Bike, in this particular case. That’s what I fell off of, so that’s what I had to get back on. And it wasn’t easy, let me tell you. My heart pounded in my ears, my knees quaked, and I seriously questioned my motives. Did I have a death wish? Had I subconsciously decided to make a grand and final exit?
Nah. Winter’s coming. So with months of confinement staring me in the face, I was determined to suck it up, climb back on the old two-wheeler, and ride into the unknown. Although I had a pretty strong suspicion my path would be straight and true and utterly familiar: the one leading to the Emergency Room. That is my usual route, after all.
Yet, I stubbornly clung to the belief I was starting a new trend, because ERs are joyless places I want to avoid. 
The smart thing, I decided, was to prepare for the worst. So I put on my newest, nicest underwear, even including a bra. On my last visit, I’d been sporting an aged, tattered pair, frayed around the legs, and an undershirt. It was mighty damn embarrassing.
But what do they expect? I’m not an exhibitionist, you know; I hadn’t planned to take my clothes off in public. Or get my head stapled, my chest incised, or shoulder crushed. The entire episode, from start to finish, was just one surprise after another.
I pushed those memories aside, released my grip on the brake levers, and rolled forward reluctantly. The sidewalk isn’t narrow, but it is littered with obstacles: light poles, traffic signals, fire hydrants, curbs, grates. Landmines, all. It’s nerve-wracking and stress-inducing, but tons better than the street with its cars and trucks and motorcycles and potholes.
When we reached the bike trail along the riverfront I’d regained a little confidence. Heck, it was a gorgeous autumn afternoon, warm and sunny with the soft, lazy whisper of the tide — calamity was simply inconceivable. This time, my ride ended with me sitting happily on a pier, bare feet twizzling the water. Ducks and boaters and jet skiers kept me entertained.
With any luck, my courage will bloom again in the spring for yet another season of bike bliss. I do love it so, the exhilaration and freedom, but I could easily do without the head trauma and internal injuries and broken bones.
copyright © 2017 the whirly girl
the whirly girl 
32 responses to “: back on the horse :”
I couldn’t agree more with this post. I am currently trying to over come my fears. I literally have to get back on my horse and push past the memories.
I actually went to the store yesterday and bought a new sports bra.. LOL when I was in the ER they had to cut mine off.. it was beyond old and too small.. LOL good bye dignity.
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Good for you!
The whole episode, start to finish, still rattles me. The upside is, it’s winter, so I’ve put the bike and bike riding and bike crashing out of mind until spring. Or autumn, depending on how long I can avoid it 👳♀️
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You go girl! And stay safe x
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Thanks, kiddo, I’ll do my best. But I can’t promise …
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Geeze…
Now MY pulse is pounding.
and I’m not even on the damn thing!
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Be glad. I’m just so happy you’re back 😊
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I love you
Poetry Wolf
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😘 Right back at you!
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Helmet, knee and elbow protectors, airbag … ?
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Good judgment would come in pretty handy, too. And a brain would be helpful, as long as we’re making a list 😉
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Whoops … rules me out!
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Please. You have both, the least you could do is share with the less fortunate. Namely, me 😵
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Thanks for the compliment. Wasn’t fishing, honest! Well, not much … happy biking!
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Thank you! Or, wait, are you encouraging me to play in traffic?
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Would I? https://theselfhatingcyclist.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/overhead-cycle.jpg
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Bwahahahahhhh!
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Congratulations! I’m impressed with your courage and forward thinking for the spring of 2018. Love the image of those bare feet twirling in the water , too 😊
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Those were, possibly, the best moments of the whole, entire summer, kicking my feet in the water. I felt like Tom Sawyer. Let’s dangle our toes in the river next time you visit — in the summer 🙃
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It’s good to see you’re smiling now. But did you know you’ve got your face on upside down? :-o
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It looked that way when I woke up this morning! I knew I was backwards, but now I’m upside down, too? Sheesh 😖
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It may be time for me to try to ride again. I am terrified. There was a time it was my preferred mode of transportation. I loved it. I’m glad you can put the bike away for the season with a happy memory.
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Aw, thanks. I love riding a bike, I truly do, but I used to bounce. Now I break. I don’t like this getting older business, just too many consequences for reckless behavior. Where’s the fun in that?
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An obstacle conquered, good work! I needed an uplifting story for the day, Thanks!
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It’s always a huge relief when there’s a happy ending, so I’m thrilled to share. Thank you :o)
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i’m sorry for all that you went through – be safe and enjoy the ride
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You’re the best, thank you. I’ll probably be safe until the snow starts, then watch out. Slippery pavement is not a friend to klutzes such as myself. Please keep your fingers crossed.
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I’m so sorry you got hurt. I guess it is true what they say about getting back on the horse! Good luck.
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Aw, thank you. I didn’t want to go through the entire winter feeling like a coward, so I’m glad I saddled up one more time. But I’m also glad it’s over and I survived. Yay!
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Really brave of you :)
Glad you enjoyed the ride in the end.
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Oh, I truly did, thank you! Once I got over the initial terror, my old enthusiasm popped right back into place and the afternoon turned almost magical :o)
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I mtn biked for years. I had a bad crash. While in the emergency room my wife told the dr I had kidney disease. I was immediately pantsed and catheterized. in front of a team of med students. Just a little embarressing
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Yep, it’s hard to be dignified when you’ve been pantsed. I know, I was, too, and for no discernible reason. Thank God for general anesthesia!
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