that & stay married!!!

L

[Torrilin]

Well, my mom has always given me space to be brave and do scary things. But she's also made a lot of choices for herself that mean she's around for me.

Sounds like your mom wants you to find a healthy balance between being brave and doing stuff, and between doing what's right for your kids. So giving up bikes is a no. But it is ok to back off a bit on speed. Fast feels great; fast and out of control, not so much. And diversion falls (which are probably what you had) are easy to avoid if you're not caught up in the heat of the moment

I'm glad you're ok . Just remember cyclists are people on bikes, not people *crashing* bikes

[Mr. Bloom]

Glad you were not more injured. I hit the same kind of groove once and fell at a slow speed. They're wicked!

[RoadRaven]

NMT... I know what you mean about the rush as you get that speed up - in yesterdays race I was honking it with a tail wind getting up to 48kph - why oh why can't I always ride that strong!!??!!

I always try and ride about 1/2 a metre from the curb - so much rubbish in there - though I guess those roads around the Bays down there are a bit narrower at times and don't really allow for that.

I have kids too, and it is a very fine line between personal rush, and family responsibility.

The thing that gets me about our roads is why oh why do councils insist on having grates parallel with the road and footpath? They are such wheel traps!

And do check your helmet out... and think of it in personal terms if you have trouble getting a new one - if you throw caution to the wind in favour of the rushes, you may find yourself months off the bike as you heal...

Be safe out there

Road ~ trying-to-find-the-middle-ground-between-rushes&safety ~ Raven

[nomummytummy]

Thanks all. As a plug for my LBS - Pennyfarthings in Wellington give 10% off helmets bought to replace on after a crash. That's definitely putting their principles out there.

Bring on next Thursday as I do a hill ride & go slower!