Sunday, December 7, 2008

"It's as easy as riding a bike.."

My husband mentioned this story today, and I thought you guys might get a kick out of it.

(I included a few pictures taken in Japan. They have nothing to do with this story, but I don't have any pictures of that night. I might do a post with more of our Japan adventures and pictures later).

Well, during my 4 months in Japan in 2006 (while the hubby was stationed there), we tried to be more active and do more "outdoorsie" things. He had a bike that he rode to work. He thought it would be fun if I could start riding his bike (the one he rode to work and back) and he could run along with me. He's a very fast runner and loves it, but there's no way that I could ever run with him.

One evening, we tried it. He took me out (on base) and tried to get me to ride. I was terrified. I hadn;t rode a bike in years, and the last one I did ride was pink with tassels and was very low to the ground.

Well, I got up on the bike and "rode" (I use that term loosely) a little bit. Kevin was jogging beside me and holding onto the bike. There were cars coming up behind us (in their lane - we had our own bike lane, next to the parked cars). The headlights of the cars scared me so bad, even though I knew I had my own lane. I freaked out.

I somehow (not intentionally) turned the handle bars a full 90 degrees, and hit a car! A parked car! I tried to stop myself. Put my foot down. Lost one shoe. Tore a whole in my sock. Turned the handle bars the other way. Somehow got my leg between the car and bicycle tire. I dented the car. Bruised my leg. It was awful.


Yes, I got back on it too.. We made it to the parking lot, where we were headed for me to practice and I rode around a few times there. Got too scared and said I was done.. haha.

So, when I hear people refer to the saying, "It's as easy as riding a bike" I can't help but smile to myself.

6 comments:

Daphine said...

Sorry girl! This was hilarious reading! I must also say that atleast you tried it. I don't think that I would have been as brave as you.

I love the pictures. They are beautiful!!!

Have a great week!

He & Me + 3 said...

Thanks for the laugh. I know, the older I get the more nervous I am to get on a bike. Too bad you didn't have a video...you could have won some money with that story! LOL

Lori said...

isn't it always interesting how you look at saying differently when you've experienced the thing they are talking about

McCrakensx4 said...

Too funny! I can just picture it! Thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

That is so cute.. I can see it in my head.. So funny. Bet it hurt but still what a great memory for you guys! Hope you guys are doing great!!!

Jamie

RamblingMother said...

that sounds like something I would do.