was doing my normal commute, which I've done since 11/1/06. Most of it is lightly travelled road, but there's a 3/4 mile section which is 45mph 2 lane. It's not usually a problem.

Today was different. Some guy in a truck with towing mirrors was following the car in front of him too closely(he said) and when she swerved to get around me( I take the lane, at least 18 inches) he didn't see what she was swerving for and he hit me in the head with his towing mirror. All I remember is doing a flip and then laying on the ground. Luckily my brother's fiancee was on her way to work and saw me. The driver stopped and sat with me until EMS showed up, as did an off-duty nurse and five cops, highway patrol included. The driver got a ticket for "improper pass", and the trooper said I was crazy for riding on that road when he visited me in the ER.

I spent three hours strapped to a backboard while they took a CAT scan and xrays of everything on my left side. Nothing's broken, no concussion, not even a suture. HOWEVER, my left elbow is scraped and looks like hamburger, as does my left calf, the back of my head, and my left buttock. My left buttock is deeply bruised and is purple. I was wearing my helmet, which in this case was an excellent idea.

I have no idea what's up with the bike. A co-worker picked it up for me. She's told me it does not roll, and my cheapo Topeak panniers are torn and ripped. Could have been much worse, but I dont' think I'll be on the bike for a few days.

Mike