I did it or maybe my bike did. The fancy clip pedals pushed me to the ground this evening. I didn't want my blog to be consumed by this fall because a lot of other really great things happened today, but my mind and body are slightly consumed with pain. You're all here for updates on my progress so progress is reported...
I am happy to report I rode with my new coach Jeremy Sweeny. We met up in Cleveland Circle and rode the Landry's ride. Jeremy was very helpful providing traffic tips at each turn. We were 7 or 8 miles into the ride, when standing at a very quiet intersection, I fell over. I had one foot unclipped and lost my balance. I fell over and let my left hand hold all my weight. Turns out, I can't yet complete a falling push-up.
Riding Tip # 46: Do not fall onto your hand. Dear future rider, when you invest in fancy pedals - fall onto your back.
Jeremy later told me, he was very concerned since I wasn't jumping up after falling. When I fall down, I like to enjoy the ground for a couple minutes. What other time are you allowed to lie in the middle of a street? And if you're always up and riding, how can you fully enjoy it? Besides, I was stuck under my bike....
Jeremy gave me a couple options ... a couple times throughout the ride.
Turn back immediately.
Get a ride.
Shorten the ride.
Shorten the ride.
Or shorten the ride.
I jumped back on the bike! Well, that's a flat out lie. I actually lied on the side of the road - don't tell my Mom this - she's too scared about this whole thing. I lied on the side of the road, and let my little heart settle back into my chest, let the nausea subside, dusted off my handy bike gloves, drank some more water, wished I carried BioFreeze with me, and then made the decision to finish the ride. I almost started crying at one point, but than I would have two problems to deal with... foggy vision and a weak arm.
Achieving success is about daily goals. I had a goal to complete a long ride this evening. I couldn't turn back after a couple miles and we did it! We completed 24 miles this evening. The mentors of Bottom line help the students find resources at their campuses so they ... don't crash and complete their small daily goals of homework. If falling and finishing the ride doesn't earn me a small donation... than I'm switching back to my Lance Armstrong sneakers. :) Ride for Safety!
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