I Started Cycling Again

Flippant

I have two ongoing journal entries awaiting conclusion and here I am, starting a third. Yay.

True to my word, I got reacquainted with my Giant Yukon(the bike on the left) yesterday. There were large threatening clouds hangin overhead. But there were pockets of direct sunlight too. Tough call.

Instead of taking a risk by going to the pool as planned, I toted my Yukon downstairs. Hunted for the elusive foot pump. Squeaked the tires up to pressure and did the familiar grip test. Scanned through my online contacts for potential company. One. H. But H's didn't have a bike anymore. His bike and mine were previouly stolen courtesy of a certain slimeball. A bastard. An asshole. The moron. I can go on all night. You know who you are eh!

I propped up my seatpost and seasoned Specialized saddle and off I went. Instinctively, I took to the usual route. I rode to the road, sped downhill and caught some air on the long and uneven pavement. Made a hard left and had to stop for traffic. I continued and almost got up to speed on the straight. Suddenly, an elderly man stepped onto the pavement. From behind the bushes. Oh shit...shit...shit.

Four fingers tightened. Two cables stretched. Four calipers gnawed. Two tires begged for traction. Impact?

"What's that sound? A cyclist. Stationary right beside me. Since when was he there? Wierd. Oh well. I'll be on my way.", thought the elderly man.

"Phew."

Sped up again. Full speed this time. This was my favourite downhill straight. Oh yeah! Gear shift... shift... shift... Hmmm... the same old empty bus stop. But there's something else. What's that? Adpost? Adpost!? OH SHIT.

Eight fingers clawed. Two cables strained. Four calipers screeched. Two tires smoked. One expletive. One desperate tailspin. Impact? ~60 degree S-turn. <1.5 metre gap. Matching speed of a car on the road. Impact?

Of course. What were you expecting? A miracle?! My bike slammed flat on the bloody advertisement with a audible Bham!. As for me, my right shoulder and arm bore the brunt of the impact. Damage report: 2 tiny knicks on my left knee and shins due to the pedal. 1 huge dent on my previously unblemished biker pride.

I recovered instantly and made haste. It was too embarassing to remain there any longer. My first high speed crash. Ever. I have hit higher speeds and rode over much more challenging terrains. Granted they didn't have Adpost. I must really be losing it. REALLY LOSING IT.

to be continued...

Rascal Flatts - Feels Like Today