Originally Posted by
OldTryGuy
An understandable reaction experienced by many.
My simplistic(uncomplicated) view on life is that sometimes I'm the windshield and sometimes I'm the BUG. Having control over everything is impossible so handle your challenges as you see fit to minimize stress while maximizing enjoyment.
Last Tuesday on my 130 miler a couple of vehicles came close when there was no need too. Had to put them in the closet, lock the door then continue on.
On Saturday's 151 miler there were no vehicle issues BUT during a brief LBS paceline segment riders ahead did not point out debris so I just left the group to be on my own.
During yesterday's 101 miler I had a passing car giving plenty of room but 25' after passing one of the hubcaps came off and rolled in front of me into a yard. Had that happened when the car was next to me I might have had another crash resulting in another broken neck.
Next week is another retest to see if my cancer has returned again. Test and results occupy a back burner because life goes on.
Good perspective. Including bailing out of a group ride when some cyclists are reckless. I've done that a couple of times when I saw people half-wheeling, or being excessively cautious and skittish -- like, riding in the opposite oncoming traffic lane because they were uncomfortable with a group. Seems like it would make better sense to latch onto the back of the train and enjoy the draft. Last time I saw this I think the skittish cyclist was mostly a triathlete, not really comfortable with anything but solo time trials.
Best wishes with the medical checkup. I have a followup with endocrinology in June to check for cancer in the remaining half of my thyroid. I can feel it and the lymph node area swelling, and the levothyroxine doesn't seem to be helping. Gotta admit, it preys on my mind if I'm not careful. Best thing for it is a vigorous bike ride, or a long spin on the indoor trainer while I'm watching a movie. Hard to dwell on bad stuff when I'm busy watching for critters and crazy drivers, or just sweating indoors.