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I think all of you are trying to protect me from myself. I take that as a sign of friendship and concern. I still will likely take the course but may decide it's just nuts to get a bike. If I do, Philly would be the LAST place I'd ride. Now, Bucks County on a Sunday morning would be fun (and safer).
if you find the streets are not for you, you could always just ride at the track. no cops, no crazy drivers of various stereotypes, nothing to really whack into, plenty of room to slide if you come off...and race bikes are super cheap
Getting hit by a car is one danger (a very real danger). But I think as you get older, even putting a bike down due to a balancing mistake could cause serious injury. Who needs it??
if you find the streets are not for you, you could always just ride at the track. no cops, no crazy drivers of various stereotypes, nothing to really whack into, plenty of room to slide if you come off...and race bikes are super cheap
if it makes you feel better, go take a look at a full race suit (1 piece) and a separate race spine protector like the dianese or knox units. it'll make you feel much better. they ain't yer poppa's leathers.