Dangers of Masters Cycling

What am I Thinking Entering a Gravel Bike Ride/Race Where I May Get Attacked by a Bull?

So I just signed up for a cycling event that kind of scares me.  It’s The Rock Cobbler, an organized gravel bike ride in Bakersfield California.  It’s not the 80 miles and 6,000 feet of rugged off-road climbing I’m worried about, (well I worried about that too) it’s the fact that last year some of the participants in this event were attacked by bulls. 

I’m not making this up, video proof below…

So I’m asking myself what the hell am I thinking?  Is this challenge worth the risk? The bottom line is cycling can be dangerous.  Here are some facts from the CDC 

Deaths and Injuries

Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year.

Cost

The costs of bicycle injuries and deaths from crashes typically exceed $23 billion in the United States each year. These costs include spending on health care and lost work productivity, as well as estimated costs for lost quality of life and lives lost.

And it’s worse for Masters Cyclists. According to the CDC, Adults ages 55-69 have the highest bicycle death rates. Yikes!!

Sure, there are many things we can do to minimize the risk, wear a helmet, ride back roads or off-road, and ride in the morning to avoid the drunks but there is always a risk however small every time we hop on our bikes. 

For me, it’s about determining how much risk I’m willing to take as I go through life.  I’m participating in TheRockCobbler bulls and all.  I figure we’re only here for a short while and I don’t want to go out thinking I didn’t live my life to the fullest.  

I heard this quote from ―Eleanor Roosevelt yesterday that summed it up for me. “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” 

Want to do The Rock Cobbler with me, click the link to sign up and I’ll see you there.

As a Masters Cyclist, how do you live with the risk factors?  Please leave a comment below. 

John 

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