I almost died on this ride today.

There is an “Y” intersection in Thurmont that I always find confusing, both on the map and in person. Today we were approaching it from the opposite direction, which we’ve only done once before. We had a stop sign. I was in front, approaching super slow to allow for cars coming from the right to pass so we could cross. I was going super slow bc I didn’t want to stop and unclip.

The road was both ways. I was looking to my right and we had just come to where the bottom of the Y joins the V of the Y. In my mind, we had already crossed the lane going in the opposite direction…I didn’t even look to the left as I launched forward.

This is extremely out of character for me: I even look both ways on one-way streets because people are stupid and you just never know…

“STOP!” Carlos shouted behind me.

I slammed on the brakes just as a car coming from my left at 50 mph whizzed by so close, I felt the ground beneath my feet vibrate.

If Carlos hadn’t shouted, I would have been taken out. The driver absolutely had the right of way and there was no reason for them to stop - it would have been my fault.

The coast was truly clear after that. We crossed the road and I stopped at a school parking lot further up ahead to compose myself.

I was okay, just really shaken up. Carlos wasn’t mad, just relieved that I had stopped in time.

We were only 20 miles in, so we continued. I was super paranoid at crossings after that, looking 20 times both ways before moving out.

Other than that, it was a solid ride. It was gorgeous out. For the first 35 miles we were riding into a relentless 15 mph headwind. It seemed to always be blowing head-on, no matter our direction. I was supposed to be riding at endurance watts (~110), but with the wind it was like I was constantly climbing hills so I had to ride at a higher cadence and easier gear to stay closer to my target. My average pace was 11 mph!

Once the wind died down a bit, I picked up speed. I finished this ride at a MUCH faster pace than I started - I fought hard for that 13.6 mph average!

That is so scary! Glad you are ok!

Me too!

The good news is that I kept going and, while it made me extra-extra cautious at crossings, it didn’t affect my overall confidence on the bike. It also confirmed that my ability to unclip is second nature now - I was able to surprise stop, unclip and slam my feet down in a split second.

It is second naturee until it is not

Oh I know 😂