i 'm about to speed through the long-defunct traffic light at baxter when i am suddenly dazzled by a wall of zipping , bouncing light : the beams of a dozen flashlights directed into my eyes , so i have to skid abruptly to a halt , lifting a hand to my face and nearly flipping over the handlebars-which would be a real disaster , since in my rush to get out of the house i forgot to bring my helmet .