You want to do what for Father’s Day?… June 15, 2008
Posted by kimayars Uncategorized
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I was sure that Jeff would want to go for a bike ride for Father’s Day. What I didn’t realize was that he wanted ALL of us to go. I have autobicycliaphobia, better known as “fear of riding in traffic”.
The plan was we were all going to ride our bikes down to the local bakery, have a snack, maybe visit the bike shop, and then ride home. Jeff was going to take Samantha in the side car and I would take Veronica with the tag-a-long. After much protesting by Veronica, Jeff became the lucky man to take both Veronica and Samantha.
We headed down our hill and out of the development. My first adreneline burst came when we had to negotiate the round-a-bout. Luckily, traffic was light so we kind of slipped in and slipped out. Our next challenge was a light with a right-hand turn lane. We were going straight, so we had to be in the lane just to the left of the turn lane. My greatest fear was realzied: we were in traffic, in the front, with a red light. I imagined that as soon as that light turned green, a caucaphony of horn-honking and angry drivers would descend upon us as I strugged to get out of 2nd gear. Panic.
Of course, the only thing that really happened was we got buzzed by a Prius. Those things are pretty much toy cars anyway, so my nerves calmed a little. I might survive this bike trip after all…
As you have probably guessed, I did survive. I even managed to keep my cool through a left-hand turn lane. I also learned several things today;
- Jeff really appreciates me riding. I got several “I’m so proud of you!” that day.
- Biking is SO much faster than running. This is nearly the same route that Beth and I run. I’m thinking next time Beth can run and I’ll bike.
- Cars aren’t TOO scary, but I don’t think I can put my autobicycliaphobia to rest just yet.
- My seat sucks. My butt is sore. Need new seat.
So when will I go again? Well, certainly not until my butt heals. But I may try this again sooner than I once thought…
Comments
LOL, love your blog. I too grew up with horses and while I never rode English (barrel racing/reining) I have always loved dressage and it’s elegance and grace. No horses in my yard right now but there is something very calming and reassuring about pulling in the drive and seeing your horses grazing in the pasture. I really miss that.
I know what you mean about autocyclophobia! Here in Moses Lake, we are legal to ride on the side walks but drivers are less likely to see you on the sidewalk and generally pull right up to the street before they stop and look. My father in law has been hit twice! I live out of city and rural roads with no shoulder aren’t always much better. I bike more than run but I am trying to even it out a little. So just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog and it is nice to know that there are other people out there whose days are as crazy as mine! PS. also have 2 daughers, what drama!!!