Note to Self

[thisnewday]

You know, the self that did a daily, 20-mile round trip bicycle commute to work for 7 years. The one that wiped out taking a corner too fast at Washington Square after a rainstorm. That broke a hand and would've fractured an eye socket if not for a very good Bell Image helmet--which took the hit and had to be replaced.

That one. And it's a very basic lesson. One that most kids have learned, instinctively, by their second or third ride without the training wheels. The lesson that says, when riding through a corner, especially at max speed and max lean, the crank and pedal that's on the inside is UP.

Otherwise, you know, it drags on on the pavement, puts idiot rider into a half-spin, and dumps his dumb ass on the pavement. Like almost happened today while grinding about $10 worth off of a $30 pedal and causing the two little old ladies who were standing, inexplicably, out in the road to gasp, "Oh My!" (As in, I guess, "Lions and Tigers and Bikes, Oh My!")

Because the little old man on the bike--who happens to be an equal opportunity ageist--is not riding with any instinct at all as yet and almost dumped his ancient ass on the pavement right in front of them.

So, note to self, inside pedal is always UP when going through a corner. Even when riding slowly--just to reinforce the habit...

LPK
Dreamwidth
7.3.2021 

Comments

[smokingboot]

Well, in fairness, anyone would have been somewhat surprised by the two little old ladies enjoying a chat mid-road. It would have flummoxed me completely :-D Glad you're OK!

[thisnewday]

To respond with equal fairness, the women were not exactly mid-road but they were on the outer portion of the shoulder where I needed to make my turn.

And they seemed quite oblivious to their surroundings--until the above-mentioned pedal-scrape--which meant that I had to watch out for them as well as for myself and on-coming traffic.

So, it was an adventure for everyone and, despite my not-so-brilliant riding, lol, everyone was OK, thanks...