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?
