Learning new things is a little scary, a little apprehensive, sometimes terrifying.
Terrified is how I felt approaching Kingsford Smith Drive on my bike this morning. I bought this bike a couple of months ago, I have been really excited to have it in my life. The thought of cruising along the Brisbane bike paths on a spring morning or summer eve gives me a sense of calm. The reality of riding the bike is a whole other situation. I have been taking it out for little rides on the quieter roads near my house. Learning the gears was really step one. Getting a new bike seat was step two.
There were a series of backup plans in my mind as I set out to ride into the city this morning: “There is always the city cat (like a ferry that cruises the Brisbane river)”, “maybe Beth can pick you up”, “find one of those busses with bike racks?”. My initial plan was to ride on the bike paths until KSD, then catch a citycat to the next bike path. I missed the cat. The next one wasn’t for another 30 minutes. I could wait, or I could face the fear and hit the road.
This was confronting to me on a couple of fronts. 1. The ability to shoulder check and remain stable is a new skill, 2. Moving my hand to sound my bell is a new skill, 3. Did I mention I’ve only recently figured out the gears? A couple of deep breaths later and I was gingerly cruising my way along the shared bike/footpath, staring down semi trailers and the start of the morning commute.
I made it! Yay! One small chunk of achievement to squirrel away into my list of things I’m proud of. Every time I get on that bike (yet to be named) I know at some point my learning curve is going to hit a bump, at some point I will fall off. That’s the peril of getting on in the first place. This new skill is setting me up for adventures in Australia, Asia, and North America. I am quietly confident that the joy and learning I will get from continuing to get out and ride will far outweigh my fear of potentially being hurt.
Life is to be lived!
Happy wandering!
Hx