Sunday, October 21, 2012

Bike Adventures

I have not had much luck when it comes to bike riding.




When I was little and on my tricycle, the neighbor lady backed up into me.  My mom watched it all from the kitchen window.  Obviously, not too much damage was done. 





When I was about twelve, I had ridden my bike to D&H Drugstore.  I remember I bought these yellow barrettes for my hair.  On my way back, I went to make  left hand turn into my neighborhood.  As I turned, a car came over the hill, hit me,and knocked me off my bike.  Again, I was fine, but for a bruised thigh and some serious fright.  I'm sure the man that hit me was more shook up than I was.




I had plenty of falls and scrapes and cuts, but the worst thing that happened was when I was six.  Back then, bikes had fenders.  I was sitting on the fender and my foot got caught in the bicycle spoke.  I don't remember who was driving the bike,and luckily, I don't remember the pain.  But, I do remember exactly where it happened, and Mr. Rahn coming out and carrying me back to my house.




I remember the smell of the medicine they put on my ankle. 

I remember sitting in the doctor's office wondering if I was in trouble.  (always a guilt complex)

I remember missing three weeks of first grade. (Bonus!)




And, even if I wanted to forget, I have a lovely reminder on the inside of my ankle.  It's actually a burn from the rubber of the tire.  It is still sensitive to touch, and I'm sure that ankle is weaker than the right one.   I could have been a great model if not for that scar.  And the fact that I'm 5'3. Oh, and maybe the fluffiness is holding me back.....

So, for me to go out and ride a bike again feels like a huge accomplishment.  Granted, I'm not riding on roads, going to the drugstore, or riding double on someone else's bike.  And, I'm probably too old for yellow barrettes anyway. 




But, oh, I hope I don't find out how it feels to fall at forty-nine.

4 comments:

angie128 said...

You missed THREE WEEKS of school? That must have been some kind of boo boo.

Grandma K said...

I DO hope you are riding in a safe area now! Just the thought of you not being in a good area scares me - a lot!

sherri s. said...

We are so alike...I wiped out on my bike on gravel and was afraid to go home because I knew my bloody knees and elbows (what? how did that happen?) would freak my mom out and THEN she would be mad. And it did, and she was...

mel said...

Woa.

I am so very impressed that you are back on a bike, and I know that Sir will help to keep you safe. But, given your history....do you wear a helmet??