Bicycle Helmets Work

Harlem Valley Rail Trail 9/24/22

A chilly but sunny day found me at the Orphan Farm Rd trailhead in Columbia County. 


Fellow bike riders: Kathy, Rachael P, Jim C, Lori, Mary Margret, Kurt, Esther, Ron, Rich. Starting temp in the 50's which rose into the 60's but no higher. Total distance was 26.7 miles.






This trail is mostly flat and paved the whole way. I guess I got too relaxed. We stopped for lunch at the Oakhurst Diner in Millerton, NY and it was warm enough to eat outside as long as we were in the sun. The ride was slower than even I like, but nice with very enjoyable company. It was about 2.5 hours riding and included a stop for ice cream!

I tipped the helmet up a wee bit for the picture, but thankfully lowered it right back down an inch.


I was in view of the parking lot, when I spotted a caterpillar on the trail. I stopped to pick it up and started riding with only one hand on the handlebar and one holding the caterpillar. This would have worked fine, but I spotted another caterpillar. I braked too hard with my left hand (front brake, oops) and catapulted myself over the handlebars. I landed hard and noted that my head hit the pavement, but luckily was contained inside my properly fitted bike helmet. I was determined to keep that caterpillar safe and succeeded. My water bottles went flying and I did a bit of a tuck and roll (probably only in my mind, 😏). After checking to make sure nothing was too badly injured, I picked up all my gear and put my bike back together, and was relieved no one saw my fall. I suffered no broken bones and set off again, with 2 caterpillars this time. Sometimes, in retrospect,  I wonder how I actually get through life with so few trips to the ER.


Today, I'm noticing all the scrapes, aches, and bruising that have bloomed overnight. I was going to go riding again, but perhaps just a walk will do.

Comments

  1. MargaretSeptember 25, 2022 at 12:26 PM

    26 miles, wow! You remind me to check my helmet to make sure it's low enough. I'm glad you escaped with scrapes and bruises only and nothing broken. That is a HUGE caterpillar! Kind of scares me.

    ReplyDelete

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