Steep learning curves, pt. II

Before I decided to start commuting by bike I read many blogs on the subject. Most people said a fall was inevitable, even something common when one is on the machine as frequently as a commuter.

Well, I'm not yet a commuter nor have I logged many miles on the machine. I'd like to think that my early fall is a sign that I'm ahead of the curve, so to speak, in becoming a "real" cyclist.

Learning curve #2: Never, ever take your eyes off the road to untangle your foot from the toe clips. Even if your foot is really, really tangled.

My right foot got all snaggled in my toe clip and I looked down for two seconds to try and fix it when BAM! My front tire smacks into a 6 inch high curb and I'm over the handlebars before I can say, "holy fucking shit!" I skid on my face for a bit, though my helmet absorbed most of the impact. The worst part was knowing my splayed out-ass was on display for every passing car. Once I collected myself, scattered bits of my taillight and reconnected my left brake cable, I proceeded shakily up Rt. 32 toward campus:
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I'm glad I fell into a parking lot and not back into the road. So far I am extremely happy I made the decision to switch to the bike. I feel amazing--totally empowered and healthy. I'm in a better mood when I get to campus and sleep like a baby at night. I've already lost a pound or two (I can tell) and I feel totally alive and present in the day.

Miles biked: 30