Thanks a lot everyone, I really appreciate your support and suggestions!


I haven't been able to post, because school can tend to become quite time consuming and busy towards the end of a semester.


Right now, I still have a few portions of scabs towards the center of my injury. So far, though, I don't see any scar, which is very relieving. It just has a hint of pink. Definately don't want to crash like that again, I realized accidents and death can occur very quickly without warning, and so while I've been back to riding since the day after I crashed, I am noticeably more cautious.

[MENTION=5246]chad[/MENTION], yes, I was in fact raised, not standing, but since I wasn't going that fast, I started getting ready to dismount while braking, so I do believe this may have been a significant factor.


Also, the rear brake pads were WAY worn out, due to being misaligned with the rim, causing the pads to shred. So I switched them with the front brake pads, and so far they have held up just fine.


I know what you mean by front brakes being important, I realized that completely stopping the rear wheel and skidding doesn't provide sufficient deceleration to perform and emergency stop, which I felt would probably put me in even greater risk than reducing stopping power.


There is this screw on top of the calipers on the wire, and unscrewing it will increase stopping power, and screwing it in will decrease it.


I haven't been able to find a co op yet, but on Saturday I did see a gigantic group of cyclists riding around my area, all had these awesome looking bikes and looked like the real deal. I also went to a LBS, and got to touch and feel expensive bikes (not ride though), and oh my, those carbon fibers feel like advanced alien technology, no joking. I can't wait when I finally have a chance to start riding those... Bar tape was too expensive though at the store, I'll have to start saving up again.


On a side note, my friend has this nice white Cannondale MTB, and he lost his key to the U-lock, which is now stuck to his frame. I cut him a deal that if I pick the lock, then I keep the lock. What locks do you guys use?


Anyways, I was with my father that Saturday driving around a good neighborhood of middle-high class citizens, looking for garage sales. I'm going to try and go to that area this Saturday and find that cycling group again, I'm down for it, looks like so much fun. I just hope they don't stare at me and my BSO haha!


thanks again everyone for your kind support, I really appreciate it,


Cheers,


-Alain