First off, I ride with a mirror, a small convex mirror in the end of my handlebar on the left side. I get them from Italy. I feel it is necessary to know what is going on around you at all times. Let's talk about risk-taking.

I crashed on my bike riding on a "Rails to Trails" cycling path. I was enjoying an 82 mile all-out sprint with my riding partner and a professional boxer who is in great cardiio condition. With 15 miles to go, I made an error and bumped the wheel in front of me and found out how fast "it" can happen.

If you allow your front wheel more than a few degree bobble, it will spin to lockout on one side or the other, the wheel will flex and you will accelerate as you rotate around the front axle and are driven into the ground.

I woke up 2.5 hours later, bandaged and strapped to a table. I had xrays, cat scans, etc. The doctor thought I broke my neck. I landed on my temple and cracked the helmet. If I had not been wearing one, I would have died.

It took 3 years to shake off the effects of the crash totally. Everything from dizziness, balance problems, lack of multi-tasking ability, clear thinking, etc. I am finally OK.

Risk????

Two weeks after the wreck, I had the bike fixed and ready to ride, new levers, tape, etc. I couldn't keep the bike in a straight line for 3 more weeks. My first ride was the 82 mile ride where I wrecked, I could barely finish the ride, but I did, after not riding for 5 full weeks.

Today I have 2 road bikes (just sold one, 2 left), two mountain bikes and a tandem. In my opinion, the biggest risk would be not riding, not being fit, healthy and happy to participate. I am 51 and ride with 30-40 year old hammers, especially my personal trainer. This is life. I am a contractor and own my own business so I need stress relief. I prefer cycling to pills, doctors and psychologists.