I don't believe in curses or conspiracy theories--most of the time. All right: When I read about "Vote for Trump or Else" e-mails some voters have received, I have to wonder whether the person/people who sent them saw the "endorsement" in my previous post.
After posting that "Demo-cats" video and doing a few other things, I went for a ride through southeastern Queens and Nassau county to the "Nautical Mile" of Freeport. I was pedaling back along streets that zigzagged back and forth along the Nassau-Queens border when--bam!--I was knocked to the pavement of Lefferts Boulevard in Elmont.
I'd just experienced one of cyclists' worst nightmares: the driver of a parked car opened her door right into my side.
I watch very carefully for such things, but there was no way to anticipate--or avoid--her action: I was directly alongside the driver's side door when she opened up.
Instead of pedaling home to feed Marlee and myself, I was carted to Long Island Jewish Medical Center-Valley Stream. Thirty stitches and three X-rays later, I was sent home.
This year has been awful in all sorts of ways, from world and national events to personal crises, for almost everybody I know. In half a century of cycling, I have had two accidents that resulted in my needing medical attention. I suffered both of them this year, only four months apart.
The doctor said I could be off my bike for anywhere from four to ten weeks, as the gashes were deep and the tissue will take time to recover. (Some of the stitches I needed were internal.) Although my lower back, knee and shoulder hurt (and still hurt), the X-rays revealed no fractures or spinal damage. She said I should recover "just fine," but it will "take time." But she expressed confidence: "You're tough. And you look great for your age." The attending nurses agreed.
If I have to wait two and a half months to ride again, that means the rest of this year is gone. But, if I my recovery goes more quickly, I might be able to salvage some late-fall riding.
Now, I know logically that the timing of my accident has nothing to do with my endorsement of Donald Trump's opponent. Or does it?
my god, Justine! you've had enough trouble this year for any six people! i haven't commented before, but i couldn't resist commiserating... i ride in a small town along the lower Columbia river and have had some close calls but no damage so far... i hope you recover quickly, best wishes, mudpuddle...
ReplyDeleteThis is becoming a scary blog!
ReplyDeleteWow, you've had about 2 decades worth of bad luck in the past half year. Our society seems to be increasingly dominated by people who inhabit their own little selfish world, and don't want to be bothered with any concern about how their actions (or inattention) affect or imperil others.
ReplyDeleteI generally feel safer riding on rural byways than in urban environments. Although cars pass me at higher speeds, they generally seem to be aware of my presence well before they overtake me...and I don't have to worry about someone throwing a door into my path because they were too stupid or lazy to look first.
Sure hope you heal completely, and faster than the pessimistic estimates.
Yikes, who knew dooring could cause so much damage! But I'm glad it wasn't even worse. Joining others in hoping that your recovery doesn't take as long as the doctor predicted.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds callous, but was your bike ok?
Mudpuddle, Voyage, Rob and Unknown: Thank you for your encouraging comments. I'm pissed but I suppose it could have been worse. Unknown: The bike looks OK. I'm going to say more about that, and my condition, soon.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this, Justine. Getting doored is one of my geat fears in cycling. Wishing you a fast and conplete recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, MT!
ReplyDeleteDear Justine, I am so sorry to hear about this. Another accident!!! Yikes. I hope the doorer tried to assist you at least. Get well and stay safe, Jay, Demarest, NJ
ReplyDelete