Be Careful on Bicycles

Riding bicycles is no doubt dangerous. You might think it is safe due to relatively slow speeds, but that is not true at all. Even with a high tech helmet, you have no protection upon impact with the ground or an object. There are no airbags, crash bars, or body armor to help.
It disturbs me greatly to see what one intended to be a good thing for you resulting in being maimed for life.
It has happened recently in our circles at RTB as it has for as long as I have been riding bikes.
When you choose to throw your leg over the seat, you also assume the risk.
The Hazards
Big Gulpers: What? Who? Us “southies” named aggressive drivers Big Gulpers. Big Gulpers typically are young males driving lifted, usually older Ford 4 door pick-up trucks, wearing camo, chewing tobacco, and have a problem with older guys riding in lycra at dawn on a rural road. Sometimes they toss the last of their big gulp on you as they pass, thus the name. The situation is made much worse if there is a teenage girl in the car they are trying to impress. That is a recipe for disaster. Most of the time they would deserve a ticket for vehicular assault.
Other Cyclists: It is easy to get wheels tangled up and down you go. I love inviting new riders into our group, but unfortunately many do not understand the complexities of riding in a group or a pace line. And if one goes down in front, the rest of the innocent riders pay the price.
Obstacles: Road ruts, tar snakes (tar used to fill in cracks in the road), potholes, rocks, glass, all pose a common hazard. Don’t forget about curbs and other fixed objects like guard rails, stopped cars, ditches and fire hydrants. Any of those can lead to a 911 call.
What to do? 
Big Gulpers: Not much. I have lost my temper and told the Gulpers what I think both verbally and using hand gestures. Usually that does not end well. I have seen riders pack guns..not a good solution either. Stay out of their way and avoid provocation. Avoid Carbonado. It seems to be the Mecca of Big Gulpers. And, I am very much looking forward to using on of these new high tech gizmos. https://cycliq.com/product/fly6 Then turn them into the cops (who in Pierce County appear to be impotent in taking action)
Other Cyclist: Before someone gets to ride up front in one of our groups, they have to prove their worthiness as a rider. They need to ride steady, not weave, call out obstacles, and not suddenly jump up off their saddle, throwing their bike backwards into the rider behind. Until then, they can ride in the back or give them a 4-5 foot gap.  And, while riding in the center of the pack, keep an eye on the rear brake of the bike in front. The caliper compresses before the bike stops.
Obstacles: Always pay close attention to what is going on, more when you are getting tired. Stuff does happen. Watch the wheel of cars on your right. The wheel turning is easier to spot than a moving car. Because they look at you does not mean they “see” you.
Final Comments: We usually pray for safety before each ride. Consider mountain biking or ride a trainer. Or, decide the risk is not worth the benefit, and choose the consequences of the couch over the bike seat. As long as your at it, you may as well grab a doughnut.
If you do crash and hurt yourself, call Kriss Chiropractic at (425)432-4621. We do well with whiplash injuries. Also, I have had a lot of training in trauma when I was working with the rodeo (true story). And if you feel your rights have been violated, give our buddies at hester law a call

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