I went fishing yesterday and rather than drive I was riding my bike from lagoon to lagoon and then back home. As I was getting near home  I had to go down a small grass hill, up another small hill and cross from grass to a sidewalk. Well, I didn't turn sharp enough traversing the grass to the sidewalk and the wheel rode along the two inches of concrete and the next thing I know the bike dumps and my forearm crashes into the concrete.

 

I was on my side and slowly rolled on my back and that's where the problem (or comedy depending upon your point of view) started. I was wearing my fishing backpack and along with 5 plano boxes of tackle, scale, tools, and assorted other gear I had 3 bottles of water in my backpack. That may not sound like much but when you're in your 50's and out of shape it proved challenging to try and get up. I must have been a sight for anyone watching!

 

I finally rolled to my side and got my feet under me, but instead of taking the backpack off I tried to stand up and was just stuck there mid-squat! A woman was walking her dog nearby and then I realized she was asking me if I was alright. My reply was, "I'm OK - just an old man trying to ride a bike like a kid." I finally summoned all of my strength and managed to remove myself from the squat position, reset the handlebars on my bike and rode the rest of the way home.

 

I've got a huge bruise on my forearm and it hurts like heck, but it's not as big as my bruised ego at being stuck on my back for a few seconds like an overturned turtle. As much as I feel young, it was a shock at how weak I have become. It's time to start getting some quality exercise!

Glad you're mostly OK ~

You know what they say - Use it or lose it.

btw - I'll admit to not knowing who 'they' actually are . . . 

But they sure say a lot of stuff.

?

A-Jay

Glad you're okay. Maybe you need to trade your bike for a 3 wheel motorcycle.

2 hours ago, Log Catcher said:

Glad you're okay. Maybe you need to trade your bike for a 3 wheel motorcycle.

 

I LOVE my bike! It's a Cannondale hybrid that I've had for 20+ years now. It still runs great although the operator has occasional issues.

 

I've had great times on that bike, especially riding up and down the Maine coast on Route 1. I remember one time after a long, trek through the woods I was near home and I came out of those woods and through the bushes carrying my bike over my shoulder. I had mud splattered head to toe and a few scrapes from trees and branches along the way.  My buddy happened to see me and said, "You look like a Nike commercial." I thought that was pretty funny.

19 minutes ago, Koz said:

I LOVE my bike! It's a Cannondale hybrid that I've had for 20+ years now. It still runs great although the operator has occasional issues.

I still have the bike I bought when I was a teenager (I'm 59 now). A Bridgestone Kabuki Super Light 10 speed. Get it serviced regularly - 2 years ago got new rims, tires and replaced the rear deraileur. Going strong since 1975.

Glad you didn't get hurt too bad.

I can relate....the ol mind just doesn't seem to realize what the body can't take as well any more. 

Realized what it's like to "work the floor" this weekend spending 2 days repping at a Cabela's near me.  When I got home after the first day and plopped down in my recliner, my back let me know it wasn't happy about what I had put it through all day!!  Told my wife to feed me where I sit because I wasn't moving!!  Heavy dose of aspirin for day 2!!  

Glad you’re okay @Koz. In reading your account of events, my mind drifted to my recent experience with a creeper board after checking the underside of my boat trailer. Just glad no one was within earshot to hear and see the old guy antics as I proceeded to get up off the deck! BTW, how was the fishing?

2 hours ago, J._Bricker said:

Glad you’re okay @Koz. In reading your account of events, my mind drifted to my recent experience with a creeper board after checking the underside of my boat trailer. Just glad no one was within earshot to hear and see the old guy antics as I proceeded to get up off the deck! BTW, how was the fishing?

 

Only fished for an hour and caught nothing. A cold front had moved in early in the morning, but I just needed to get outside and get some air (didn't expect that literally).

 

Caught a few the day before and despite the water temp being 68 the bass were lethargic. They didn't put up a fight nor did they try and shake free or clamp down on my finger when I removed them from the water. But in March the bass usually go into a pre-spawn feeding frenzy here. I can't wait...