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Table of Contents: The Big Bike Accident - September 1, 2004
On the Saturday I took my first bike ride after the accident, to revisit the accident scene, I also took my road bike in for repairs. I began a slow process of replacing the equipment I'd lost in the accident, and of augmenting my safety equipment. I bought a rear-view mirror for my helmet, a reflective night-time vest, and a new head light. I also replaced my cyclometer, which had disappeared in the wreck.
I knew I'd need some goggles, but when I priced them at my bike shop, they were horrendously expensive (around $200). I was going to have to think about that. As it turns out, I also needed a new watch - mine didn't seem to work anymore. To prepare for the colder weather, I also got a nice warm cycling jersey. So yes, I was launching whole-heartedly back into cycling!
After my first bike ride to the scene of the accident, I took three more rides, at the end of which I'd say I was back in normal biking mode. Not afraid to ride on the road bike, not afraid (too much) of jumping the bike, and not afraid of any roads I'd been biking on.
My face was also starting to look more normal. I'd gotten the Frankenstein-ish stitches out of my lip. The lip didn't look normal, but at least it didn't look gross! Everyone had been telling me it didn't look bad, but it was starting to gross Ian out near the end. I guess it's one thing to see someone for a little while each day, or only in passing. But it's quite another to have to live up close and personal with someone who has something nasty right on their lip.
I still don't look right, but it's a lot less obvious unless you actually stop to look at me. I still can't completely seal my mouth, so eating is a messy proposition, and I can't chew with my mouth shut yet. I've been doing a lot more laundry - lots of food stains on my shirts lately! But at least there's no more disgusting drool on my pillows.
I am back at work full time, and have been pretty active. I'd say that until my next visit with the plastic surgeon, in December, things are going to be pretty normal for me.
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Table of Contents: The Big Bike Accident - September 1, 2004