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Liz Holtze, Oliver Monod and I (Diane Bogert) headed up early Saturday afternoon to Philadelphia to try Philly’s popular cheese steaks from Geno’s and Pat’s off 9th Street. The bread was definitely fresher at one and the people were nicer. As it turns out the resident doctor in Hahnemann University Hospital claims the best cheese steaks are on South Street at Jim’s which we happened to see when we drove to South Street for a beer and dessert. Sunday morning Don Taggart met us at the start of the ride by the Museum which he later did his Rocky “thing” on the stairs and Liz watched while Oliver and I spent the afternoon in the emergency room. John and Kelly Mecca also met up with us at the museum and rode about 7 or 8 miles with us at the beginning of the ride. Just a few miles later I decided to use my hands to explain the course decision to go right or straight off the Strawberry Mansion Bridge just ahead if one chose the 20 or 35 or 50 mile ride. The bad choice of talking with my right hand and using my left to break caused me to “face plant” the bridge when I had to stop suddenly for congestion. Don took charge by getting help and sacrificing a shirt for my comfort and overflow of blood. Olivier came from behind and was able to take the ambulance ride with me. Don and Liz took care of the two bikes left and continued the ride. But Liz stood by the whole day and got Olivier out of the hospital for lunch at the Market by the Convention Center while Diane took on five sets of x-rays. VERDICT: Broken Jaw, sprained right shoulder, stitches in chin, chipped front tooth, abrasions and bruises everywhere. DIET: Strict soft diet for 6 weeks. LESSON LEARNED: Use both hands on both brakes when stopping…DUH!
All in all, this ride is one of my FAVORITES and I will continue to promote Bike Philly. It caters to all levels of riding and kids are welcome. And the scenery is Philadelphia…HELLO! Plus the Chamounix Hostel is a perfect place for the club to rest their heads the night before after enjoying the food and drink in the streets of Philly. Can’t wait to ride with Craig in New York soon! I promise to use both hand brakes!
Written by Diane Bogert
We’re all thinking of you – hoping for a speedy recovery…
Left by Craig DeSantis on September 22nd, 2009