Day 5 - Emporia, VA

I was really excited.  I was going to ride sweep.  Which means I was required to go slow.  And I was going to do it with Beau.  Who is really, absurdly funny.

And then I made a huge mistake.*

That day didn't have the best travel route planned.  We were on a major, major state highway with speed limits of 65 and signs that declared no cyclists allowed.  But we were still going.  And while I was going, I hit a pothole.  And flew into traffic.  And listened as cars going 65+ mph swerved and skidded to avoid me.  And then I got up, dragged my bike off to the shoulder, and shivered for a little while as Beau called the van.  And then we noticed that I cracked my helmet, which is basically equivalent to cracking your skull if you were without helmet.

This makes me proud.

The bruise that covers about 10 inches of my thigh also makes me proud.  And the quarter of an inch deep cut on only one finger makes me proud.  (Thanks to gloves and arm warmers, my right side of my body is fully intact.)

Being required to ride in the van to Victoria, VA did not make me proud, but was quite understandable because I was really shaky and possibly had a concussion (I didn't).  Neat, huh?  So say your prayers, everyone, and I promise to not follow closely behind other riders from now on.

But Emporia was neat.  I got to ride on swings and finally learned how to clean a bike correctly.

*Arrested Development quote, for those who watch.  I didn't really make a huge mistake.  Potholes happen, and 2 feet of shoulder make it difficult to avoid them.  Avoiding major highways is B&B's plan from now on, though, so calm your nerves.