August 26 - the Day I Ate Dirt

Florida is having unusually hot weather this summer but I am so excited about riding my new bike that I trek out each morning in the 80 degree humid weather to bike away. Today, I decided to change my route and in doing so thought I should tell my husband, John, about the new plan. He worries you see if I am not back in a reasonable time frame. I biked down one of our main streets made a quick stop at the UPS office and then continued on the sidewalk (big mistake) instead of walking over the grass and curb to the road. The plan was to ride about 20 feet down the sidewalk and then zip out onto the road at a driveway ahead.

As I turned the bike at the drive the tires slipped on some dirt and tree droppings and down I went bike and all. My feet were still safely in the toe clips and my butt on the seat as I lay in the fresh dirt. Of course my first reaction is to look around and see if anyone saw me. No one is in view as I pick myself up, spit out the dirt and brush myself off - including shaking out my gloves.
Now I look at my bike - not a scratch but the handlebars are twisted and the brake cover is hanging at a funny angle. Oops, 3 days old and the bike is wreaked. I tried to straighten the bars but could not twist them so off I ride to find John for help.

Today he decided to take a short walk and I missed him on route, 4 miles later I found him at home.

We decide to call the bike shop and ask if today is a good day for my maintenance 101 course. I know the repair guy, JD, had a hard time to keep from laughing as I told him my sad story. He quickly adjusted my bike and told me is has several built in safety features that prevent major damage from falls. One is the brake has a release that loosens the lever area at the brake hood to prevent it from snapping off. A simple adjustment with an allen wench and all is well. I also learned simple bike maintenance and how to repair a flat and change a tire. Two hours later I felt that I could attack the roads again.