That's so hardcore

[darkemeralds]

Okay, I'm trotting out my Hard Core Logo icon for this because, damn, skippy. I rode my bike to work today in the 17 degrees. Not only that, but I had my first traffic accident and I got back up and continued my ride.

If that ain't hardcore for a 54 year old information systems professional, well, what the hell is? I ask you.

The accident was sort of no-fault--a driver attempting to make a right turn on red was blocking all but a few inches of the curb cut I needed to get from street to bikeway. She saw me coming at the last second and decided to get out of my way by pulling forward, blocking ALL of the curb cut. So I veered, bounced off the curb, and went down.

And because I was extremely bundled up for the cold*, I became entangled in Clyde and had a bit of a time getting back up. But I did--while my Motordom malefactor stared and blocked traffic in both intersecting streets. And I moved on. And got to work on time.

*The bundling up involved, from top to bottom

• wool cap under helmet
• 2 pashminas--one over my nose and mouth, one around my neck and shoulders
• 2 shirts (one a turtleneck)
• wool sweater coat
• heavy rain coat
• 2 pairs of gloves
• 2 pairs of trousers
• woolly tights
• heavy socks
• heavy walking shoes

My right knee is a bit swollen, and my front brakes were rubbing a little--both Clyde and I were torqued around slightly--but no serious damage (if you don't count my shrill cry of "Learn to drive!" as being generally damaging to world peace). No frostbite and no broken bones.

That is so hard core.