I used to buy those reflective ankle bands at cycling shops so my pants wouldn't end up caught in my chainring when I ride.

They run around $3-$5 a piece, and I'm sure I've run through at least $30 worth of them over the past four years. After I lost the last one I bought, I got tired of every loss involving a trip to a cycling shop and a $5 expenditure.

Solution? Rubber bands.

They're smaller, less likely to fall out of pockets, and when lost involve only forcing oneself to endure another portion of organic broccoli. I'll try not to lose them too often intentionally as a result.

I've always worn a helmet, but have still been sort of sympathetic to those who say that it's not necessary and won't necessarily help you that much in an accident. Maybe. Depends on the accident.

A couple weeks ago I slid on some black ice making a turn onto the street where I live and BAM, pavement-kissing time. It had been rainy that day and the night temperatures had fallen just below freezing, making it prime weather for unexpected ice.

This poor helmet's been retired now after a job well-done. Note the crack in the foam and the road-imprint above it. I had a headache the next day, but was back up to 100% normal within 36 hours. One of those things that could have been way worse.

If I wasn't a helmet evangelist before, I am now.

I present proof, in the form of me looking like I'm about to die during the Boston Beanpot Classic road race this past weekend:

My teammate Lisa (right) looks a bit happier about the death part than I do.

At any rate, it was a fun home race weekend despite a lack of sleep going in, and the death felt pretty good for being death. The road race and team time trial were hilly, and the Tufts Criterium had lots of fun corners. MIT had a good showing (race results here)--now we just need to dominate the upcoming UVM and ECCC Easterns races!

More funny faces can be found on Flickr. Cyclists are fun people, and every race I've gone to I've had a blast at. I'm glad I decided to race with the team this spring, despite being too busy to come out for every race weekend.