Look Out!

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, so we went for a long ride — about 180 miles round trip. Two new things occurred.

First, we were on the freeway for about an hour, something till now I have not done for such extended period. And for the first time I wished to have those footboards I was talking about last year. Normally, I ride in suburban traffic with lots of turns and stop lights. My feet and hands are moving pretty regularly. But this time, even with a throttle rocker, my right wrist began to ache, as did my ankles. I had to move my feet and stretch them, and at one point I even flipped on my throttle lock to stretch my right hand.

Not sure what the solution is for that, except to take breaks and avoid freeways whenever possible.

The second thing that happened was when we were almost home. We were turning right on a green light, and I was riding ahead of Ironman. When we take long trips, we use 2-way bluetooth headsets, and as soon as I turned I heard him call out "Look OUT!" My instinct was to lay off the throttle and check my rearview mirror — in which I saw a car and my husband nearly side-by-side behind me. Then he said, "Go! Go!" So I went!

Then I realized he was talking to the driver of the car, who had realized his mistake and stopped. Personally, I would have left the car in the dust, but apparently he had cut off my man accidentally.

What I missed was this other driver had jumped a red light and nearly collided with my guy. He potentially could have rear-ended me, too.

My mistake was in failing to look to my left when I turned — because I had the right of way. But I know better. I should always look around and never assume.

Because it doesn't matter whether I was right if I'm in a hospital or dead.

Something similar happened last week, when a car in front of me was turning left, and signaling so. When he stopped, I positioned myself to his right to pass, and then I heard the squealing of brakes behind me. I just happened to be in a lucky position to avoid that potential collision, as the car behind was angling leftward and I to the right.

Usually, I do keep my eye in the rearview as I ride, but this time it took me by surprise.

Let it be a lesson. Surprises can hurt.