Since I spend way to much time tied to the MMS Bunker computer system, any exercise I can get is very important. My daily walks with Mr. Muggins are not keeping the weight down, nor is my weekly “run” with Surf City H3. So at the urging of my better half, the old Banana brought out his ol’ beach cruiser this weekend. It is nothing spectacular, just your standard single gear, knobby tired, blue beach cruiser. But I think it is beautiful.

Now this beauty was first obtained in 1986 for the low-low price of $100 US dollars and it has seen lots of action. I have ridden it for years. And have crashed on it a few times. It has been to parties, to work, to bars, to beaches and been ridden all over Santa Cruz county, from the west-side of Santa Cruz, all the way south to Aptos.

But I had not be on it in over 5 years.

When I brought out today from the Dude Shack, both tubes were deflated and the chain looked pretty gunky. So off it went to the Bicylce Trip, located on Soquel Avenue, for some tender loving care.

Aaron, the store manager, took care of everything and at a very reseasoble price. In less than four hours, the Banana Blue Bike got new tubes, tires, basket (more on that later) and removed an old lock whose key has gone missing. I also picked up a new lock and a new Bell bike helmet.

So by 3:30 today, I was out on the bike. Cruising! I was looking good for an old dude with my wrap around shades, new helmet and beach shorts. I road all over town, from Soquel Avenue up Branciforte to the new freeway overpass where I did a little inspection. Then I headed over to Morrissey and back down Soquel to Cayuga.

I could have easly stopped there, but no, I wanted to bike some more. Hell, it was a beautiful day and I was king of the road. So out to the cliffs I went to see all of the “Valley Scum” that had made over the hill for the day.

I always love the view from East Cliff but decided that Seabright would be murder with all of the traffic, so I headed back home via Mott Avenue.

I use to go to lots of parties on Mott Avenue in my younger years so this street has greet memories. I was having a great time thinking about them then BANG. BANANA DOWN.

A cell phone talking, twenty-year-something blond bimbette was backing out of her drive way. And she did not see me. — Now remember, I am over 6 ft tall and I am big —- All I saw was this Honda Accord backing up quickly out of a driveway and it was not stopping. So I had a choice, either hit the car or do a quick swerve.

So I swerved.

But my bulk and gravity decided that Newton was right about gravity and I should go down. AND I DID. AND IT WAS NOT GOOD. There was swearing. There was laughter. There was air gasping. I hope there was not shrieking.

I sit here now, some five hours later, all banged up with torn up right arm, gashed chest and skinned legs. Not looking real pretty and just a little to sore.

But there is good news!

The good newa, the bike is in great condition. Not a thing wrong with it. Good ol’ bike! I think I will be going for another ride tomorrow, just not down Mott Avenue.

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Update: Monday, May 19

Most of me is pretty good but my right leg is a mess.  There a cantaloupe sized swelling on my thigh that is the perfect blue and purple.  I am a gimp!