Erin at PEAC sent an e-mail to me last week entitled "Strange Celebration of Cycling Request". It wasn't all that strange, but maybe she felt weird asking me to escort one of PEAC's students on the 100-mile ride at the PEAC Celebration of Cycling.
Jonathan, my riding pal for the day suffers from a few medical issues that required a companion for the day. He has ridden long rides before, but needed a tour guide capable of the 100-mile trek through Westland, Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake, Northville, and back to Warrendale Recreation area on Hines.
As a generally speedy rider, I wasn't used to stopping every couple of miles to take a drink, adjust the gloves, shake out the hands, etc. Normally, a century would take 5.5-6 hours for me, 5 of which is riding time, and the rest breaks. This actually took us 8.25 hours, with riding time running around 6 1/2 hours. This wasn't really a big deal to me, because I expected to be out all day, but the different style of riding was rough.
I'm used to leaning over in the drops and spinning a good hefty pace. With my legs pushing, there's less pressure on my rear, and with my arms pumping, there's less leaning on my hands and shoulders. With a slower pace and looking behind me for Jonathan, I spent most of the day riding on my hoods, and sitting rather upright on the seat. This meant a really sore tushie and lower back, and extremely sore shoulders and hands by the end of the day. I had actually re-fit the bike in anticipation of the riding conditions, but it still was rough on me. So, towards the end of the ride, when Jonathon needed frequent breaks, so did I.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Blood Doping and the Speed Limit
On any given bike ride, the subject of Floyd Landis, Lance Armstrong, and their accusations of blood doping will come up. We worry about whether this will destroy cycling and people's enthusiasm to go out, buy a bike, and start riding.
The latest news in this ongoing saga is that Frankie Andreu, who is from this area, admitted to EPO use way back when, before it was banned. He, of course, never saw his teammate Armstrong take anything, and he eventually stopped once it was banned. We still wonder whether Floyd's explanation is really true, and for all the accusations that skirt around Armstrong, you'd gotta think that he's either a target, or he's really beaten the system.
So here's one explanation on how riders could be beating the system. Take Floyd's case: The testosterone/epitestosterone test says that a rider is over the limit when the ratio is 4:1. Normal ratios are around 1:1. Well, why not just take enough so that your ratio is 3:1 so that you don't trip the test? Keep analyzing urine samples on your own to make sure that you're taking the right amount. I'm sure every test allows a threshold to protect "normal" fluctuations in the bloodstream, so all the rider has to do is dope up to the limits and not go over.
Also, cyclists seem to have a number of medical problems already, which require them to take doping products. 60 of 105 tour riders had some sort of legal medical excuse such as asthma for their excess medication. It's amazing how so many ailing athletes can actually ride a bike at that level.
I equate this to speed limit enforcement on the highway. The speed limit on the nearby highway is 70mph, but I know that everyone on the highway speeds, so I just won't go fast enough to trip the cop's attention, which might be at 80-85mph or more. So I'll cruise past the radar detector at my 77mph and the trooper won't even blink. I didn't get caught, but I was still speeding, right?
So, there's my theory. All cyclists are taking legal and illegal supplements to help extend the limits of their bodies. This probably is true of many pro athletes. They also know exactly how much to take so that they will not trip the tests, and they manage to stay one step ahead of the testers. We hope that someday procedures improve so that we can detect exactly what's going on, but until then, we'll have to deal with these accusations and denials.
The latest news in this ongoing saga is that Frankie Andreu, who is from this area, admitted to EPO use way back when, before it was banned. He, of course, never saw his teammate Armstrong take anything, and he eventually stopped once it was banned. We still wonder whether Floyd's explanation is really true, and for all the accusations that skirt around Armstrong, you'd gotta think that he's either a target, or he's really beaten the system.
So here's one explanation on how riders could be beating the system. Take Floyd's case: The testosterone/epitestosterone test says that a rider is over the limit when the ratio is 4:1. Normal ratios are around 1:1. Well, why not just take enough so that your ratio is 3:1 so that you don't trip the test? Keep analyzing urine samples on your own to make sure that you're taking the right amount. I'm sure every test allows a threshold to protect "normal" fluctuations in the bloodstream, so all the rider has to do is dope up to the limits and not go over.
Also, cyclists seem to have a number of medical problems already, which require them to take doping products. 60 of 105 tour riders had some sort of legal medical excuse such as asthma for their excess medication. It's amazing how so many ailing athletes can actually ride a bike at that level.
I equate this to speed limit enforcement on the highway. The speed limit on the nearby highway is 70mph, but I know that everyone on the highway speeds, so I just won't go fast enough to trip the cop's attention, which might be at 80-85mph or more. So I'll cruise past the radar detector at my 77mph and the trooper won't even blink. I didn't get caught, but I was still speeding, right?
So, there's my theory. All cyclists are taking legal and illegal supplements to help extend the limits of their bodies. This probably is true of many pro athletes. They also know exactly how much to take so that they will not trip the tests, and they manage to stay one step ahead of the testers. We hope that someday procedures improve so that we can detect exactly what's going on, but until then, we'll have to deal with these accusations and denials.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Mark's Stop Sign Manifesto
I rode 100 miles yesterday with the club. Many members have mentioned to me how terrible we are with bike safety and following the rules of the road. I usually think we're not as bad as they say we are, but after yesterday, I agree a little bit more. Members in our group coasted through many stop signs, and stole the right of way from cars 3 times at 4-way stops. One member blew a 2-way stop crossing M-52, forcing a van to get on the brakes.
I think the unpredicability of cyclists at stop signs is probably the #1 thing that ticks off motorists. Most drivers can't tell whether or not the bicycle is going to stop, because they're practicing the "rolling stop". The rolling stop is where the rider slows up, but never stops and puts their foot down. The bike is actually still moving.
Because the bike has no brake lights or other "stopped" signals, the only way that a motorist knows that you're going to stop is if you put your foot on the ground. I've seen a number of motorists just staring at me, waiting to see if I'll go while I roll the bike. Eventually, I'll slow down too much, and have to put my foot down anyway to let them go. Sometimes, I get folks who will waive me through just because they're afraid to go while I'm rolling through the intersection.
Anyway, here's my take on how a bicycle should approach a 4-way stop:
1) Always slow down enough so that you can come to a stop if a car beats you to the intersection. You should give yourself time to look both ways.
2) If no traffic is at the intersection, proceed from that slowed down position.
3) If cars are at the intersection and will or have beat you to it, stop and put your foot down to signal that you are yielding the right of way. Don't let them waive you through.
4) If a car is braking and will reach the intersection ahead of you, don't accelerate through while they're braking. That will either just scare them, or make them mad. This is especially a problem if you steal the right of way, then force them to pass you after the fact.
I think the unpredicability of cyclists at stop signs is probably the #1 thing that ticks off motorists. Most drivers can't tell whether or not the bicycle is going to stop, because they're practicing the "rolling stop". The rolling stop is where the rider slows up, but never stops and puts their foot down. The bike is actually still moving.
Because the bike has no brake lights or other "stopped" signals, the only way that a motorist knows that you're going to stop is if you put your foot on the ground. I've seen a number of motorists just staring at me, waiting to see if I'll go while I roll the bike. Eventually, I'll slow down too much, and have to put my foot down anyway to let them go. Sometimes, I get folks who will waive me through just because they're afraid to go while I'm rolling through the intersection.
Anyway, here's my take on how a bicycle should approach a 4-way stop:
1) Always slow down enough so that you can come to a stop if a car beats you to the intersection. You should give yourself time to look both ways.
2) If no traffic is at the intersection, proceed from that slowed down position.
3) If cars are at the intersection and will or have beat you to it, stop and put your foot down to signal that you are yielding the right of way. Don't let them waive you through.
4) If a car is braking and will reach the intersection ahead of you, don't accelerate through while they're braking. That will either just scare them, or make them mad. This is especially a problem if you steal the right of way, then force them to pass you after the fact.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Am I Bad Luck?
Straight from the twilight zone - is the curse of Toshiki's rear tire.
I'm good for one weeknight ride a week and that's about it. So on Tuesday of this week, I showed up in the parking lot of the AABTS Far East Fringe Ride in Plymouth right next to Toshiki, who was unloading his Lightspeed from his car. For the last few rides, Toshiki has gotten a flat somewhere along the ride. So I joked with Toshiki, "I brought extra tires and CO2 just for you tonight, Toshiki." He replied, "I don't flat every ride, just the ones you show up for"
Our little group dropped Toshiki along the 30-mile ride (guess he didn't feel like hammering). As we get back to the parking lot, someone mentioned that Toshiki had a flat. I couldn't believe it. Of course, when Toshiki pulled in, he immediately blamed his misfortune on me. "Every time you're out here, I get a flat"
Let the record show that I did weeknight Plymouth rides on July 25th, August 15th, August 21st, and August 29th. On all of those rides, Toshiki had a flat.
I'm good for one weeknight ride a week and that's about it. So on Tuesday of this week, I showed up in the parking lot of the AABTS Far East Fringe Ride in Plymouth right next to Toshiki, who was unloading his Lightspeed from his car. For the last few rides, Toshiki has gotten a flat somewhere along the ride. So I joked with Toshiki, "I brought extra tires and CO2 just for you tonight, Toshiki." He replied, "I don't flat every ride, just the ones you show up for"
Our little group dropped Toshiki along the 30-mile ride (guess he didn't feel like hammering). As we get back to the parking lot, someone mentioned that Toshiki had a flat. I couldn't believe it. Of course, when Toshiki pulled in, he immediately blamed his misfortune on me. "Every time you're out here, I get a flat"
Let the record show that I did weeknight Plymouth rides on July 25th, August 15th, August 21st, and August 29th. On all of those rides, Toshiki had a flat.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The Zone
The human body is a strange thing to figure out. Some times it works great, sometimes it really gets in your way. For most of the riding season, my body has gotten in the way.
First, the new teaching career got in the way a bit. My low back, hips, and hamstrings were too tight from standing all day and running around the classroom. (Note to self: it's ok to sit down every once in a while) Next, the work with the kids at PEAC. Take all that teaching stuff, and add the ankles and knees to it from running, and some hands and arm pain from holding the kids up on their bikes. Third, excess weight. I really hadn't been eating well: N0 breakfast, woof down lunch, etc. I think I was up at least 10 pounds from the prior summer. All of this makes for a slow bike.
So in August, I went back to my old favorite health kicks. One was a stretching/strengthening routine called Callanetics. It really helped me limber up those tight muscles. I ripped the sound off the videotape and stored it on my MP3 player so I don't have to actually watch the video to do the routine. Second was getting back on a diet called The Zone, by Barry Sears. I don't follow it to a tee, but the principals of getting protein at every meal, and cutting way back on the carbs have helped.
The results have been dramatic. I feel strong and loose. I've lost 10 pounds, and I feel like I've got some real power on the bicycle. Tonight's ride, two of us averaged 22mph over a 30-mile stretch. The bike felt light and fast, and I my body could provide the extra power whenever I called on it.
It was one of those nights where everything was working well. I had great energy, no pain, the bike was even working well. In other words, I was in the Zone. Hopefully, I can return to this place sometime soon.
First, the new teaching career got in the way a bit. My low back, hips, and hamstrings were too tight from standing all day and running around the classroom. (Note to self: it's ok to sit down every once in a while) Next, the work with the kids at PEAC. Take all that teaching stuff, and add the ankles and knees to it from running, and some hands and arm pain from holding the kids up on their bikes. Third, excess weight. I really hadn't been eating well: N0 breakfast, woof down lunch, etc. I think I was up at least 10 pounds from the prior summer. All of this makes for a slow bike.
So in August, I went back to my old favorite health kicks. One was a stretching/strengthening routine called Callanetics. It really helped me limber up those tight muscles. I ripped the sound off the videotape and stored it on my MP3 player so I don't have to actually watch the video to do the routine. Second was getting back on a diet called The Zone, by Barry Sears. I don't follow it to a tee, but the principals of getting protein at every meal, and cutting way back on the carbs have helped.
The results have been dramatic. I feel strong and loose. I've lost 10 pounds, and I feel like I've got some real power on the bicycle. Tonight's ride, two of us averaged 22mph over a 30-mile stretch. The bike felt light and fast, and I my body could provide the extra power whenever I called on it.
It was one of those nights where everything was working well. I had great energy, no pain, the bike was even working well. In other words, I was in the Zone. Hopefully, I can return to this place sometime soon.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The Speed of Frustration
So, can you exercise out your frustration? Can you turn your anger into adrenaline, which in turn makes you faster? Can you achieve speeds that you have never achieved before using the power of emotion?
Well, here's the perfect experiment.
Let me first explain what's got me all cranked up. I applied for a job at east middle school in Plymouth, MI. The job was math teacher, replacing the teacher I student-taught with last fall, and replaced for the remainder of the year this past spring. Nobody complained about the work I did, and in fact, I got rave reviews from the parents of my students and quite a bit of compliments from the school principal.
So anyway, even though I spent a year at the school, did a good job, and wouldn't require much training or familiarization to start in the fall, the hiring committee passed on me. I suspect two things: (1) Confident older male vs. an all-female hiring committee and (2) In-fighting between the committee members. My mentor teacher was very high on me. The other teachers didn't get along with her - thus they didn't hire me to stick it to her.
Let's add insult to injury. I did a simple Google search on the unknown person they ended up hiring (Fendrick). One site that rates teachers mentions her previous job in the Farmington district. A rating in early May asks why she was fired from the high school job. Why would a student think that their teacher was fired? hmmm. Next, a post on Xanga.com - "I remember being in stats class with Ms. (who was fired cause she made out with a student)" hmmm. OK, so not only did they pick someone out of the air just because they didn't want to hire me, but they didn't call the previous school. That'll get the adrenaline going.
So I decided I needed to get out and relieve the tensions of the news today. I went out for a club ride in the evening. I joked with the riders on the AABTS ride tonight that I was going to break the chain riding. Emotion and frustration produce adrenaline, which stimulates the muscles, which pull on the handlebars and push on the pedals, which makes the bike go faster.
So I hit the small hill at Wilcox Lake on Hines Drive with an attack up under the railroad truss. 18-20-25-28 over the crest. I sat down to change gears and spin down the hill...28-30-33...Not good enough. Out of gears, I stood up and ran the cadence as fast as I could spin it. 33-35-36...Sit and spin...38-39-40! Now the adrenaline ran out, the legs started burning, and I calmed down into a nice quick pace. The chain wasn't broken, but the frustration started working itself out. Let the record show that this disappointing day was rated at 40mph.
Well, here's the perfect experiment.
Let me first explain what's got me all cranked up. I applied for a job at east middle school in Plymouth, MI. The job was math teacher, replacing the teacher I student-taught with last fall, and replaced for the remainder of the year this past spring. Nobody complained about the work I did, and in fact, I got rave reviews from the parents of my students and quite a bit of compliments from the school principal.
So anyway, even though I spent a year at the school, did a good job, and wouldn't require much training or familiarization to start in the fall, the hiring committee passed on me. I suspect two things: (1) Confident older male vs. an all-female hiring committee and (2) In-fighting between the committee members. My mentor teacher was very high on me. The other teachers didn't get along with her - thus they didn't hire me to stick it to her.
Let's add insult to injury. I did a simple Google search on the unknown person they ended up hiring (Fendrick). One site that rates teachers mentions her previous job in the Farmington district. A rating in early May asks why she was fired from the high school job. Why would a student think that their teacher was fired? hmmm. Next, a post on Xanga.com - "I remember being in stats class with Ms. (who was fired cause she made out with a student)" hmmm. OK, so not only did they pick someone out of the air just because they didn't want to hire me, but they didn't call the previous school. That'll get the adrenaline going.
So I decided I needed to get out and relieve the tensions of the news today. I went out for a club ride in the evening. I joked with the riders on the AABTS ride tonight that I was going to break the chain riding. Emotion and frustration produce adrenaline, which stimulates the muscles, which pull on the handlebars and push on the pedals, which makes the bike go faster.
So I hit the small hill at Wilcox Lake on Hines Drive with an attack up under the railroad truss. 18-20-25-28 over the crest. I sat down to change gears and spin down the hill...28-30-33...Not good enough. Out of gears, I stood up and ran the cadence as fast as I could spin it. 33-35-36...Sit and spin...38-39-40! Now the adrenaline ran out, the legs started burning, and I calmed down into a nice quick pace. The chain wasn't broken, but the frustration started working itself out. Let the record show that this disappointing day was rated at 40mph.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Mountain Biking?
I'm not a mountain biker! But after today, I'm willing to learn. PEAC took us out on the last day to Island Lake State Park for a ride on the trails. Road biking is my thing...I've always been a road rider, so this type of riding seemed foreign to me.
I've become a better bike handler through my work at PEAC, but I wasn't used to the bike getting upset by bumps, tree roots, rocks, loose dirt, etc. The bike slid a bit, which usually spells bad news on a road bike. But, eventually, I got comfortable with the slipping and sliding and bouncing. As soon as I embraced the new conditions, I started riding faster, almost looking for new obstacles.
No wipeouts today. Big Pat, the Mud Puppie launcher, did wipe out trying to switch lanes on a fork. It looked like he crashed in super-slow-motion. Thank goodness for helmets!
I've become a better bike handler through my work at PEAC, but I wasn't used to the bike getting upset by bumps, tree roots, rocks, loose dirt, etc. The bike slid a bit, which usually spells bad news on a road bike. But, eventually, I got comfortable with the slipping and sliding and bouncing. As soon as I embraced the new conditions, I started riding faster, almost looking for new obstacles.
No wipeouts today. Big Pat, the Mud Puppie launcher, did wipe out trying to switch lanes on a fork. It looked like he crashed in super-slow-motion. Thank goodness for helmets!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Letting Go.....
So it's almost 100 Degrees out and I had been spending most of the morning running along side kids who were trying to learn how to ride a bicycle. Such is the life of a staff member of Programs to Educate all Cyclists. As long as you are willing to come out and ride, we're willing to come out and help you.
Afternoon arrived and the heat really started to sizzle in time for our 1pm class. I was working with Matthew, who was really close to being able to ride two-wheels. I think most of his problems had just been trying to get over the fear of trying something new. He resisted me almost every step of the way. I like to say that come hell or high-water, he was going to learn how to ride whether he wanted to or not. I think today's conditions were on the hell side.
Matthew appeared to be distracted while riding. He kept on looking back at me as I was trying to hold him up. When he looked back, he started falling. Mom said that maybe he was worried about me touching him or the bike. Unfortunately, to solve that problem, I had to let go of the bike. So I did. I just gave him a running start and let go. I actually had to run out in front of the bike to give Matthew some direction and something to shoot for.
HE WAS RIDING. All by himself and threatening to run me over if I couldn't pick up the pace. So I ran faster and faster, yelling back at Matthew to follow. He did, and Mom and I couldn't have been prouder.
Unfortunately, I'm no spring chicken, and running in 100-degree heat isn't exactly my strong point. Heat exhaustion was setting in and I still had two more classes to go. I stopped in Pioneer Middle School to cool off in the air conditioning and drink some water. The secretary there looked at me and was so concerned that she was considering calling the paramedics. I just needed water and cool air. I went back out for two more hours, probably just powered by the success we had with Matthew.
Afternoon arrived and the heat really started to sizzle in time for our 1pm class. I was working with Matthew, who was really close to being able to ride two-wheels. I think most of his problems had just been trying to get over the fear of trying something new. He resisted me almost every step of the way. I like to say that come hell or high-water, he was going to learn how to ride whether he wanted to or not. I think today's conditions were on the hell side.
Matthew appeared to be distracted while riding. He kept on looking back at me as I was trying to hold him up. When he looked back, he started falling. Mom said that maybe he was worried about me touching him or the bike. Unfortunately, to solve that problem, I had to let go of the bike. So I did. I just gave him a running start and let go. I actually had to run out in front of the bike to give Matthew some direction and something to shoot for.
HE WAS RIDING. All by himself and threatening to run me over if I couldn't pick up the pace. So I ran faster and faster, yelling back at Matthew to follow. He did, and Mom and I couldn't have been prouder.
Unfortunately, I'm no spring chicken, and running in 100-degree heat isn't exactly my strong point. Heat exhaustion was setting in and I still had two more classes to go. I stopped in Pioneer Middle School to cool off in the air conditioning and drink some water. The secretary there looked at me and was so concerned that she was considering calling the paramedics. I just needed water and cool air. I went back out for two more hours, probably just powered by the success we had with Matthew.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
One Helluva Ride
Overwhelmed
That's the word of the day. We planned for 1,700 riders and actually got over 2,000. There were people everywhere. Volunteers were scrambling to the local stores trying to keep us stocked with plates, watermelon, bread, fruit, cookies, etc that we needed to feed the extra 300 hungry cyclists that showed up. It was truly amazing to see how people could get creative to solve such problems and make sure that everyone was taken care of.
I started my day loading up the supplies trucks at 4:30am, and embarked on the 76-mile bike ride at 7:30am (broken toe and all). The ride itself had perfect riding conditions and I really enjoyed seeing all the people who turned out. At noon, I stopped at Portage Lake State Park to help with the lunch stop and work with the folks who closed down the stop and cleaned up. We packed up at 3pm and I continued on the last third of the 76-mile route. I arrived in Chelsea just in time to help close up there.
I'm sure the local towns felt overwhelmed. We used to be the only real event that clogged up the roads during the summer, but more and more events such as 10K's, triathalons, charity bike rides, and even motorcycle cruises are invading the area. 2000 bicycles on the road even with the extremely light traffic probably frustrated a few drivers. At least this year, they were civilized. I was only accosted by one motorist, and that was while I was putting a sign on the road. He seemed to think that the portion of the road left of the white line belonged solely to cars (which is the entire road), but I just explained the state laws regarding the matter and apologized that we were going to invade the area for about 3 hours that day.
Anyway, my day started real early, and ended around 9pm, and I got a 76-mile ride squeezed in between all the chaos. I went home feeling great that things went extremely well.
That's the word of the day. We planned for 1,700 riders and actually got over 2,000. There were people everywhere. Volunteers were scrambling to the local stores trying to keep us stocked with plates, watermelon, bread, fruit, cookies, etc that we needed to feed the extra 300 hungry cyclists that showed up. It was truly amazing to see how people could get creative to solve such problems and make sure that everyone was taken care of.
I started my day loading up the supplies trucks at 4:30am, and embarked on the 76-mile bike ride at 7:30am (broken toe and all). The ride itself had perfect riding conditions and I really enjoyed seeing all the people who turned out. At noon, I stopped at Portage Lake State Park to help with the lunch stop and work with the folks who closed down the stop and cleaned up. We packed up at 3pm and I continued on the last third of the 76-mile route. I arrived in Chelsea just in time to help close up there.
I'm sure the local towns felt overwhelmed. We used to be the only real event that clogged up the roads during the summer, but more and more events such as 10K's, triathalons, charity bike rides, and even motorcycle cruises are invading the area. 2000 bicycles on the road even with the extremely light traffic probably frustrated a few drivers. At least this year, they were civilized. I was only accosted by one motorist, and that was while I was putting a sign on the road. He seemed to think that the portion of the road left of the white line belonged solely to cars (which is the entire road), but I just explained the state laws regarding the matter and apologized that we were going to invade the area for about 3 hours that day.
Anyway, my day started real early, and ended around 9pm, and I got a 76-mile ride squeezed in between all the chaos. I went home feeling great that things went extremely well.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Now You've Done It!
Pain
Your body is injured. A signal is sent to the brain that says "now you've done it", and a throbbing, hot feeling starts to explode in the area of injury. Ah well, chalk this one up to Mark doing something stupid. At staff training for PEAC, we were practicing some bike skills using PEAC's Trek 800 mountain bikes. I'm not in road shoes, bike shorts, or any of the standard stuff I'd wear on my Cannondale, save the helmet. The drill was the "emergency" or "quick" stop drill from the LAB Road I course where you ride for a bit, then try to stop on a dime by shifting your weight as far to the rear of the bike as possible while firmly squeezing both brakes (this drill is typically not a dangerous drill).
After 5 or 6 successful runs across the Heritage School parking lot in Saline, John the director decides to make it a race. First one to stop on the line on the far side of the parking lot wins. He won the first race mainly by pushing off on 2 while he was saying "1, 2, 3, go!". On the return run, I pushed off slightly off balance. No big deal. I took a big turn of the crank with my right leg, then shifted my weight to the left pedal. The problem was, I sort of missed the pedal, only managing to get my left big toe over the center of the pedal.
This, evidently, isn't enough to hold my entire 185 pound body on the bike. The shoe and my big toe gave way, bending upwards as the rest of my body slipped back to earth. The left pedal spun like a high-powered fan as my foot rolled off. I stuck the landing, and even pushed off again to resume on my right foot, but the hot pain quickly entered my foot and my attention turned from racing to damage assessment. St. Joseph-Mercy Hospital in Saline helped with the damage assessment, and eventually reported a hyper-extended toe. A radiologist later called to report that the toe was indeed fractured.
The throbbing toe hurt a bit, but not quite as much as my ego. The hot-shot biker guy that runs a big bike club is the one on crutches watching everyone else ride on Tuesday. Oh, well, I still thank my lucky stars that my bicycle mishaps have been relatively minor since my leg-in-the-spokes trick 34 years ago.
Your body is injured. A signal is sent to the brain that says "now you've done it", and a throbbing, hot feeling starts to explode in the area of injury. Ah well, chalk this one up to Mark doing something stupid. At staff training for PEAC, we were practicing some bike skills using PEAC's Trek 800 mountain bikes. I'm not in road shoes, bike shorts, or any of the standard stuff I'd wear on my Cannondale, save the helmet. The drill was the "emergency" or "quick" stop drill from the LAB Road I course where you ride for a bit, then try to stop on a dime by shifting your weight as far to the rear of the bike as possible while firmly squeezing both brakes (this drill is typically not a dangerous drill).
After 5 or 6 successful runs across the Heritage School parking lot in Saline, John the director decides to make it a race. First one to stop on the line on the far side of the parking lot wins. He won the first race mainly by pushing off on 2 while he was saying "1, 2, 3, go!". On the return run, I pushed off slightly off balance. No big deal. I took a big turn of the crank with my right leg, then shifted my weight to the left pedal. The problem was, I sort of missed the pedal, only managing to get my left big toe over the center of the pedal.
This, evidently, isn't enough to hold my entire 185 pound body on the bike. The shoe and my big toe gave way, bending upwards as the rest of my body slipped back to earth. The left pedal spun like a high-powered fan as my foot rolled off. I stuck the landing, and even pushed off again to resume on my right foot, but the hot pain quickly entered my foot and my attention turned from racing to damage assessment. St. Joseph-Mercy Hospital in Saline helped with the damage assessment, and eventually reported a hyper-extended toe. A radiologist later called to report that the toe was indeed fractured.
The throbbing toe hurt a bit, but not quite as much as my ego. The hot-shot biker guy that runs a big bike club is the one on crutches watching everyone else ride on Tuesday. Oh, well, I still thank my lucky stars that my bicycle mishaps have been relatively minor since my leg-in-the-spokes trick 34 years ago.
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