July rides

[north woods gal]

We've actually had some great weather for July, this week, with highs right around 80 and low humidity. Great for walking and being outdoors.

Stopped in the bike shop and announced that I'll soon be riding. Bought another helmet to replace the one that got totaled, but saved my life. Got the same brand and series, except this time, got the M.I.P.S. version for even better protection. Also got another helmet mounted blinkie, since my husband now uses my old one. Really excited that my husband is now doing twice a day rides around the neighborhood with no prodding from me.

While at the bike shop met the previous owner and the guy who built my Gunnar single speed. He said he went a little nuts on the build with the Gunnar, hand built wheels and all, but moved on to other bikes for his riding. We also compared bike injuries and as bad as mine are, his have been more numerous, but, then, he has been racing for many years. He still does the risky stuff, even after all his injuries. I am hoping that I will have enough smarts and self-control to stick with my plan of doing my best to reduce risks and stay away from the challenge stuff. No regret about learning all those advanced skills and nice to be able to talk the the talk with other trail riders, but time to retire. Can't eliminate all risks with any type of bicycling, of course, but I'm going to do my best to better the odds of being able to keep riding into my old age. 9 days to go and hopefully get cleared to ride. I am so ready.