I think in both my write-up of the LSESSI annual meeting and on Greyhound, I made a comment about riding my bike to the next event. Which sparked more than one thought I wanted to share.
First, if Tesla and Neuralink have any marketing or advanced projects people who are on the ball, they should look at helping sponsor the conference and get some of the members there. It would be a great demo of Full Self Driving, the automated cab concept, etc. for people who can’t drive anymore or don’t like driving much anymore as a result of injuries from lightning and electrical shocks. I know I can see a series of posts here and on X talking about the experience, and it could generate some serious positive exposure at a time when they need it.
Alas, I feel it far more likely that using my bike is the way. In fact, I got to thinking about the concept of doing so as a fundraiser for LSESSI. It would take some help, some serious corporate backing, and some time. Here’s the rough take on the concept.
I’m betting that by the time the September conference rolls around, I should be good for 80-100 miles a day, maybe a bit more. It would be a longer route there using backroads and such, but it is doable I think. It would require a chase car to both provide a safety escort and to have supplies for emergencies. The ride would go Monday through Saturday, with Sunday a day of rest and hopefully attendance at a Church.
To pull off such a thing, I would need someone to help who has experience with corporate sponsorship, organization, and keeping everything on the up and up. I’d really like an 18-Delta along, but to be honest just having a 68-Whiskey doc along would be most reassuring. We would all need to sit down and plot out the trip, as I am betting there would be a couple of long stretches in there where lodging may not be readily available. Add in a couple of extra days because of weather (not riding in or near a thunderstorm thank you), illness, etc. I’m doing well at relearning how to ride a bike, but things happen so you add in a couple of days for that.
Thinking I may reach out to the maker of my bike to see if they have any interest. Be good to have important spares along at any rate.
Main goal is to raise money (and awareness) for LSESSI. Secondary goal is to see if I can do it given all the issues that have come from being hit by lightning. Want to find a way to support and encourage others to push the envelope, maybe even to do some group rides during or at/to future events.
I do all my riding right now wearing long pants, thinking I might stick with that to emphasize the what and why of the project. At most, drop to cargo shorts for the desert portions. Make it a push for average person participation, not a super bicyclist thing. Point out all the specially modified bikes out there for those injured/disabled, as well as showing a way to increase mobility and recovery.
What say you?
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
Think it is a good idea but I don’t know anyone who could help. You would really have to be careful on back roads as people are not always the best drivers of cars there.
Agree on the drivers, that’s part of the reason for a chase car. Having it in a blocking position with signage and even lights can help. Doesn’t always work with groups, which is one reason I rode behind and to the outside of Chuck Z on the Face of America rides. There are risks with anything, trick is to find ways to minimize as much as possible.
If you’re going to be on a bicycle more than an hour or so, I really recommend bike shorts–either wear the bike shorts without undergarments, or wear them as undergarments for regular shorts. The lining is a bit padded, and wicks moisture. The lycra helps the lining (and the shorts) conform to your body, so you don’t chafe in sensitive parts. Back in the day, the lining was made of chamois leather (yes, really), but nowadays, it’s just foam with a wicking liner…
I’ve worn them before and they do help. Big part of my issue with them is how what is being called the ‘lycra set’ has created a huge negative image for bicyclists. Just look at the self-important old dude out in Utah who had most of social media cheering when he got cited for going after a kid who did nothing wrong. There’s a meme going around about how there’s nothing more annoying than a bicyclist (dressed in full lycra) unless it is a vegan/crossfit bicyclist. Don’t want to start out alienating the majority of the prospective support base, and want to emphasize the average person aspect. That said, may have to consider wearing under as after an hour my rump does hurt a bit. The new seat helps, but… 🙂
As another commenter noted, I’d be very careful on back roads. A friend of mine who competes in triathlons lost a friend who was hit by a car on the Pacific Coast Highway while participating in a group training ride. I think the idea is good, but as I mentioned in my xeet to you, it may also be a question of endurance, balance and cardiac status.
Agree, and as noted in another comment, the chase car can help with this if it’s just me. If there’s more than one rider, it’s not nearly as effective. Endurance is something I can work on, and am already starting to do so. Balance and coordination are going to be a thing, but are also part of why I’m riding as it is physical therapy. The cardiac status is good overall, all strips and the imaging last year are good/fantastic. Would like to see how far I can push on improving the cardio even. That said, will be consulting with the cardiologist if this starts to move forward. And with you if I may.