Injury

If you read my blog, you know I had a bicycle accident.  Due to the graphic nature of the fall, I will not go into detail. A brief summary, I skinned my nose and chin pretty severely.  I skinned one knee. And I had seven stitches sewn on my forehead.  Oddly enough, I did not hurt my hands, the scrapes were minor. 

I think I hit a hole in the pavement.  Key lesson – ride on bike paths, not on sidewalks.  Most importantly, I was not riding fast.

When I fell, several people showed up out of nowhere and immediately started to help.  One gave me a cloth. Two would not let me stand up, even though I thought I could.  The ambulance and fire truck were on the scene in a matter of minutes.  The fire truck stopped traffic and took my bike to the station.  It was my first time in an ambulance and I wanted to sit up front with the driver.  I could remember the home phone number, but no cell numbers (thanks speed dialing).  The medic in the ambulance was very patient and kind. He also had a very light touch.  He stayed with me throughout as I was rolled into a hospital room and then helped me clean up before my wife saw me.  I do not think it helped and after I saw myself in the mirror, nothing made a difference.

The medic asked me to retrace my steps.  I could not recall every minute. His conclusion was I must have been unconscious for a few minutes. Funny, I do not recall that.

I have a slightly crushed elbow, but did not require a cast. However, my arm is in a sling for at least three weeks.  My shoulder and elbow are stiff.  My biggest regret is I cannot bicycle or run.  Both of those are great stress relievers for me.  My plan was to run on weekdays and ride my bicycle on weekends.  I just started that regiment. 

For a long time, I did not enjoy exercising.  Over the past couple of years I enjoyed running on trails. Bicycling was a nice change.  As I wrote in an earlier post, the bike paths here are numerous and outstanding. 

I will get back to running and bicycling.  Just counting the days. 

Something Old is New Again - For Me it is Bicycling

I owned a bicycling for years.  As a Boy Scout, I proudly earned the Cycling Merit Badge.  However, I did not use it much in my later years.  Even when I did spinning at the gym, I did not bike. 

Before I begin, I should thank the employees of Bike World (http://www.bikeworldky.com/). Especially Hutch, Martha and Landon.  They and other employees of Bike World were so helpful to my family when they had biking questions.  Based on Hutch’s recommendation, we bought a sturdy and easy to mount bike rack. We can also open the trunk. You may not think that means much, but it really does make a difference.

Since living in Virginia I biked around the neighborhood and quickly realized a few (or many) of the muscles I use when running are not the same ones when biking.  In fact, I think alternating between running and biking may be a very good exercise routine.

Recently I went for my first longer run on a bike path.  It was windy and I saw several other bikers and runners on the path.  Most of the bikers were far more serious about the sport than me. They had gloves, special clothes and several water bottles.  Before you ask, yes I do wear a helmet (more on that later).

Now, I am again enjoying biking. It is an excellent alternative to running.  Shifting gears is fun. But, I think one reason I have a renewed interest is the sheer number of bike trails and paths I have access to.  And a really good bike rack.  The counties in the region promote biking and have numerous and long bike paths. It is in the hundreds of miles. For those who like more of a challenge, you can hit the trails.  Even the U.S. parks in the area have several easy and difficult bike paths.

But most importantly, it is like running. I can just think or let my mind float and see what pops in (or does not).  At least to me biking and running both offer a different form of meditation.  No distractions, no interruptions, no noise.  Most importantly, I always feel better after a ride.

Postscript:  Since I wrote this I had a bicycle accident.  I was very lucky, only slightly fracturing my elbow.  No cast was required but I do have my arm in a sling.  Unfortunately I cannot recall how it happen. 

Before I started bicycling again, I briefly thought about not getting a helmet.  Now, I think it helped me minimize the injury. Now, I will wear a helmet all the time and never ride without one.  My family and I are very appreciative for Landon Beans with Bike World for convincing me to buy a very good and sturdy helmet. 

And yes, I am looking forward to bicycling (and running) again. Just as soon as my doctor clears me.  I miss running and bicycling.

Why I Like Chick-fil-A

And no, not for the reasons recently noted in the media lately.

I recently went for an early morning bike ride.  Unfortunately I needed to stop at the bike store for a part.  The bike store did not open for 45 minutes.  So I went to Chick-fil-A for a light breakfast. 

Before I go into this, Chick-fil-A is one of the favored restaurants by my fellow employees.  Face it, the chicken sandwiches are good and who does not enjoy waffle fries.  The price is very reasonable.

No doubt you have experienced the same circumstances I have at a fast food restaurant.  You are in somewhat of a hurry, you are with friends talking, you do not really pay much attention to your surroundings.  And if you are alone, you are on the phone or reading or Tweeting or checking your email accounts or on Facebook or any combination of these.

When I went to Chick-fil-A before my bike ride, I did not have anything to read or my phone.  Unlike so many others, when I run or ride my bike I prefer to listen to the sounds around me, not music.  So, for over 40 minutes I just observed the restaurant and the employees. First, the facility is very clean.  It is kid friendly.

The employees are exceeding polite and well dressed. And they smile a lot.  The males wear ties, but it is not a uniform. So you can show some level of individuality.  The employees bring you your food and ask you if you want anything else.  Perhaps most interesting, any employee who walks by and thinks you are finished will ask if they can take the tray and garbage.  This company has an excellent hiring program.  It occurred to me as I was sitting at the restaurant that every time I have been to a Chick-fil-A, it is the same.

But most importantly, the iced tea is so good. And they offer sweet and regular tea. Since you will ask, yes, I am a Southerner, and no, I do not drink sweet tea.