I have made front page news..

...but this isn't how you want to make your mark...
More focus on safe passage for all is the message mi thinks.

Here is the link: http://www.peacearchnews.com/news/183013901.html


This is the first time we have publicized our Credo..it has taken over a year to come up with one but it seems I have been an overflowing vessel of ideas since the accident; despite my concussion (that gives me difficulty with cognitive every day :( )


CC's credo:
"My Passion is my Bike.
I choose to cycle for my health,
my enviroment, 
and my Community.
I have a right to a safe journey."

Cycling Cafe's Diva

"Uniting a Community; one Cyclist at a time"

"RIDE HAPPY"

This Blog and its content is copyright of Cycle Cafe - ©CycleCafes 2011- 2012 . All rights reserved

  #Cyclecafe 

#WhiteRock #WRFD #Bike #PAN  #SORCE    #YOLO 

Return to the Scene...

Anxious for my laptop to turn on this morning I started writed this blog in my head....


Day 7...

It's Friday. I have been dragging my heels literaly getting to this day. Most look forward to Friday, but not me, not today, not this friday. One week ago I was struck by a rushed driver while on my bike heading out to the Athletic Park for one last practice on the Cyclocross Course that I had been looking ofrward to, planning, and training for for months, but I never made it.
Today I am returning to the scene of the accident. Where I was hit. Where I lay in the street unconscious waiting for EMT's to respond to the 911 call. Where the White Rock Fire Deptment responded to becaause even though I was 200 meters on the South Surrey side, thankfully for me the Surrey Fire Dept was on another call at the time. I say thankfully, because some of the WRFD guys know me personally from riding with them on the "Hop on in Hope Shore 2 SHore Ride" from a couple years ago ...and we have exchange small talk and pleasantries since. AS well I have always been a big WRFD supporter since moving back to my hometown of White Rock after leaving Los Angeles following my divorce over 8 years ago.
When I returned to White Rock the first thing I did was sign up to Volunteer at the Tour de WHite Rock. AS well as other volunteering opportunities, but TDWR was my favorite and the kids and I did it as a family. I felt it was a great way to get reconnected with the community. I had also decided not to get another car. It seemed to make sence at the time and since. I wanted to make cycling, my passion since childhood, my number one activity. I thought that cycling was a healthier choice than the convenience of a car, better for the environment and it promoted community as well. It became very clear to me that this was a good choice. I lived within walking distance to the beach, uptown, all amenities; White Rock is great like that, any and all things you need we have without a trip in to Vancouver. So, I walked, took the bus, used my bike for commuting, and only really missed having a car maybe a handful of times since moving to Whote Rock. That includes the snowy days too.

A few years ago while I was in the Shop, Peninsula Cycles has often been like my living room at times, Jeff Hanninen walked in. I recognized him from the cycling world, he was making some arrangements for a race he was putting on the following week that The Shop was sponsoring. He invited me to the race. It was  Cyclocross race. Now even though both my brother, and my sister in law was actually a pro that had done the whole EUro treck, I had heard their stories but I had to admit I had never seen an actual race so I said "Sure I'll be there".
I showed up at the Bike Park (now maintained and oporated by S.O.R.C.E., which I am also now a commited member of for the past year; prodly) to the gleeful wonder of riders riding through the muddy pumptrack, hammering down along the grassy course with huge smiles on their muddy faces. This was insane; and I LOVED IT! I stuck around till the awards, talked to a few people I recognized then went to the shop. My jubulence was lost on 'The Boys'.....Jamie was a track racer and Simon had no interest in X nor did Dustin who was BMX through and through....but I was pumped!
I decided there and then I was going to come out the race that was happening in acouple weeks to watch as well, but then a few days later I had an 'idea'. I went to the shop and ran my idea past Jamie to see if I was totally bonkers...."i was going to just go watch the race, but I know they have a Citezen class...I think I am going to race. It seems silly to just stand ont he side lines and not participate. What do you think, can I do that?"
Jaimie said "Yeah, I think you can." "I mean worst comes to worst you get lapped but at least you had fun doing it so go for it"....so that was it the race was the next day and I text my brother to tell him I was doing a CX race....hos text back "Who is this?" lol that will teach me to stay in closer contact with my brother. I explained it was his older sister and he text back "Cool, we are just at King George Hwy, be ther in 10 minutes"....WHAT!!!!...so not only was I going to race but Norm, Wendy, Marty (the dog, rip), my mom, my dad were all going to be there. I had not planned on family humiliation when I made this decision, but I wasn't backing down. Norm arrived, took one look at my bike and said...."Well at least you took the fenders off" lol...I was riding my commuter and it still had the rat trap on it....He took a look at the bike to make sure it was up to the task of racing, and then he looked at me "Take the sweatshirt off"....my mouth gapped open and I said "But it's freezing out here"..."Take the sweatshirt off, trust me, you are going to overheat if you where that thing" So I took it off....He wished me luck and off I went.
That day when I was called to the line up I was racing with the Masters women. There was no one but me racing in Citizen, not just no other women but no men either I was the only citizen crazy enough to think this was going to be fun!....
The race started with a gun shot and I had no idea what I was doing but I didn't care I was in my first ever race and I was doing it. I grew up in a cycling family. We raced BMX as kids but early on I promoted myself to  the support team beacuse I was mortified of being humiliated...so I would go to all my brothers, and sisters races, cheer them on, help them with any mechanicals and that was oaky with me. During the long days of summer my brother and I use to have contests taking apart bikes and putting them back togother. Sometimes that would get boring so we would do it blindfolded and time it. Goodtimes. I knew bikes. But I never raced...and as I got older I grew tired of fixing them so hence the relationship with 'The Boys'....I trusted them with my babies...and they never let me down.
The wet grass was starting to tire out my legs, and before long some of the owmen that had lined up at the start with me were starting to pass me. I didn't know then that that ment I was done. Each time they passed they would smile and give me words of encourgement "Way to go Donna" "Your're doing great Donna keep going" and I did...right passed the Commisionar from Cycling Bc, several times until the race was actually over and here I was coming up to pass him again and he said to me "Are you still going" ..and I said a very ephatic "Yes!"....
I finished with the biggest smile I have ever seen on me before. That was one of the coolest experiences I had ever had. Granted that was the last race of the Season but I couldn't wait to race again even if it meant waiting a whole year to do it. Wendy had cheered me on as did my Mom and Dad...I hadn't heard my brother though...but that didn't matter to me at the time.
So, I was hooked. I loved Cyclocross. I rode up to the SHop and Jaime pointed across the street and said "You need to eat NOW"....he was directing me to McDonalds...I rarely ever eat there and he knew that, but I followed his orders and stuffed a double cheese burger in my pie whole as instructed...he explained later about why one has to eat within 1/2 an hour of riding in a race so that one does not, in terms we use in training, "BONK"...when your body hits the wall having exerted itself and had insuficient fuil intake after or during the race be it riding, or running this holds true...something I was to learn and become very familiar with in the future. But that day I was just beeming. I had raced my first Cyclocross race.
Later I was to start racing Triathlons, RUnning events, and more CX....it's all history now, and I lov emy life. I can't imagine my life without me on a bike. It's a part of me, not just somethign that I do.
So, even though my focus has been mostly on my recovery and pure basics of my everday care, to say that I haven't noticed or missed being on a bike would be a lie. I basically live on my bike and ride it nearly every day. So, I won't sugar coat it and tell you that I haven't noticed, or thought about it since the accident. I have, and everyday too.
Writing this blogpost this morning has been, I will be honest, a bit of a diversion and a delay tactic....so that I don't think about my plan today. To be honest I haven't had any plans since the accident. Everythign has been about just managing through out my day. But I have thought about this plan since Wednesday.
At 4:21 p.m. I am leaving my place...that is the time I left my place last friday. I always check my watch prior to heading out on a ride or walk, and I don't like wearing the watch because it bothers me. Last time I wore my watch it was for my CX race two weeks ago at Nationals (I didn't know at the time that that would be my one and only race of the season...I hadn't even planned on racing that weekend..it was a spur of the moment thing ..now I am so happy I did that race..anyway...) and after the race I had a huge lump of a bruise from it tighening while I was riding...so I check the time before i head out and then check it on my return so I know how long my work out was...Clearly last week I never got to check it again as my plan for my practice ride went a bit a rye.
I plan on walking the route that I took last week, one that I take often. I still walk in a swirvy line since the accident. Mom thinks that when I hit my head that the force of the blow may have knocked out my ear drum, hence why I struglle with my equalibrium. It's either that or my body simply can't take my natural sway I have when I walk....that must be it right <giggle>....I will walk to the scene and then I plan to take a few photos of the scene. I am not putting much forthought in to this plan. Just take it as it comes. I only just started to entertain any emotion, or should I say have any emotion return to me the same day my dreams returned, Wednesday.
I was angry Wednesday, just for a breif moment. I don't dwell ont he emotions because they hurt my head to much. I tried crying last week just a reaction from the pain but it hurt my head so much that I stopped immediately.
Yesterday, I ran in to a friend I met a couple years ago at Starbucks, Dawn. We were having a heart to heart. She is such a kind caring person. It was the first time I have actually cried about the accident. It was brief, again, like I mentioned my head started to ache so I stopped. But it is starting to set in now that I have had a near death experience. The first "What if" has hit me...
"What if..." The WRFD hadn't been able to revivie me...I was laying in the street. I do not still today remember anything! I am a bit concerned abotu that. You know that moment when you are aware that you are about to have an accident and you try, depite your best efforts, to adjust what ever you are doing to avoid it and as well you tense up, everythign is in slow motion durin gthat time. I didn't have that. I didn't see it coming. I looked over my left shoulder to see that there was no traffic coming...I knew that in front of me there were no cars at all...and that is all I remember...the facts abotu me and the car that hit me I have all heard from the police. I don't remember a thing.
Some say that is Natures way of healing...maybe I am not meant to remember. So, I am askign myself if it is neccesary, do I want to remember, or am I comfortable just letting this one go. I don't have the answer to that today.
Today I have a plan. ..and that is as far as I have gone with this...it's day 7, Friday December 7th, 2012...and I am still alive.



Martin & 16th is a solid/unbroken double yellow lines from the intersection to the next intersection at Southmere...I just needed to see it.

Cycling Cafe's Diva

"Uniting a Community; one Cyclist at a time"

"RIDE HAPPY"

This Blog and its content is copyright of Cycle Cafe - ©CycleCafes 2011- 2012 . All rights reserved

  #Cyclecafe

Mama's Latke's

The recipe I have used for two decades...today though I I just winged it..I mean I should know it by now lol

Happy Chanukah 

Latke's:


2 medium size russett potato's
1 medium Yellow Onion
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs ( a mix is nice)
salt/pepper
*optional: Garlic, any favorite fresh herb.
Tyme, Rosemary, or Sage or other

The layke's can be prepared in a food processor.
Peel Potato's. Skin Onion. Put in to food processor one at a time with the shreddor setting.
Remove the Potaoes and onion mix with eggs, bread crumbs, seasoning and herbs in a bowl.
Make into patties
Grease cookie sheet.
Bake @425
15 minutes, then flip bake for another 10 minutes.
Serve with favorite condiment or on their own.
Latke's can be sprinkled with cinnemon or nutmeg when they come out of the oven if preferred.
Some fav condiments:
>Applesauce
>Greek Yogurt
>Chutney
>Sweet Fruit Salsa
>Ketchup (for kids)

Made on the 1st day of Chanuka December 8th,2012...for Hope :)
<3 Mama

Cycling Cafe's Diva

"Uniting a Community; one Cyclist at a time"

"RIDE HAPPY"

This Blog and its content is copyright of Cycle Cafe - ©CycleCafes 2011- 2012 . All rights reserved

  #Cyclecafe #Chanukah #Latke #Jewish #Recioe

My 1st time being hit by a Car while riding my bike on the streets I grew up on

.listen not sure if you heard but the helicopter unit that landed in Centennial Park on Friday causing major traffic along 16th was for me...while riding my bike (as I always do) I was struck by a motorist who turned left over/through a double yellow line on Martin at 16th...WRFD and all of the auxiliary was called in for the call I was unconscious so I missed all the hoopla..wouldn't you know it here I am completely surrounded by handsome men in uniform with their complete undivided attention all on me and a helicopter reception and I didn't get to enjoy any of it..nor do I remember any of it..anyway I would really like to share this story with The NOW in hopes of raising some awareness for motorist/cyclists/pedestrians alike especially during this time of Holiday hustling and bustling...If everyone could take a moment to be aware and present in their moments so that we all get to celebrate the season with everyone present...thank you...sorry if I overstepped here Cheers! ~Donna 

Cycling Cafe's Diva

"Uniting a Community; one Cyclist at a time"

"RIDE HAPPY"

This Blog and its content is copyright of Cycle Cafe - ©CycleCafes 2011- 2012 . All rights reserved

  #Cyclecafe

The day I was hit by a car while riding my bike....

I baked some Oatmeal Raison Cookies and brought them down to the White Rock Fire House to thank them for coming to my rescue last friday! #Angles

The day I was hit by a car while riding my bike....

My Story,

It's been one week and a day since I was hit by a motorist that was, I am told, in a hurry to get to the bank after work last Friday, November 30th.
 I have been starring at my blank blog for a few days now. Thinking that I really should write about what happened. About my accident. But to be honest I have not been able to find the words. My full attention has been on my recovery and being able to manage everyday basic care for myself.
Until Wednesday I hadn't even been able to dream. Wednesday, was the 5th day of recovery. It was also the very first day that I have felt any emotion since the accident last week....and I was angry. I was angry because the person that hit me thought his getting to the bank was more important than my saftey. The "what if..." came in to my thoughts for a feeting moment then as well.
I had cried at the hospital the day of the accident, from the pain of my injuries. But I quixkly realized that crying made my head ache even more so I stopped and decided tears were a luxury I couldn't afford either at the moment so those were shoved to the ..."Do not open till later" pile.  My full focus was on recovery, not feelings.
I know what you're thinking, "That doesn't sound like you Donna"...but it's true...on day 6 of my recovery, Thursday. I bumped in to a friend whom asked how I was doing? That was the first day I actually got emotional and began to cry, but breifly.
If you ask me, "What happened" I can recant to you what I remember....
It was friday afternoon...I had been busy all day with errands, chores, and getting ready for my last Cyclocross race of the season, the one I had trained all fall for and had been looking forward to for months. The day was almost here just one more practice run on the course. It had rained excessively the day before and although I had been out to the Athletic Park every day that week to practice and train I wanted to get one more ride around the perimeter of the Park on the grassy area as that is ussually my weak area.
I left my house at 4:21 p.m. I was loosing dailight soon so I needed to head to the Paek with no felay, and would probably only get one lap in before it was dark. I did consider for one moment, not going...just skipping it and racing the next day. I mean I had practiced all week....but I decided to go...so....I remember the time because I customarily check my watch before I leave on a ride or walk and then check it again on my return to see how long I worked out for.
I went my usual route that I have taken so often. I was wearing my hi vis lime green jacket, my warm leggings from my brothers running store, FRONTRUNNERS Nanaimo, a reflector band on my leg, a flashing red rear light on my bike and of course my helmet, I never ride without it; fact! I headed out.
 Be a very experienced rider I tend to always ride effectively, defensively, and safe. I follow all road rules, as I try to set a good example. It has been my endevore for a couple years now to initiate a "Safe Road" plan to be utilized locally but also to go Global and be implemented in every city worldwide..so riding safely with respect for all on the road is my mantra whenever I am on the road.
I had gone not even 1 k from home...just walked across a pedestrian walk way that crossed one of White Rocks main roads North Bluff/16th...had gotten back in the saddle signalled I was going left...went 1/4 of a block to the intersection that was green for me, signalled right looked and went....I was about 200 meters from that intersection...there was no-one in front of me I knew I had to go left at the intersection coming up so I looked over my left shoulder there was no-one behind me or coming my way...
That is the last thing I remember.
There was no "Oh Oh" moment.
I was knocked unconcious.
What I do remember, whenever I came to, and I kept loosing consciousness. I slipped in and out of consciousness for hours. But I fo remember some voices....specifically one person, male, I assume it was one of the Firemen. He said to me, "I know you. You and I road together from Hope". I also remember being told that I was going in a helicopter to Roayal Columbian Hospital, but I do not remember the ride at all.
So, here is what I have been told and what I have peiced together since.
Friday, I was heading out to the Athletic Park in the afternoon to ride once around the course for the CX race the next day. I took a route that I have taken often. Less than 1k away from my home I was hit by a motorist, so I am told, that made a left over a double yellow solid line to enter in to the Bank of Montreal Parking lot on Martin Drive on the South Surrey side of the Peninsula. He did stop after hitting me and waited for the Police to arrive on the scene. I was knocked unconsious instantly. My face hit the driver's left side of his vehicle first before hitting the pavement. I regained consiousness only once the White Rcok Fire Dept arrived on the scene and revived me as I lay in the street. At some point, I am not sure when...all of my gear/kit that I was wearing ( and I have very little of it so this is going ot be costly to replace...my fav lulu lemon tech shirt for instance and my "I can't live without" leggings from my brothers shop they cost over $100...easy come easy go I gues) was cut off me (so I was stripped naked) to make it possible for all the heart, ekg monitors to be stuck on me...I was covered in sticky tabs when I regained consiousness....they were everywhere!
I was transported by amulance (I think that was how I got to the helicopter landing ) to Centenial Park where all of the White Rock Fire Deptment Auxilary had been called in and had made a lit landing circle around the soccer field with their service vehicles for the Air Ambulance Helicopter to land. I was transported via the helicopter to the no.1 Trauma unit in British Columbia, Royal Columbian Hospital in New Wesminster, which is 5 townships away from where I live in White Rock (approx....k)..where I underwent a CT scan do see if there was any broken bones or hemorages in my brain (again I do NOT remember any of this as I was unconcsious most of the time)...thankfully the scan was clear.
I guess you can call me 'Lucky'. For many reasons...one being that I never broke a bone. Reason,  I think was because I never saw it coming.So  I didn't  tence up or brace myself during the hit or fall...which is why I think I never sustained any broken bones. Basically I bounced.  I did however hit my face pretty hard it was what I am told hit the car then the pavement first. my whole left side is bruised up on my face, and legs...my bottom lip required stitches that I undertook with no anisthetic...I had already been poked so many times by that point I was consious and frankly I wanted to save myself at leasy one needle. So i winced a took one for the team.
My biggest recovery hurdle has been the aftermath of the concusion...I had to return to Emergency Saturday night as my head swelling was causing me a lot of pain.Also I was struggling to put my thoughts together. That has been my biggest challenge. My short term memory has been pants as well...worse than everyday. Much to my oldest daughters frustration. After repeating herself a few times while we were at the hopsital she  said, "Mom I have told you that 3 times already"....I just smiled looked at her (as best I could with my half open left eye and stitched swollen lip) and said "It's good practice for when I am old with dimensia" and I giggled....:)
Last Friday night I was living the dream...
Completly surrounded by Handsome firemen in uniform with their complete undevided attention on me. With a Helicopter reception. It was like a classic 'Chic flick'; only this was my life,and I didn't get to enjoy one bit of it! Geesh ;)

Stats on the Bike...It has been assessed by 'The boys' at 'The Shop'..it is unridable, unfixable, and unsafe for the road. The force of the hit by the vehicle knocked the front forks out with such force that they are bent and with that blow it shifted the entire steel frame...so in the garden the bike will go to become one of those trendy planters you see to often on Pinterest.
That was my only bike I was riding and I  would ride everyday. I am missing my bike & riding, but I have no idea when I will return to it. I can't afford a new bike, and I still need to replace my gear as well.
I decided a couple of days ago, it has been quite a year..I thought that before the accident, clearly 2012 was not done with me yet, I am taking a Holiday from Christmas this year. I can't do anything anyway and I certainly can't afford it now so I think I am very comfortable with saying goodbye to 2012 early.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

*It only hit yesterday, a week later, that my accident was my "Brush with Death"...it hasn't sunk in ...at all...I am still focusing (just a wee bit) on un-important material loss at the moment...I am assuming that it will hit me down the road.

I made some Oatmeal Cookies for the Guys at the White Rock Fire House...it took me close to two hours to just follow the instructions for making the cookies; bloody concussion. I have made these same cookies dozens of times in the past, and it never took me this long...my head is still a mess....I walked them down to the Fire House,  which is two blocks from my home. I made it despite my slow canter and constant swerving.I have gone for a walk around the block every day since the accident. As statistics have proven the earlier one is mobil the quicker the recovery

My first walk the day after my accident, although looking back I know understand everyones ;horror; struck reactions when seeing me...It must have been my delisional state from the concusion, because really I should have been in bed...but I managed somehow to make it to the Fire House for their annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa.....I wasn't going to miss it I go every year. As I walked in to the Fire Hall Bob the Captian, who is married to an old school chum Carmel Joy, took one look at me, and said "How are you doing" I assumed he was looking at my tell tail sign of my black eye, swollen cheek, and fat lip, I replied "I am okay I was hit by a car yesterday but I am okay"...he paused for a moment then said, "Ya,,,,I know...I was there". Clearly I don't remember that because I was unconcious.
I hope the guys  know how much they made a difference to me and in my life. I use to always refer to the White Rocks Firemen as "White Rock's Finest", and that was before they came to my rescue last week....sometimes all that can be said for gestures that change one's life is
"Thank You".

A Stop at the Gratitude Cafe:

Thank you again to all the Wonderful Men at the White Rock Fire Deptartment. I have always been a fan. To some of you I am a friend, a riding partner, and now I am forever grateful for being there to receive the call and helping me in my time of need.  I can't thank you enough. Bless!
Special thanks to dear Miss Sydney Thorne for coming to check on me Tuesday and bringing a care package...as well for coming by again the next day to look in on me.
Thank God for Mother's...mine has brought me hot meals everyday since my accident..which is good because my motor skills are really suffering and if I had to make my meals at the mo I would probably starve because it takes me forEVER to do anything these days.
Also thankyou to Nicole for stopping by to see how I was.
To all my caring friends that have inquired and sent their thoughtful messages via facebook, snail mail (my dear friend Kirsten who sent a beautiful get well card), email and in person...Thank you for all your care and concern. It means so much.
To my dear daughter no.1, Hope, for coming to the hopsital, staying even though she was scared to death and so out of her comfort zone, for also  keeping her siblings up to date on their Mama's condition...and for checking up with me during the week via fb and skype and dropping by a week later to see  her Mama, treat me to a fancy foo foo Eggnog Latte at Starbucks and hang out while I took forever to make her some simple Latkes that I have made as tradition every Hannuka since she was born 23 years ago.
I Love you Hope!

Cycling Cafe's Diva

"Uniting a Community; one Cyclist at a time"

"RIDE HAPPY"

This Blog and its content is copyright of Cycle Cafe - ©CycleCafes 2011- 2012 . All rights reserved

 #WhiteRock  #Cyclecafe #angels #bike #accident #SafeRoadInitiative #Ridehappy #ridesafe

Movember...November 30th....The last day of Moevember and the day of my bike accident...my first accident being hit by a car while on my bike!

At the Trauma Centre at Royal Columbian Hospital, in New Westminster

Day 30...

The final day of Movember....
                                                ...and the day of my accident.

I am going to make this brief as it is an emotional subject for me..it's only been a few days since I was struck down while riding my bike to go practice the course one more time for my race that was to be the next day. I never made it.   SO, while I was laying in the road unconscious the paramedics that were tending to me tore off my Mustache....Funny I did come to at that moment just in time to yell "Nooooooooooooo"....to no avail. Unfortunately I never did get a photo of me with my 'Mo' on the last day of Movember...but I took one while I was in the hospital with my cut lip and naked upper lip :{

Here is the link to Donate to my page and support Men's Prostate Cancer Research. Cheers

To support cause please click on the link to donate and help find a cure for Men's Prostate Cancer.

http://ca.movember.com/mospace/2554670

 Thank you!

Cycling Cafe's Diva

"Uniting a Community; one Cyclist at a time"

"RIDE HAPPY"

This Blog and its content is copyright of Cycle Cafe - ©CycleCafes 2011- 2012 . All rights reserved

#Movember #Mosista #Mosista4theMr #WhiteRock  #Cyclecafe