So, I finally made it out on my bike today. I finished most of the article I'm writing (well the good first draft) and left my office early. I decided that I *had* to get on my bike when I got home. I needed to just jump on it and ride down my driveway and out onto the road. I had a few items to pick up from the drug store and grocery store so I thought it would be a nice quick ride (although hot!). It was good... With all of my recent "experiences" with close calls or others getting mowed down I was...not nervous...just more respectful of the ride. All those cars on the road...so many people who just don't give a shit about anything but themselves (I *have* to take this call. I *have* to send this text message. I *have* to get home right now and screw everyone else. etc.). I've always respected the ride...but I guess having a close call and being near others that didn't make it (not like I knew them or anything) makes me... I think...appreciative. It's hard to explain.

My husband's attitude towards riding now (after 18 years) is to only go when he *really* wants to ride. That way if he doesn't make it home...at least he went down doing something he really loved and enjoyed. After almost 10,000 miles in my first year riding...I think I know what he means. Before I needed to ride all of the time because I wanted to get those skills down to muscle memory. Now that my skills are pretty solid (of course more experience and time in the saddle is always good) and with all these recent encounters I don't feel the need to ride 7 days/week. I mean I was riding just about every single day for awhile (not including all of my sick days). So, at least for now... I'm going to ride when I really feel like I need to ride or want to ride. hmmm... Before I felt that way every day. I think it has to do with the realization that you don't have control over every aspect of your ride. Like CPJ has stated multiple times...luck does have something to do with it. Like, luckily I didn't ride my bike out to that college at the time those bikes were mowed down yesterday (cuz I thought about it). Those motorcyclists couldn't have been prepared for some psycho driver that really didn't care if they killed people or not. The driver *obviously* thought that what they needed to do was more important than others right to live. THAT's what freaks me out. I have no control over those people...just me and my riding (which is why I practice and use my rider radar). I love my bike, I just hate all of those drivers.

Ehhh... Is anyone out there picking up what I'm laying down?