Originally Posted by
no1mad
Okay.....
1. Family history of diabetes. The cycling is an effort to avoid developing it. Diabetes and glaucoma is a wicked combo that I would very much like to avoid in the fight to save what's left of my sight.
2. He has no problem with me riding, so long as it's not too aggressive- from a positioning stand point. I made sure that my wife was present when we discussed it; however, they equate any drop bar set up as aggressive. I think the Tour de France was going on at the time.
3. As to the light(s), I had a cheap Coleman Maxx 3xAAA flashlight and a Zefal front light- both from Wal-Mart. The Zefal has died and the Coleman has gone missing (I think my son may have had a hand it that). I was primarily riding on MUPs, so oncoming lights were a non-issue around here.
4. And I tend to pick the lowest traffic volume routes that I can- day or night- to minimize risks.
OK The exercise thing I can understand because my wife has recently been disgnosed with type II diabetes. She doesn't bike but needs to do some kind of exercise for a few hours a day so she walks. Your eyesight is an issue. For your own safety I wouldn't suggest that you drive at night, but can see how some daytime lights might be a good idea.
So what exactly needed to be done to your bike? And what kind of work were you doing? I can understand that a couple medical conditions can make it difficult to get hired, but its not impossible. I guess the other question would be what kind of relationship you have with your wife and kids? Has it suffered because of your medical conditions? How did you and your wife work out sharing responsibilities before and after you lost your job? I guess some of these may be a little personal and if you'd rather answer by email feel free.