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Disclaimer: I feel naked without my helmet.

However, the best evidence out there does not indicate that helmets save lives. Go figure.

A majority of the world’s cyclists do not wear helmets and they manage to get through just fine.

Kids: Wear your helmets. Someday your parents want to transform your room into a study.

Adults: It’s your choice.

For me, I need gloves. I fall enough that gloves and long bike shorts save my skin. As for my helmet, only once in two years have I hit hard enough to hear *Pop* *Pop*. That one time probably saved me some stitches and a concussion. Do I wear my helmet every time? No. I don’t. But I’ve made the tough decision. And if something happens to me, it’s my fault.

ann

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You’re right, I was thinking the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. The Yards Park.

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And that other thing on your head….

I usually have the good sense to wear a scarf over my hair under my helmet, BUT not yesterday.

I was coming home from work and riding the sidewalk with traffic along Lee Highway near Fairfax Circle. (After some deliberation, I decided rush hour and that road were not compatible with me on a bike.) I had to duck underneath a row of cherry trees. The fact I had to duck tells you how seldom anyone walks on the sidewalks there. I came in the door, started sorting the mail and absently fluffed my hair. That’s when I discovered one of those little inchworm sort of creatures clinging to the back of my hand.

After a little squealing freakout I’m feeling much better.

I will not forget my scarf again.

ann

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I love the tourists.

1. They have maps. They give me directions when I get lost.
2. They are friendly. They allow me to see this area through fresh eyes and make me remember why I like living here.
3. Generally, they like DC and remind me how much I take for granted; Ben’s Chili Bowl, convenience of National Airport, Great Falls, Potomac Yards, the majesty of the Capitol Building.

ann

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@consularrider 17301 wrote:

So no more stiletto healed demi boots like you had for Mardi Gras?

I admit a certain weakness for shoes. Today I wore these on the bike ride into work. I consider them a safety device.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]865[/ATTACH]

And because the seasons changed I felt compelled to search for new higher, more sparkly, and more outrageous shoes to wear to match the rhinestone bike. I think Bike to Work Day will be the first opportunity I get to wear them.

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Oh! You mean Pfunkallstar was wearing shorts? Huh.
I hate this time of year. I start out with all sorts of layers but about four miles into my ride I’m dripping with sweat.
At least I’ve retired the boots for the season.
But I seem to have an emotional attachment to my ear warmers.

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Yes, it happens. My mouth went instantly dry visualizing that situation. My biggest challenge at the moment is coming up with the guts to take the lane when I’ve got a big truck behind me and essentially nowhere to go except into the curb. This is my next teeth gritting experience.

ann

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It made me feel so much more positive about cyclists after reading your post. Thank you. And I’m very glad you were not injured seriously.
ann

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@mstone 17276 wrote:

I don’t think there’s ever a time of day when someone can look at that mess and say “this was well planned”. A four lane highway with a crosswalk on it. They couldn’t even move the start of the turn lane down 50 feet so we’d have 10 feet less pavement to scurry across.

edit to add: Oh, I did forget to acknowledge that they did zig-zaggy pavement lines approaching the crosswalk, which protects pedestrians and cyclists by indicating to drivers that they’ve suddenly been transported to Europe.

When I started to ride further from home that intersection became my turning around point. I watched a lot of cyclists go across it before I tried it. Over time I’ve become accustomed to it but I don’t like it. Just like a lot of other things, the first few times are harrowing and then you settle down, grit your teeth and do it.

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@americancyclo 13117 wrote:

Once it’s a regular thing, you come to love the hills, and sometimes don’t even notice!

I beg to differ.

Yes, the pictures in the cookbook are lovely. Perhaps some day…

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The good news, it wasn’t as cold as I thought this morning.
The bad news, the sidewalk I depend on to navigate Lee Highway was closed today.
The weather became the least of my concerns.

ann

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Sure I can quit. My tube tops and hot pants are the only thing in my bike bins. I about died of heat exhaustion on Sunday in cold weather tights. I put all that stuff away in storage.
I’m tired getting up in the morning and waiting for my face to go numb as the wind hits it and the joy of wearing two pairs of gloves and tights over tights is almost more than my heart can bear. My goodness, by the time I pull on all my clothes I feel like that wretched Bibendum logo but less flexible.
Tulips? Unless the Hooters I pass has decided to landscape I doubt if I’ll see any tulips. Buses, 7-11’s, and a few fire stations. Which leaves me wondering, why don’t they ever wash their firetrucks? Terribly disappointing.
I might salvage some pride by morning.
Perhaps.
But seriously, if I had pride would a majority of my clothes be black Spandex?

ann

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@CCrew 17185 wrote:

Oh the other hand, if you didn’t I’m SURE you’d be noticed in traffic

Darn it, the morning temperature seems a bit nippy so to speak for *that*.

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Formally registering as a despicable wimp. I’m thinking the car would seem awfully cozy tomorrow morning.

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I was fortunate to meet some of the great kids from Phoenix Bikes at the Mardi Gras Parade in Arlington and am putting this down on my calendar as I type.

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