"Right hook... Left undercut...."

...two of the most common car/cyclist crashes that happen.  The right hook is when a car turns into you for a right turn when you are continuing straight through an intersection.  The left undercut is the one that almost got me.  Last  Saturday on my way home from a Boys and Girls Club cycling challenge training ride, I was almost hit by a car.  I had just gone through an intersection at Garrett and 2nd street (by the 'glass' building) on my way down to the stop light at Monticello when a car began turning left into the ACAC parking lot.  I was in the middle of the lane in full view, it was daylight, I don't know why the driver did not see me, until the last moment that is.  I slammed on both of my brakes, the rear wheel started to skid, she began slowing down but realized she might be better off continuing so she put her foot back on the gas.  That did help me avoid hitting her car as I buzzed closely by the trunk.  WHAT WAS SHE DOING THAT SHE DIDN'T SEE ME?!  As cyclists, we must be vigilent and look for cars before they see us.  I never expected one to turn directly into me.  Now I'm always looking for left turners who may come into my path.  

Fuji Touring Series IV, the King of Fujis...

(Check out more info about the Touring Series IV in its feature in the book The Dancing Chain by Frank Berto in another post I made.)

This one is also from the mid-80's.  It is an excellent tourer, quad-butted steel tubing, 3 water-bottle cages, front rear racks for panniersOrtlieb Back-Roller Classic Rear Waterproof Pannier (Google Affiliate Ad), extra-spokes holder on the chainstay.  I set it up with new 'old' components with a 20 in. low gear and 100 in. high gear.  Later in life I hope to take this on many long trips across the USA, maybe Europe if possible too.  I did have 'phat' bar tape on the handlebars with gel pads underneath, but I didn't like the look of it, too big, and I always wear good, padded glovesPearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Glove - Red In Size: XXL (Google Affiliate Ad), so realized it is not necessary.  Also, having it on the bars is like trying to play piano with gloves on, you loose a sense of touch and feel.  I like the sleaker look of the silver cinelli bar tape, and I have a better feel for handling the bike.  That saddle may look like a brooks, but it is a nice, leather Japanese-made Fujita.