You know you're officially a bike commuter when...

[northstar]

...when you hear more geese honking on your way to work than cars honking! At least on my commute, that's the case! Don't hate me because I'm lucky!

On the other hand, I almost hit a deer this morning. I am really missing morning light... It was an outline of a svelte gray silhouette as it hopped across the path. Ahh, life in the north.

[Deanna]

...you have a duplicate set of makeup and hair products at the office because you don't like riding with it on your skin. Just hope you don't find something really expensive that you really like (the Philosophy counter loves me - I buy two of everything).

...you are treated as the office expert on the seasonal weather changes

...you are one of the few people who realize the door between the mens and womens bathroom is a shower and changing room (true!)

...your weekly lunch supplies take up half the bottom shelf of the communal fridge.

...you've lost track of how many times you've had to answer "how far do you ride to work"

[invsblwmn]

when the boss threatens to fire u if u ever get near a bike again...
good news.. i'm alive

i am typing this from my hospital bed, been here since last wednesday. have had two surgeries on my right arm, have at least 3 more over the next few months. can't walk, but should be able to in the next few weeks. going home today or tomorrow in a wheelchair, still w/ unbelievable pain. thinking about hanging up the bike. got hit in a crosswalk by an 80 year old man going over 40mph in a suv who didn't even see that there was a light. plain lucky to be alive. happened right in front of hospital, so docs were there in less than a minute and a fire fighter stabilized me until then. i have lots of support as i work at this hospital, but i miss riding so much. not looking 4 pity, just support and understanding. no head injuries or torso, just back and limbs (left arm works and has iv lines fot morphine and antibiotics). do u think i should get back on?

[Dianyla]

when the boss threatens to fire u if u ever get near a bike again...
good news.. i'm alive

...

do u think i should get back on?

Goodness, I'm so sorry you got hit! First focus on taking care of yourself and healing. Afterwards you can decide whether you want to get back on a bike or not.

For what it's worth... you could've been a pedestrian crossing that same street and the same 80 yo guy might have run the light and hit you. Food for thought, anyhow.

Get well soon!

[lph]

OMG How terrible! I don't know what to say, except, thank heavens you're alive, and "just" limbs hurt.

Agh, who gives a **** what you do with your bike right now. Just work on getting healed, and find out later what you want to do with a body that WORKS. If you still want to ride a bike, then go for it, if not, do something else. Not biking for a few months or a year means zip in the long run.

Being in longterm pain must be a real bummer. I feel for you. Take all the pain meds you can get, kick the pain med addiction later... OK, you medical types can all jump on me now.

(forgive me for butting in, but I re-posted your story 'cos I felt it deserved a thread all its own.)

[RoadRaven]

Perhaps you need to change your name to "SEE ME HERE woman"!!!

Here is a short story for you - I posted in the crazy driver forum about 3 local club members who were knocked off their bikes early on a Sunday morning. Jo went into the windscreen and then onto the road while her bike went under the car, Ray and Shona were thrown aside with their bikes into the gutter/ditch.

All three have been along to club races to help with marshalling. Jo has been out riding on bike paths and off road. Ray and Shona were along on Saturday. Shona didn't sign up for the race, though she did ride it - neck brace and all. Ray was on what looked like a kids chopper - just an adult size. Very upright and I guess that is to do with his recovery process.

They love cycling so much they are all experimenting with ways that feel right to get back on their bikes.

IW, just take your time on your path to recovery - its going to be a tough-at-times mental, physical and spiritual journey. Believe in your self, be patient with yourself.
Kia kaha, kia manawanui
Awhi awhi and aroha from NZ

~Raven~

[light_sabe_r]

When you wear your bike jersey under a jacket all day because you FORGOT your Shirt.
(You don't think anyone will notice, will you???)