The Fall

Cycling has been a passion of mine ever since young. We used to cycle everywhere as kids. I went to school on a bicycle. I used to run errands for my mother on my bicycle. When I was in Reading I had a bike which we used to go anywhere with.

I remembered going to Sonning using the bicycle path by the river Thames. It was so serene as we passed by fields upon fields of grazing rounds for cows. What was fabulous is stopping by the tea house for hot scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream. Now my mouth is watering. Yes cycling has featured strongly in my life.

Five months ago though cycling came back into my life rather serendipitously. Harith invited me to go cycling but I did not have a bike so went jogging instead. Harith was going on an on about cycling and I just listened. Later he lent me his bike and I took a ride round the Dataran Putra and I was hooked again. The cool night air brushing my hair and the beautiful setting of Putrajaya brought me to life again. It was as tough I never stopped cycling.

Now I have my Contessa that I ride on. No matter how tired I am, just put me on my Contessa and I come to life. The adrenalin just pumps into my system. What a wonderful feeling!

Two weeks ago though my cycling coach (for life) Wan introduced me to Putrajaya Challenge Park (PCP). I was very determined to have a go and get over my fear of going downhill. I failed even at the starting line. I had to practically push my Contessa downhill. Wan was not impressed at all. My maiden voyage into PCP was tough and I had two falls. One while going downhill and the other while climbing. However, I escaped with very minor bruises but my semangat was very much intact.

Yesterday we were at PCP again. I told myself that I can do it much better than last time. My semangat was high. I wobbled terrribly at the strating line but managed to stay on my bike. I can sense that Wan as not terribly impressed.

However, I plodded on climbing and going downhill. I was picking up and felt very confident, perhaps too confident when I got into our second trail. It was a tight squeeze with a tree to my left. I just sailed through and before I knew it I was thrown off my bike. I landed on my ride side and somersaulted over and landed on the bank with my right hand hanging on to what I thought was a branch. I could hear Wan far, far away going "Allah Allah...." He then commanded "Don't move" and all I could think of then was my breathing was fast and furious and I was shaking. But I was very alright. Syukur.

I was hanging on to my Contessa. In my sub-conscious reaction I was protecting my face from any objects.

It was a good 15 minutes before I was able to resume cycling again. I was lucky to get away with just minor bruises. Perhaps all my years doing aerobics came in handy as my poor body is still supple and pliable enough to take the tumble. However, my semangat was gone. I was carrying my bike more than cycling it yesterday. Even the smallest of doubt and I was off my bike.

I now have discovered my second cycling nemesis ie PCP (the first is steroid hill in FRIM). I know I will conquer my fear and sail through PCP.

All I need is patience and persistence. And a lot of encouragement from my coach@husband.

Wish me luck!