We\’re all \”dying\” to ride sometimes. On a beautiful day with perfect riding weather, we might be stuck indoors at work; but dying to ride. We all know how frustrating that is, don\’t we?

Thinking of that brings to mind cyclists who have met tragic ends while riding, especially those who died during major races.

There\’s Tom Simpson, who collapsed and died while ascending Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France. Eighteen years later, Fabio Casartelli died after crashing on a descent and suffering massive head injuries.

When I see footage of the pile-ups that sometimes occur during the Tour de France, I\’m amazed that there aren\’t more cases of serious injuries, such as broken legs and even broken necks. I\’m also amazed that such mass crashes don\’t occur more often, seeing how closely packed the peloton is, and how fast they\’re riding. One wrong move can cause disaster. Pro tour riders must be made of exceptionally tough stuff to participate in those races. Physically tough, naturally, but also mentally tough. They know what might happen!

We mustn\’t forget that pro cyclists aren\’t immune to eating disorders. It seems hard to believe that. Cycling seems like a way to burn a ton of calories, so that the rider can eat whatever, whenever, and however much. Not so. Undiagnosed, untreated eating disorders can wreck a pro cyclist\’s career. Eating disorders can also lead to death.

Let\’s keep our relationship with cycling ( and food) a healthy one, so we can enjoy the ride.