The adventures of Mommy woman

Seventeen years ago I had a nasty bike accident.  I still pick a granule of gravel out of my elbow on occasion.  If there had been a car on the road, I would have been easily killed.  Luckily, there wasn't.

I wrecked my bike and just didn't buy a new one.  By then I was into driving and lived in the country where there was no good place to ride (which factored into my accident).  I thought about trying again in college but my roommate who was an avid bike rider fell and broke her arm riding to class the first day.  I figured it just wasn't meant to be my thing.

Recently we moved to a neighborhood with a nice park that has an asphalt path all around it.  I finally got the guts to buy a bike and even got one of those trailers to pull my little guy.  I got the bike for Mother's day but procrastinated trying it out.  It seemed there were always people around and I didn't want to be embarrassed.

I finally gave it a go and was wobbly but got the hang of it again quickly.  I took a couple of slow laps around the park and called it good.  Last week my 4yr old wanted to ride his big wheel in the park so I followed him on my bike for a couple of laps.

Today was an absolutely gorgeous Fall day so I decided to finally assemble the trailer and take the little guy for a ride with it.  It was awkward getting the hang of how to maneuver the trailer but after a few minutes we were tooling around the neighborhood.  My legs feel like it was a pretty good workout too.

It might sound silly and not like much of an accomplishment, but I feel proud of myself for overcoming my fear of embarrassment and personal injury.  I also put the old saying to the test and found out you really never do forget how to ride a bike.


Comments
on Oct 01, 2004

jill, i too rediscovered the fun of riding a pushbike when we moved here. i adore riding to the shops and the beach now, but it took me a while to get comfortable again !. i too was worried that i might get hurt or look comical - i hadn't ridden a bike since i was much younger either, but it's true, you don't forget.


mig XX

on Oct 01, 2004

Glad to hear I'm not the only one mig!   I have a bit more riding to do before I am comfortable, especially with the trailer behind me.  I think I will enjoy practicing though.  There's a movie rental, ice cream shop and grocery market within biking distance so watch out!


I am hoping to inspire my 7yr old also.  He loves his scooter and has no interest in his bike.  His dad is really bugged that he doesn't want to ride his bike.  He asked "Why do people have to ride bikes?"  The truth is, they don't.  I didn't for 17yrs.  I am hoping to show him that it is fun though.

on Oct 01, 2004

 

There's a movie rental, ice cream shop and grocery market within biking distance


now that sounds like a girls' night in full of pampering right there, jill. a movie, some choccy and some ice cream for later. lovely !.


He asked "Why do people have to ride bikes?" The truth is, they don't. I didn't for 17yrs. I am hoping to show him that it is fun though.


i feel the same way. it's not something you have to do, although i don't think i know anybody who has never ridden a bike. maybe he will be a 'late bloomer' in the biking area, like you and i ?


mig XX

on Oct 02, 2004
Good for you!
You got back on the horse, after you fell off. You should be proud of yourself.

I live on my bike during the summer. I do most of my errands on my bike.
Well, except when I have to pick up some big stuff.
on Oct 03, 2004
It is an accomplishment! You conquered a fear (and rightfully so) you had. Congrats!
on Oct 04, 2004

Thanks for the kind comments Mig, Insightful and Dusk!  I am kicking myself for not trying it sooner but better late than never, right?!  I have had a few wonderful rides in the crisp, sunny Fall weather and am loving it.  I am hoping it will also help strengthen my legs and tone up the old glutes because I sure can use some toning!


This weekend I put my 4yr old and niece in the trailer and my 7yr old rode his scooter.  That was a good workout!  The two little ones combined to equal about 80lbs so my legs were feeling it.


We did make it down to return a couple of videos and my 4yr old had an ice cream while I had a drink and cooled off for the ride home.  I'm a very cautious and slow rider and probably will be for quite some time.  Who knows though, maybe I'll be one of those 80yr olds still biking around some day