Talking about another person's misfortune is always difficult, especially at this time of year. It's especially difficult when that person has provided us with companionship, knowledge or adds pure-and-simple joy to something we already love.
Jan Heine is one such person. Even people who will never become randonneurs or randonneuses, or have no interest in classic touring and trekking bikes, enjoy Bicycle Quarterly, in which he shares his experiences of rides and equipment, illustrated with some wonderful photographs. He has written and edited books about bikes and riding, all of which are as interesting and informative as they are attractive on a coffee table.
His most recent adventure, in Asia, ended prematurely during his descent of Hehuanshan Pass, the highest road in Southeast Asia. A car travelling in the opposite direction turned left, in front of him--too quickly for him to steer out of a crash.
He writes, "I was lucky to escape without life-changing injuries." Still, "the impact was hard enough to break my shoulder, my arm, one or two vertebrae, and a few ribs."
Ouch!
Here's to wishing Jan a speedy recovery ... and that he rides again soon. After all, we want to read more about his adventures and the bikes he rides, don't we?
"The Retrogrouch" posted a nice "get well" message to him yesterday!
Jan Heine is one such person. Even people who will never become randonneurs or randonneuses, or have no interest in classic touring and trekking bikes, enjoy Bicycle Quarterly, in which he shares his experiences of rides and equipment, illustrated with some wonderful photographs. He has written and edited books about bikes and riding, all of which are as interesting and informative as they are attractive on a coffee table.
His most recent adventure, in Asia, ended prematurely during his descent of Hehuanshan Pass, the highest road in Southeast Asia. A car travelling in the opposite direction turned left, in front of him--too quickly for him to steer out of a crash.
He writes, "I was lucky to escape without life-changing injuries." Still, "the impact was hard enough to break my shoulder, my arm, one or two vertebrae, and a few ribs."
Ouch!
Here's to wishing Jan a speedy recovery ... and that he rides again soon. After all, we want to read more about his adventures and the bikes he rides, don't we?
"The Retrogrouch" posted a nice "get well" message to him yesterday!
I was so shocked when I read this. I imagine that flight back to Seattle must have been miserable. I typically read BQ cover to cover, and for selfish reasons, I'm hoping that Jan will be back in the saddle soon.
ReplyDeleteMT--I don't find anything wrong with your "selfishness:!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about theat flight: I can only imagine how it must have felt.