The perils of cycling

"A bicycle does get you there and more.... And there is always the thin edge of danger to keep you alert and comfortably apprehensive. Dogs become dogs again and snap at your raincoat; potholes become personal. And getting there is all the fun."
-Bill Emerson

So, I've had my first road bike crash. Well... two, in fact. Luckily, I'm ok and the bike's ok. I just haven't figured out how to unclip out of the pedals yet.

Friday afternoon after a long day of coughing (sickness #2 of the school year), failed quizzes, parent conferences, and a flu shot, Rob invited me to ride with him around the neighborhood. I was doing well, pumping my legs, and climbing those hills. However, as I was rounding the last curve and slowing to come to a stop, I unclipped my left foot, but forgot to keep pedaling my right foot. And, I landed smack down in the street with the bike on top of me. Rob heard me crash and turned around to rescue me. But by the time he made it back to me, I had tears streaming down my face. I wasn't hurt too bad, but I was spooked, embarassed, and most of all, tired. All I could do was sob.

Today I wanted to get back out there though. I pulled my bike out to the curb to climb on. I was waiting for Rob, with one foot clipped in. When all of the sudden, I lost my balance, and of course, fell towards my clipped-in side. It felt like slow-motion because I had plenty of time to yell, "*!%@," as I fell into the street.

But despite my crashes, today I ventured out of the neighborhood and conquered the hills. I wasn't sure I was going to make it up the steep incline, but I kept my legs moving, and eventually I did reach the crest. And, it was all worth it when I flew back down!