So the Saab is out of commission this week while I await the return of my mechanic so he can check out an oiling issue. It’s for this reason that I dragged my bike out of the basement and have been taking that to work instead. I enjoy it — I’ve always enjoyed biking — but I’m realizing that I’m less and less prone to taking risks and/or showing off. I like to think this is partially a result of me biking to commute rather than for recreation, meaning I don’t make an effort. At the same time, minor things like approaching curves at acute angles and anything else vaguely technical gets me nervous, which is sad.
These are things that I used to be able to handle without issue, and now I’m not so sure. It’s boiling down to an overwhelming loss of confidence and I suppose that can be attributed toward a few things. One of the biggest factors was probably my minor mishap last year. The next largest, or maybe equal, is that I have not been on a bike for a long time for anything more than a basic ride around town. That’s what I need to change, as my bike is certainly more capable than I am right now.
PDF said:
It’s cause you are old. I used to get dangerous on skateboards and snowboards – now I just want to ollie curb cuts and slash pow.
On a bicycle note, I find it incredibly intimidating to ride in city traffic. I didn’t have a bike living in Denver so it’s new to me. And I’m old.
00:07 on 15 Jun 2006
cottager said:
Bikes are fun. I should ride mine more. I have to pump the tires up first.
03:12 on 15 Jun 2006
matches said:
PDF, you’re right. I am indeed old. I didn’t mention that I too get a little intimidated by traffic, so I can only imagine what you have to deal with. I’d bet Portland is a pretty bike-friendly city at least, yes?
cottager, that would be a good start.
09:38 on 15 Jun 2006
jb said:
you hippies and your bikes. man up and guzzle some gas with the rest of us cool kids.
12:14 on 16 Jun 2006
matches said:
jb, have I ever mentioned that I live six blocks from work?
16:57 on 16 Jun 2006