3 September

Bike Bumps: My First Big Bloody Spill

by Jon Katz

I went to the bike story this morning to buy a bike rack and get some new pedals (I was slipping off the old ones)  so I could take the bike to safe and quiet places. I was excited about it, it’s easy to use and well designed.

At the store, a salesperson asked if I had had my first spill yet. “No,” I laughed, “I think I can skip that part.” So much for hubris.

This afternoon, all pumped up with the prospects, I took the bike out in the yard – in our driveway – and tried to use my new mountain bike pedals. I had trouble getting my right foot up on the new pedal.

When I was at the bike store, I asked Tyler, a knowledgeable and helpful biker there, to help me out and he had some ideas for getting started.

I was excited and set out on my driveway – a  test – and had my first spill, I couldn’t get my foot on the right pedal, and I guess I panicked, the bike flipped over on its side on our gravel driveway, cracked my new mirror, popped a chain and chewed up my knee.

My Knee

I was stuck there for a minute or two and didn’t realize I was bleeding until I saw the stain spreading down my leg. We got the chain back on the bike and Maria came out and helped me get it onto the garage.

Then she bandaged my knee. I’ll live, but it was a pretty good bleeder.

This has been a difficult experience for me, bringing up some old fears and troubles and causing me to question my age and strength. I rode it well several times so I know I can do it, but I also see it won’t be a straight line.

I’ll have to work for it, as one has to work for anything worth doing. I dislike quitting even more than falling down and bleeding.

I did get discouraged and wondered if I wasn’t just kidding myself thinking that I could ride this splendid e-bike. Maybe it’s just not for me.

But I bounced back pretty quickly.

Tomorrow, assuming my knee moves easily, I get up early, get the bike onto the rack and head out to a nice quiet country road. I will get on that damned bike and ride it yet.

9 Comments

  1. If it’s the right side giving you trouble could you not start with the pedal all the way up? Or start on the left? Create your own way to make it work! Good luck! Don’t rush!

  2. Keep at it! You will get it! You might consider getting knee and elbow pads while you are learning, though! You are braver than I but I am older than you and have osteoporosis, with one knee and one hip replacement, so I have to be more careful!
    ~Trella

  3. I know the adage that goes something like you’ll always remember how to ride a bike. However, that isn’t always true for everyone. Our balance is different on a bike, our perception of what is around us is different while on a bike, our sense of being safe is different. Even with a helmet, a rear-view mirror on my helmet, and a bell to warn people ahead of me, I am still not super confident on my bike, even on a bike path with no cars. Sometimes the path is small gravel, or soft worn down gravel, or BIG gravel (no thanks!) all surfaces that are potential fall hazards. I do like paved bike paths much better, and have to travel to get to them from where I live. I can tootle around my subdivision, but it’s almost too dangerous with cars, people looking at their phones and sometimes loose dogs. I have all but given up riding around my subdivision. So, I get this Jon, and your experience is like many others’ experience! And one day it won’t be that “damned bike” anymore! 🙂

  4. Jon, considering you just had a heart procedure I assume you are on blood thinners, wear as much protective gear as you can if you insist on riding right now! These will make you bleed like a stuffed hog! Perhaps you should waitTIL spring to take on this adventure following all your heart procedures?

    1. Thanks, Chris, I’m familiar with blood thinners, it’s no threat to biking, and I’m not waiting until Spring..this is a great time of year around here..

  5. Go for it, Jon. You will succeed and address deeper issues at the same time. You know very well, of what you are capable!! Happy Trails.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email SignupFree Email Signup