Since ending last years cycling season with two flat tires, I wasn’t itching to get back on my bike this year. But with my tire problems resolved and the nice weather upon us I knew, I just knew, if I got out there for a ride I would fall in love with cycling all over again.
So I headed out today for a 20 mile group ride. I thought 20 miles, mostly flat, with a group of people getting out for their first or second time of the season would be perfect. And it was, for about 4 miles. Wow. It’s been a long winter. When we regrouped at the 8 mile mark I dreaded the 12 miles ahead of us. A nice woman on the ride shared her jelly beans with me for a little shot of sugar and off we went.
I told myself “pull together your strength, enjoy the ride and get the most out of this beautiful day.” As we rode along the suburban road I saw a little girl riding her bike and waved at her. At that same moment I lost my balance and went off the road landing head first in the gravel.
I was mostly in shock. I took a mental run through of body parts to make sure nothing was broken and then thanked my lucky stars my helmet did what it was meant to do. Since my head took the biggest blow I am convinced I would be in a hospital bed right now if I weren’t wearing a helmet, and there is a big crack to prove that.
My ego was just as bruised as the right side of my body. But the group of riders I was with were so amazingly kind. I can’t really even explain the kindness they showed, it was just so powerful at that moment. I got up, and in my state of shock, got back on my bike. But it didn’t take long to ask the person riding home with me if we could call my husband to come get me. I just wasn’t feeling well. And later realized my back tire was flat.
As we waited for Tom we got news that another rider was down. And even though she was taken away in an ambulance we heard she was okay. Another rider lost his brakes. What a bizarre day.
I know how lucky I am to not even have a broken bone. I know how lucky I am to have been with people who watched over me and stayed with me. I know how lucky I am that my husband drove to a place he’s never been to pick me up. I know how lucky I am because I was wearing a helmet.
Be safe out there everyone. And as soon as me and my bike get tuned up I’ll be back!
