(no subject)

[randomdreams]

Dear diary:

We went on a lunchtime ride. First part on a path, to get past a dangerous intersection. I was leading, and a guy was riding towards us, right in the middle of the path. I moved way off to my right to avoid him, and he slowly started drifting towards the right side of the path. I thought he'd seen me because he suddenly turned to my left, but then turned right back and ran into me. He had a ball cap on and was looking at his front wheel the whole time, and had headphones on so he didn't hear me say "hey" about a second before we hit. At that point I was already off the path on the right side, so I hit dirt, but he hit concrete. He came up cursing and screaming, and I'm glad I had five other people with me. He was absolutely furious. I have some scrapes and bruises, and he seemed to be coherent and aware, and not physically particularly injured. Given the quantity and content of his yelling, and that neither of us was badly injured, we left. Kind of wondering if I should have called the cops, but I didn't have a phone, although some of the other people did.
We mostly just bailed because I figured the faster we were out of there the better. I was planning on turning at the next opportunity and heading back via an alternate route, but the more I rode, the less I hurt, so we did another six miles before my friend S got a flat. When we were stopped waiting for him to change the tube, I realized how much I hurt and decided to take a short way home, and everyone else came along.
Man. This not being 22 anymore thing is really irritating. I hurt all over even after an advil.

Comments

[ivy]

Some people's children! Sorry that that happened to you. I am baffled by riding along without looking where you're going at all, and doubly baffled by blaming other people for it. If he had hit a fence instead, would he be screaming at that?

[randomdreams]

It might be harder if the thing he hit had no agency at all. He very clearly thought it was the rest of the world's responsibility to see-and-avoid.

[ranunculus]

Owww. I agree, getting old isn't easy! I'm limping today apparently only because one hip doesn't like the weather.

[randomdreams]

I wonder, as I get older, if it would be easier if BOTH sides hurt symmetrically.

[elainegrey]

Hope that your aches ease up soon. Perhaps try Doans?

I used to never take analgesics out of some strange survivalist asceticism learned from my parents. Now, i just see if something will make it feel better.

[randomdreams]

Advils worked eventually.

Chocolate. It heals all ills.

[amaebi]

Hedgie hedgie hedgie.

[annie_r]

holy crappers, what a jerk. I'm sorry you had to take a fall. I hope the hurt subsides soon.

[randomdreams]

It's a lot better today, although I did decline to go out riding at lunch.

[amaebi]

Wow, that sounds really unnerving, too. :(

[randomdreams]

It WAS. I am not used to that level of hostility with no warning.

[amaebi]

How are you feeling this morning?

[randomdreams]

SO SORE. arrrrrrrr.

[amaebi]

:(

[amaebi]

Any better?

[randomdreams]

It doesn't hurt when I inhale anymore, and I'm not limping, so: yes!

[amaebi]

I'm glad! But it sounds as if your injuries were even worse than I'd realized. :(

[ebourland]

Wow. Glad you are OK. The other fellow sounds immature and out of control.

[randomdreams]

It was weird. I'm still frustrated by that "could I have done something else?" sensation.

[sistawendy]

I kind of wish he'd gotten hurt worse. What a douche! Headphones while riding are bad idea theater. As is, of course, not looking where you're going. I'm glad your as OK as can be expected.

[randomdreams]

If it had been any worse, I think getting medical people involved would have been necessary, and that probably means police, and that gets very complicated.

[lantairvlea]

I've been getting out on trail more frequently and the area is pretty popular with cyclists as well as hikers and horseback riders. You wouldn't believe the number of people who zoom around narrow, windy trails while staring at their handlebars!

Hope the soreness works its way out soon.

[myka]

Not being 22 any more is super irritating!

[randomdreams]

AAAAAAAUGH it is it is it is this is exactly how I'm feeling! I'm more angry that I'm still sore, than I am sore.