And guess what. It isn’t paved with good intentions. Heck, no, it’s paved with plain old concrete and plastered with graffiti.
See? That’s the road right there. A short, narrow downslope leading straight into a wall or, Option B, into a sharp 90º right-angled turn. However, I traveled this very path last summer and created Option C — go wide, crash into the tunnel opening, and detour to the ER. In actual practice, though, Option C was a nonstarter. It’s where fun came to a complete stop.
I broke my shoulder and a rib, punctured my lung, opened a deep gash in my head, and spent nine d
ays tethered to a morphine drip and chest tube. I’ve had better times. And now here we are, on the brink of a new summer, and I’m scared. Really, really, very scared to get back on a bicycle. I want to, I love riding bikes. I love the sound of ticking gears when I coast. I love leaning into turns. I love the wind and the freedom and feeling like a 10-year old.
Crashing, that’s the drawback; it’s a buzzkill. I can deal with the honking horns and screeching tires, the people yelling out car windows, the obscene gestures, but the crash — even the thought of a crash — takes all the joy out of bike riding. If I were younger, if the consequences (a punctured lung?!?) were less severe, if driver’s paid attention, if there weren’t light poles and parking meters and cratered pavement, I’d be on my bike right now — happy and free.
Instead, I’m fretting about what might happen. Well, heh, might. Given my luck and track record, an accident is inevitable. And I resent having to choose between fun and safety. Safety has never, ever been a consideration; caution just isn’t my nature. Headlong and heedless, that’s me, and that’s the lifestyle I want to live forever. A timid, careful, helmeted life isn’t worth living.
I vow to remain defiant until the bitter end, except when gravity is involved. Apparently, that’s a force only astronauts can defy. Dammit.
copyright © 2017 the whirly girl
the whirly girl 
20 responses to “: biking on the road to Hell :”
[…] via : biking on the road to Hell : — the whirly girl […]
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:o)
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“Wherever I go, however I travel, I’m on the way to an accident.”
Oh, but the option – of never traveling at all – surely that isn’t really on the table…?
“We shall travel to the stars, bearing the brunt of any pain and suffering necessary to get there… for we are human, and we must explore. Even if it’s just our own back yard…”
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What a lovely sentiment! And no, not traveling isn’t an option. Just this morning I went walking and discovered completely new territory to explore. Came back without a scratch on me. Yay!
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Yay, indeed!!!
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You know, it’s awfully comforting to have you standing by in case of another big, flaming accident. Your hilarious comment about the bunk beds last time practically healed me by itself.
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Nah…
Just another example of the purest bunk, on my part…
🚴♀️
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Nevertheless, if I had a hat to tip, I would 🎩 and :o) too!
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THAT’S the spirit!😁
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~ gulp ~
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Artsy photos. And X marks the spot of your crash, right? Hmm… I first thought to cheer, “Get back on that horse!” But the more I examine the exhibits, I’m leaning with your assessment – SCARY!!! (Good luck.)
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The cold, gray weather is keeping me safe, so I’m dithering. I can deal with injuries, but the thought of causing a permanent disability is terrifying. Turning into a wuss is almost as upsetting, though. So …
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I hear ya. 😕
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If the sun ever comes out again, I’ll suck it up and pedal on. I’m sure of it :o/
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Wow, I can understand your apprehension, that’ shocking.
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Ironically, I’m not much better on foot. Wherever I go, however I travel, I’m on the way to an accident. It’s both unnerving and comical 🤕
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Oh no, sorry I’m having a little laugh. May’be wear a helmet and padding always.
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Don’t apologize, it’s funny in a humiliating way. Not so much in the immediate aftermath, but eventually.
Also, I’ve met with an engineer to discuss installing air bags in my clothes. We’re still in the preliminary stages. I’ll keep you posted.
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Hahahaha yes please do
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:o)
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