It was a beautiful morning on the bike…
…until it wasn’t. After 16 fun miles and time with my husband, we were on the MKT coming out from under Providence Road when a dog stepped in front of Andy. He put on the brakes, but I was too close to stop. I ended up face down on a rock in Flat Branch Creek. Fortunately, I am okay. My left cheek around my eye is seriously bruised and severely swollen, and I needed two stitches for a small cut above my left eye. I also have some cuts and other bruises on my left shoulder, and I will be super sore for a while. BUT, I do not have any facial fractures or a concussion.
People, if you ride a bike, WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR. My bike helmet and my cycling glasses did their jobs well. My helmet only has a few scratches (though it will be replaced before I ride again), and the clear lenses for my cycling glasses have several scratches and cracks.
They did NOT break though, and THAT is why my left eye is only severely bruised. I cried after leaving the ER when I really saw myself for the first time. Today could have been much, much worse were it not for that protective gear. Wear it, my friends. Every. Single. Time.