Originally Posted by
downtube42
Sorry for your loss.
62 is my age. From what I've seen, even among athletic friends, I could drop dead of a massive heart attack at any minute. Same with a stroke. Cancer can kill in weeks from discovery.
I really enjoy riding, and seeing the world from a bike saddle. I'll take every one of those moments life has to offer. Some people will choose to reduce risks with the hope of more days of living. I think someone touring by bicycle has made a different choice.
Still sad, of course.
Yes, that's where I'm at. (not the touring part, though)
There are also other dimensions to consider. I had this conversation with my wife after friend #2 was killed. I said, if it happens to me, you should know that I would have made the same choice anyway.
she got upset and said that I should consider that that choice could also deprive her of my companionship in her old age.
She's right about that, and I didn't push too hard on the point. But I did say that my companionship would be worth a lot less to her if I lived a long unhappy life, which is how I think it would be if I stopped riding outside.
Edit: I guess I should add that the friend just killed was single- he had one adult child. Small comfort.