Just as with getting back on the proverbial horse, in 2012 I'm going to get back on the ol' bike and ride again. This is no small task because ever since my bike/dog accident last June, there's nothing scarier to me than a snapping, snarling dog with teeth bared lunging toward me when I'm on my bike. However, I'm determined not to let the Georgia rednecks who permit their dogs to run wild stop me! I'll buy an ultrasonic whistle and if that doesn't work, I'll find something else to try until I find a solution.
Frankly, I've had it up to my eyeballs with the situation. No more Mrs. Nice Guy--the next dog that does me harm, I'll take the owners to court. It seems to be the only thing that might get their attention. I was nice letting the guy whose dog bit me make payments for my medical bills. He quit sending me the money halfway through. The second guy with the dog who put me in the hospital got off scot-free. He was living in a hotel room and handily vanished after the accident. Maybe with any luck there won't be a third time although I have to say, I do appear to be a dog magnet!
I missed going on my week-long ride to Oklahoma in 2011 due to my June accident, but I did do a 3-day weekend ride In Columbus, Georgia last October. So I've had some post-accident riding experience, but it's been limited. I've only ridden in the area around my house (the real danger zone) once since last June. I truly have to gear up mentally, talk myself into it, and get over the fear. I can't postpone because fear feeds on itself, and it will only get harder and harder to start again. The police officer who investigated the biting incident told me not to let it stop me from riding, and I intend to keep following his advice.
So once the weather gets a little warmer, I'll don my Spandex and pedal into the wild blue yonder once again, heart racing and palms sweating. But I know it will get easier each time I ride, and I'll find a way to build my confidence again.
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