2 Flat Tires and 1 Asthma Attack Later

My Sister and I decided to do a trial run yesterday to see if we would be able to make our 35 mile bike ride in 2 Saturdays. 4 Miles into the ride we went over a railroad track and next thing I knew I had not one, but two flat tires. Luckily I just had my husband teach me how to change a flat last week. I have been over railroad tracks several times and never had this happen. I think I am prone to bad things and this bike.

Me, my sister and dad

My parent's were at my sister's house and she called my dad to bring us the bike pump. We both have CO2 cartridges but neither of us were confident in how to use them. Thank goodness they came and got my tires pumped up. We didn't have any more flat tires and no bike wrecks, so I am hoping in two weeks I can do it with no more mishaps.

My dirty hands after changing 2 tires.

I had one asthma attack when we were going along a stretch with a gradually long hill. I am just glad I remembered my inhaler or that could have been a long ride.

I at least know I can do my ride now. I was a little worried.

What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger

I haven't blogged in a few days since I can only type with my left hand. If my bike doesn't kill me it should make me stronger right?
I had another crash on my road bike.

After taking my baby to Kindergarten registration on Wednesday she wanted to go to Payson Market and get a donut. Since I had been doing good on my bike, I figured that I could make it that far. WRONG! I got into the parking lot and somehow my foot decided it wasn't going to come out of the pedal this time.
Next thing I know, I was crashing to the ground in front of several teenage boys. None of them laughed, but none of them offered help either. Ihad to ride home about a mile with my hand hanging over the handle bar, no shifting(TOO MUCH PAIN!) Luckily I was in a low gear.

After a night of pain and doing nothing, I resorted to going to the doctor and had to get x-rays.
To no avail no broken bones, just a lot of pain and annoying bruises and bumps on this old body.

If I make it to my ride without killing myself I will be stronger, I think?!

I Wish Someone would have told me I wasn't cut out for bike riding anymore! This isn't coming so easy for me.

Bike Lesson # 3

After several wrecks on my new bike last week, I stayed off my bike for a few days. Partly because of snow and then I started realizing that I was just being a WIMP.

My husband gave me the chance to ride a couple of days and I found reasons not to. As I was sitting here on Monday and Tuesday finding reasons not to ride, I realized that I was scared of my bike.

Wednesday was the day that I decided I needed to face up to my fear of wrecking on by bike. I started thinking to myself. GET BACK ON YOU BIG BABY! So as all my kids were gone I finally decided to give it another try. I have to go 38 miles on it in 12 weeks after all.

I have finally found a solution that works for me. I have gotten 2 rides in 2 days and haven't had any catastrophes. I am always telling my kids they have to do things but I was avoiding getting over my own fear.

I am pathetic. Now if I could just get over my fear of heights. (That will be something that will be another day and probably a lifetime.)