Yesterday we suffered the tragic loss of a rider during the ODRAM ride. I've completed this ride 3x, myself, and am one of its organizers. I was not riding this year. But the first 2 responders to the deceased rider are friends of mine. Had I been riding I almost certainly would have been with them. I had been feeling envious of those riding, but my long-distance training has been mediocre while DH recovers from foot surgery late last year. Today I am not the least bit envious...and very thankful that I didn't witness the horrific scene. That my friends could continue the entire ride (the hit-and-run happened a mere 2 miles from the start) astounds me.
Tonight I was to lead a women's ride from our bike shop. The weather was iffy and no one showed. And I was relieved. I am so tense...even just riding in a car. This next Sat. is our big JDRF ride in LaCrosse, WI and I'm almost dreading it. A ride in my home state, which should have me eagerly looking forward to the experience. Right now I wish I hadn't screwed up my wrist mountain biking years ago. I totally get why some people abandon road riding altogether. I think I'll be spending a lot more time on gravel backroads. Though I know that is no insurance against trouble. This accident happened on a rural road in the community where we formerly lived (for nearly 13 years). It's a nearly idyllic area to ride. In all the years DH and I traveled those roads by bike we really never had any significant issues from motor vehicles. Drivers up that way are by and large farmers and not the least bit unwilling to share roads with other slower users. We deal with a LOT more animosity and vehicle density where we currently live.