Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Thin Line That We Ride

The tragic death of Wouter Weylandt in the Giro d'Italia serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be and of how exposed we all are when we saddle up. We go fast in an environment that contains many hazards. The same elements that make cycling rewarding also create dangers that are usually mitigated by skill, good judgement, the right equipment and luck, but sometimes skills falter, equipment fails and luck runs out. I can't add much to the reams of copy that fill the cycling media except this: We can't enjoy life if we spend it fearing the unlikely. We do our best by wearing a helmet, keeping our rigs in good order and using common sense. And then we ride.

Bless you, Wouter. From what I've read, you were a friend to many. Your luck ran out and I'm saddened.

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