Fifties this week...Hopefully outside biking.  Can't wait

 

 

Two weeks in sunny Florida, specifically Key West.  Biked eight of the ten days.  The weather was great, a little windy at times but nothing I could not bike in.  And, of course, there must be a bit of drama.  My first three days I rode from Casa Marina on the south end of the island.  I took my normal route around the Smathers Beach area.  Highway 1 is the only entry and exit from Key West so there was not much diversity in routes while in the area.  We then moved into a cute little cottage near the center of the island.  During my first day from that location there is a sidewalk/bike path.  Heading east I noticed two riders coming toward me.  Approaching an intersection with a narrow path to traverse the curb the idiots remained two abreast instead of single file.  As I approached I had a choice.  Continue forward and crash into the oncoming biker, hit a light post near the curb or go into the oncoming traffic.  Neither option was good.  So, I cut to my right with the hope I could "bunny hop" over the curb.  Didn't work.  As I tried to lift the bike, I hit the curb.  I was thrown off the bike crashing onto the grass on the opposite side of the trail.  The front tire was split and both front and rear tubes flattened.  My injuries were relatively minor with bruised ribs and a jammed right thumb.  Not enough to prevent me from further rides but I needed Ronni to get me and take the bike to the shop.  Eaton bike shop did a great job.  Within 10 minutes they had replaced the front tire and replaced both tubes.  I was back on the road. After that, I took a different route leaving the island.  It was as fast and much safer.  All in all a great time biking in the middle of winter.