I was door-prized.
This is a term known to cyclists. It’s when a car door is opened, hits a cyclist and throws them into the street – often into traffic. Many are killed that way.
I was lucky.
It was way back in the ‘90s and I was cycling along busy Queen Street East in Toronto. As I was passing a parked car, the driver threw open the door and I was thrown into the street. Fortunately, there was no traffic.
I wasn’t wearing a helmet. An ambulance was called and I was taken to emergency. Fortunately the swelling was on the outside of my head. It took about six weeks for the egg which was about four inches wide and six inches long to go away.
I tell you all this to explain that I am happy to look nerdy in a helmet and for my curly hair to get a bad case of helmet head after a ride. When I rent a bike, I always take the helmet that goes along with the rental.
What’s behind door #1? I could have a serious concussion. Please wear a helmet.
In the summer I cycle in Toronto. I feel fine city cycling. But San Francisco? The hills are crazy, and with it being the beginning of the season, neither my thighs nor my butt were up for the challenge. Still, I did one ride – I cycled the bridge.
The standard cycling route for tourists in San Francisco is across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take it up a small notch and you can go to Sausalito/Tiburon. To make it easy you can return by ferry back to Pier 39. But there are many more options in the San Francisco area and, if you want more of a mountain biking experience, they are within reach as well.
Prior to letting you out on the road, Blazing Saddles, the company that I rented from, goes through a video with you giving you a visual of where you’ll be going and pointing out some safety considerations.
See more of Waugh’s travels at http://solotravelerblog.com
