Ouch!

It had to happen!.....This morning I wiped out on my bike.

I thought I would share this experience, not for the gory details of the crash but because of the reactions of the onlookers. Somehow this was prosaic as I spent a good twenty minutes earlier this morning with Laura, one of the other parents at Adam's school, discussing the fact that Pittsburgh is, sadly, a racially divided city.

So there I am hurtling down Forbes Ave in Squirrel Hill when I hit a big pile of wet leaves. The front wheel goes out from under me and I come clattering down onto the tarmac....skidding across a road junction with numerous bits of my bike flying in various directions. Once everything comes to a halt I lie there dazed for a couple of seconds before writhing around for a bit and then silently yelling expletives (you know the ones) to nobody in particular.

Thankfully I wasn't riding in heavy traffic so here I am in good enough shape to be able to write this.

As far as I am aware, only three groups of people witnessed this event.....

One was a young white guy who made sure he looked away and carried on walking when I caught his eye (from the gutter).

One was a very well-to-do middle aged white couple who stopped their car just out of ear-shot and beckoned me over. I indicated that I was OK but they continued to beckon me. So.....thinking that they were REALLY REALLY concerned about my wellbeing, I dutifully hauled myself to my feet, hopped about in agony for a few moments (more silent expletives), and hobbled over to their car. They asked me for directions to the Schenley Golf Club!!! I regret to say that I did my best to send them in the right direction. Unbelievable!!!!

Finally an African American lady stopped her vehicle and asked if I was OK and whether she could drive me anywhere. I didn't get her name but she deserves a hug.