There's Hope For TodayNäide

Life is risk! If you walk long enough, you will trip. If you fly enough, you’ll have a few hard landings. If you ride a bike long enough, you will take a fall.

My Dad bought my first bike for me somewhere around my fifth birthday and I’ve been riding ever since. I ride six to eight thousand miles a year. My personal ride data tells me that I can expect a fall every ten thousand miles, and one in four falls will be bad. I have twice been hit by cars. I once hit a car… a parked car… in the company of a dozen other bike riders. I have twice been put down by another bike. I have been crashed by water on the road – sand in the corner - a pothole hidden by a shadow – and once by a pair of white Huskies. I’ve taken two trips to the emergency room. I’ve nursed about six feet of road rash. I’ve broken a hand, finger, pelvis, and sacrum. I’ve severed a tendon and suffered a concussion – maybe two. I’ve destroyed three helmets, two frames, and several sets of riding kits. You might think I’m a pretty poor bike rider. You might also think I’m a bit mad - you may be right, but if you want to live, you’re going to have to take a risk… and look on the bright side. By the numbers, I’ve got plenty of wonderful miles before my next big fall!