I’m not inclined to anthropomorphize a bicycle, but I do feel bad for my beautiful e-bike, languishing in special section and stall of the barn.
I feel guilty about the bike. I was so excited about riding it, and I still am, but for now, it just sits quietly under its seat, ready to dance but without a partner.
I’ve already put a new mirror on the bike and two sets of new pedals. I went and got a lesson from Tyler at the Bike store to figure out how to ride her. I think her name is Betty.
I rode it a few times and then had to stop, my various heart procedures took precedence, and after my fall, my cardiologist suggested laying off of the bike for a while.
I feel badly for the bike, a proud and modern thing with three levels of support for people who need them. I am one of those people.
My therapist, who I rehired to help me figure out why I feared the bike so much, also suggests putting off riding it until I am well past my procedures, recoveries, and tests. I’m not quite done yet. This is my season of maintenance.
I am eager to get back on this bike. I have some beautiful country roads to ride. The itch is getting stronger. I go out to the barn often to talk to Betty and reassure her that she hasn’t been forgotten.
Yesterday, I sang a song to her. One day soon, I will just be ready. That will be that.
Jon, Betty will be patient. Here in Los Angeles, we have thousands of BIRD scooters and they go so fast they can kill you. Oftentimes, waiting for a light to change or at the bus stop one will go whizzing by (no bells) behind me and if i had stepped a millimeter back I’d be in very bad shape and the rider would just continue on. I have seen middle-aged people attempt them and fall and injure themselves severely. The base or platform where you put your feet is VERY narrow. One foot in front of the other – rules are NOT on sidewalk (they all ride on the sidewalk) – helmet – 95% do not have a helmet – only one on a tiny scooter – often TWO will ride – rules are NOT enforced. And you just have to hope the brakes are in working order – lots of lawsuits here about brakes failing on a downward slope. I think UBER owns them. Oh, the people who take the BIRDS home to earn extra money (bird maintenance?) will stack them outside apartment buildings or on corners and many elderly have tripped. Betty will be patient for you.
I hope you get to use it before bad weather arrives. I’ve had mine three weeks and have 250 miles on. It’s the most fun I have had since I can remember. I’m addicted to it. You are going to LOVE it.
I know you probably don’t want to hear this but get a stationary stand for it so at least you can get some exercise that way
Never
Betty will wait for you in the lovely, clean stall Maria converted for her. You will be back on her in no time and your body will know when because you are much stronger now and will be able to “handle” her, you’ll see! 🙂