Oops

To those 3 cars stopped at the red light at Scalesville Road and Highway 220 in Summerfield: No, I didn't just take up cycling. Yes, I do know how to stand up when waiting for a light. And no, it didn't hurt when I fell over.

I really thought I was beating the odds. It's been about 3 weeks since I took off my cage-pedals and clipped into cleats. Everyone told me to expect a few falls-even after getting used to them. But I had been through several intersections in those three weeks. Always the same: snap out... wait at the light.... clip back in; snap out... wait at the light... clip back in. So today, on Scalesville Road, riding to Highway 220, I popped my left foot out... slowed for the light... put my left foot down to balance while stopped... and... oops... I didn't lean enough to the left. With my right foot "caught" in the other pedal, and no time to snap out, I went over. Unceremonously falling on the pavement and gravel. My bike, still attached, tumbling on top of me. My first instinct was to look at the drivers waiting at the light. I didn't see them but I'm sure there were some smiles, smirks, maybe even some chuckles. I deserved them! How funny. Someone dressed like they know what they're doing... falling over like a child experiencing the first ride without training wheels.

The first is over. If that's as bad as it's going to get... I'm not too worried. A little embarassment does a body good. At least it helps mask the sting of a scrapped up knee!