I have these bags and they are great, but take a tip and get some spare plastic buckles from Ortlieb. They will eventually fatigue from wear and exposure.
Ortlieb sent me 2 packages for free. Great bags, and customer service.
This guy does good work and has many happy customers on another forum I participate in:
BetaCuts Custom Vinyl Design & Sign Shop, Calgary, Alberta - Stickers, Decals, Signs, Banners, Vehicle Decals, Wraps, Window Films
And also, sometimes you just have a bad day. Don't beat yourself up about it, just get out and ride.
And as for dragging a knee, you're way off the bike at that point. I wouldn't recommend going there with this bike on the street without a lot more hours, perfect roads, and purpose gear...
You'll be able to get the police report into evidence in small claims court in Colorado. You will also likely be able to get it in in the higher courts if you have the police officer testify.
Your lawyer sounds like a hack.
12k' is a pretty normal half day ride out and back for me. Totally different landscape though. Would love to rip the Blue Ridge, but the ride there would crush me. Cool pics.
Just go to your local bike shop and pick up a small bottle of whatever they recommend for riding in dusty areas. I'm currently using "Rock N Roll" lubrication's "Extreme".
Tucks right into the tankbag.
My airhawk 2 has literally saved my butt for many thousands of miles. Can't speak highly enough. Talked folks into them and all are just as happy. It lives on my bike.
For me it was carpel tunnel and some nasty shoulder stuff. I have great core strength, and riding position was not the problem. I found my solutions, and posted it above. I also love my airhawk. I'm super skinny and even bought a gel seat from here and donated my pretty much brand new stock...