Happy start of the ride day, on trail.
Ride to Xenia, OH today was 40 miles. I rode 10 miles.
Good start to the day today,
Chanting while walking bike up steep hill,
"Strong Legs. Safe Space."'
At another challenge spot, counting my way to hilltop.
Left: Morning pre-ride activity beside van. Right: Nancy and Lin's bikes beside van.
On a downhill, squeezing my brakes to go slow,
In a shady area, I saw the pothole
Just as my front wheel entered it.
Funny, my mind told me I could correct and pull out.
Wrong.
I fell on edge of road with bike both on and off of me
A car came uphill, slowed, and continued on.
Driver pulled into my lane, wrong side for him.
Set his warning blinkers, hopped out to help me.
His car was blocking any car rounding that blind curve
To protect me.
Another car stopped.
That driver checked in and continued on
To summon Nancy back to be with me.
That first "Angel,”
A big burly football coach guy
Named Chad, loaded my bike.
Drove me to an identifiable place
Where Ken would pick me up in The Van.
Seeing me taken care of,
And making phone call for Ken's help,
Nancy waited until I was loaded in the van
Then got to the trail and biked to motel.
I am in the motel, in a single room,
Icing my right knee and lower leg.
Taking an anti-inflammatory med.
Just resting.
As I was thinking about writing this post,
My first thought was to not tell you.
I am so disappointed to not be able to ride,
And ashamed that I didn't see the pothole or
React faster.
At home when I announced this trip,
I had some responses like
"At your age, are you sure another one is smart?"
I don't want those folks to be right.
I am feeling vulnerable,
Disappointed,
Wanting to hide that I didn't see the pothole in time
To correct my path.
Here I am receiving caring help,
While I start my healing.
My Friend,
May your help angles show up when you need them.
Hugs,
Lin
My knee and lower leg injuries … will be rapid heal.
Oh dear…heal well so that you may continue the ride. Thinking of you every day!
Thank you, dear Carla.
This kind of thing happens to people of ALL ages! I know you know that. Dang pothole…. I’m very happy it is only your knee and lower leg. Disappointing? Of course. Doesn’t take anything away from your fitness and training and can-do approach to life. Very proud of you.
Smiling and receiving this virtual hug and nudge forward! 🙂
So proud of you. 1st for trying in the first place and the courage to tell about the fall 🤗
Thank you. My daughter told me I had to. 🙂
I’m so
Glad you are ok! Angels are watching over you 😉
Thank you so much, Jill. I am experiencing them!
Healing energy coming your way. Courageous, strong, vulnerable and honest, you are an inspiration.
Thank you, Natalee! I so appreciate it.
Wow, Lin
I'm so sorry that happened. It's a little pause in your activity but certainly does not define who you are. You are incredibly kind, caring, adventurous and persistent in all things that bring joy.
Let me know what you need.
Love and care ❤️
Linda
Thank you, Linda! 🙂 Your support and encouragement mean the world.
First, Lin, I am relieved that you suffered only superficial injuries, nothing broken. Certainly not your spirit!
Second, Reaction time in age can be slower, AND anyone can miss a pothole. So many states' revenues have been squeezed to not keep up road repair. This pothole is an example.
Third, I have confidence in you that you will find a way to proceed in your own way, at your own pace. And it will include biking.
From one biker, who hit a pothole at much younger age and lived to tell, to another. Sending hugs.
🙂 You’re the best, Jerri! Thanks.
Thank you Lynn, your honesty is even more inspiring than your intrepid biking! Heal quickly & enjoy the next ride…
Thank you, Connie. 🙂 Still hoping with a day or two of SAG riding I may be back at it.
Oh Lin! I am sorry you experienced this accident and injury, but ain't that life! Your sharing of both your joys and accomplishments AND your bumps, bruises and disappointments is what makes you such an inspiration and role model for me and others. I am preparing for my long hike and know in my bones it won't be all fun or smooth sailing. Even the planning has been tough with ups and down, and you are a guiding motivation for me to push through. Blessings on your speedy recovery and getting back in the saddle if and when you choose. Much Love, Sara
Love imagining your preparations and knowing your interepid spirit. Love to you.
So sorry to hear of your experience with a nasty pothole. I’m hoping for a speedy recovery. So happy nothing was broken.
Sending healing hugs. Linda
Thank you, Linda. Me, too! Glad nothing broken, hopeful for speedy recovery.
My friend, Lin,
Injured…in body and mind. Angry or disappointed with oneself. The variety of emotions that surface are unwanted, especially embarrassment. For me, embarrassment is the worst feeling.
Randy encourages me dismiss my concern about the reactions of others, as he reminds me that I have no way of knowing their responses. Randy reminds me that I do not know how someone will react, and that I need not battle their reactions. The reactions are their's, not mine.
Anyway, you (and I) are never too old to accept challenges! I trust that you will continue to enjoy the people with whom you started the trip. Your fall and change of transport might give you the opportunity to experience your companions in new ways. And, you still will be able to enjoy the evening meals in (or from) the local restaurants in towns you previously have not visited. Surely you can still enjoy eating!
Lin, I will send hugs to you each day.
Your friend, Muriel
Muriel, Thank you for your thoughts, wisdom, and concern. So appreciated.
Oh Lin, I'm so so sorry to hear this story and so very glad you are o.k.!! If it's any consolation, I can share three stories — one reminding you that we are only 2 years apart so I totally relate to your angst! The second story is about a close biking friend of mine who is 17 years younger than we are (note the younger part!!). She was riding her e-bike on gravel and making a left turn when she squeezed the brake by mistake and went over the handle bar (one of the downsides of hydraulic brakes — yikes). The second story is about your trail on your way to Zenia. When I did the OTET with my son-in-law we started out from Zenia on our way to Cincinnati (we began the ride in Cleveland and rode the OTET south). We were late starting and had a long day and were frantic to get going as it was our last day. We headed out on the Little Miami trail — and when we started realizing we were in strange place we asked about the towns near by and found out the next town was Bellefontaine — we had gone north instead of south. I'm hoping this gives everyone something to chuckle about and to make you feel better!!!! As a result I never saw that part of the trail with the pot hole!!! (I insisted we go back the next day — and started near Lebanon — 30 miles — that we had ridden the wrong way — closer to Cincy!!). Take good care of yourself and enjoy sagging (everyone sagging always looked like they were having a more fun!!). Sending love and hugs, Katie
Katie, thank you for the smiles and laugh! You remind me these things happen to others. xoxox
Oh Lin,,so shocked and sorry. Please have it checked out at a med clinic.
Thinking of you..Rest.
jan roberts.
Thank you, Jan! 🙂
Bless you, Lin. You are an inspiration!
🙂
So sorry, Lin! Hope the wind is at your back, helping the recovery. Good thoughts and best wishes are with you!
Thank you for your support! 🙂
You took a nasty fall. Please take care. I am glad you had angels responding quickly
What happened could easily happen to cyclists of any age, so don't dwell on that.
Get better!
Thank you, Becky! 🙂