The Chainlink

Dumb mistake in Des Plaines

I made a tremendous blunder today - I was rushing to class and was taking on the sidewalk next to Rand pretty aggresively when...I made a deliberate bunny hop with my MTB off a curb in front of Catholic Charities around the corner from McDonald's #1 and hit the next curb too fast. I missed the left edge of the sidewalk, tried to get back control of the bike and wound up skidding into the right lane of head-on rush hour traffic.

God Bless the driver of the HUGE F**KING SUV who managed to swerve around me instead of killing me instantly.

I'm lucky to be alive and with barely a scratch on my right leg. Everyone please remind me that I'm not a trials rider and that I was never much of a BMX kid. I am certainly not Danny Macaskill.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on August 24, 2009 at 11:50pm
Rand is no place for cyclists, IMHO. However it seems I can't help but stick to the road.....in the wrong direction.....

Video_Drome said:
my question is:

what were you doin on the sidewalk?

;)
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on August 25, 2009 at 1:49am
Yes - I was heading west towards the intersection of Rand and River. I normally cross Rand again (I cross Rand from Ballard to get to the ?safe? sidewalk) at the crosswalk a bit west of River and then head north through the neighborhood behind the bowling alley next to the burial vault place and the railroad tracks. I attend Oakton Community... can't get enough of school.

M.A.R.K. said:
Do you mean Dee Rd. where it merges from Rand when going east? That is where the McDonald's museum is(McD # !). I know that intersection all to well, but do not know where catholic charities is. Were you heading west against the one way traffic, where the Yamaha dealership is? I am trying to picture this, and maybe a better way around. Do you go to school @ Oakton Community?

Glad you are ok!

Matt M. said:
Rand is no place for cyclists, IMHO. However it seems I can't help but stick to the road.....in the wrong direction.....

Video_Drome said:
my question is:

what were you doin on the sidewalk?

;)
Permalink Reply by cutifly on August 25, 2009 at 8:47am
I am really glad you survived, I can imagine and have almost been hit several times myself. I would have been shaking for a few hours after that. But hey, just like a soldier running into a barrage of machine gun fire knowing your gonna get killed just to gain ten feet of ground for no other reason to fatten up the pockets of those who direct you. If your killed in action you can be proud your gave your life for acting carelessly. Lol, seriously I am glad you are intact.
Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on August 25, 2009 at 8:51am
I hate to break it to you Matt, but it sounds like you ARE a trials rider. We just need to find you a better course.

Glad to hear that you survived and that the huge SUV was being driven by someone who was paying attention and had her/his wits intact!
Permalink Reply by buddaa38 on August 25, 2009 at 12:01pm
Matt; I used to live not far from there, so I do know that spot to well. That's VERY VERY dangerous even for cars. Know a bike ! Wow! I just talked about bike safety @ the North~Side Critical Mass ride. Your so blessed to be alive. Matt, PLEASE take it easy. I'm so glad that you only got shook-up. Take & Care; you need to do them moves for the trails. They do have some nice one's back there. Take Care & look forward in seeing you at the next N.S.C.M Ride.
Permalink Reply by LarryN on August 25, 2009 at 8:30pm
The restaurant where food is delivered on trains is called "The Choo Choo Restaurant". It's still there.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on August 25, 2009 at 9:50pm
According to Choo Choo restaurant history, Ray Croc (McDonald's empire dude) came over to have a look at the competition and was very impressed by their set-up....

LarryN said:
The restaurant where food is delivered on trains is called "The Choo Choo Restaurant". It's still there.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on August 26, 2009 at 2:35pm
The Sugar Bowl was closed but has recently re-opened!!! Breakfast is being served.....
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on August 31, 2009 at 5:43pm
I did my stupid stunt at Elk and Rand. Today River Road was closed between Rand and Golf due to track work!!!! I did the requisite S-turns all across the median....funnnnn.....

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