I’m not exactly the daredevil, live-on-the-edge, type of person. People who know me, know that I’m actually quite shy in big crowds, I follow the rules and I’m definitely NOT an extreme adrenaline junkie. I prefer moving with caution, at all times – but every now and then, I break out of character.
One Sunday, we did a little site seeing with friends. It was one of the most beautiful days in Holland – a very happy atmosphere, everywhere. We spent the day cycling around windmills, did a little cheese tasting and end off the day with a beer – or three.
While we were ordering the last beer, we realized the train we had to be on was arriving in 20 minutes. We quickly finished our drinks, dodged selfie-sticks, hopped on our bicycles and sped off to the station – in very happy spirits.
The cycle to the station from where we were, wasn’t too far – 5 to 10 minutes if you cycle slowly. We had 1 minute and that day the roads were filled with hundreds of tourists – and of course our-crazy-selves.
Cycling back to the station was a little chaotic and with a bit of misunderstanding, our friends turned too quickly and end up cycling on the wrong side, while we were on the other side, shouting directions and “WAAA, watch out!”
At the station, we had to enter via the bicycle stairs where most bicycles go down easily. For me, it’s a different story.
My bicycle is a leisure-take-your-time-city-bicycle with pretty add-ons that make the structure wider and heavier than normal. It’s a beautiful bicycle, but a little bit of a struggle while traveling.
In a matter of seconds, I made a decision to go down the stairs ON my bicycle (fortunately the stairs were low). I apologize now for “breaking a rule”, in my defense, I did make sure there were no other people and most importantly, I was trying to win time to make the train. I felt I had no choice.
Now is probably also a good time to tell you that my bicycles’ backpedal and handbrake, are due for replacement.
I convinced myself: “I got this”.
Thinking: “foook foook foook”.
As I went down the first step – my instinct was to lift my bum like I was on a horse – this will be easy – next, step into backpedal brake – sh*t – not working – hold handbrake – sh*t – I’m still moving – OH NO – I’m. not. stoPPING. AT. ALLLLLL!
There I went, descending into the look mom, no teeth moment, one step at a time, breaking sound barriers.
BAH!
BAH!
BAH!
At this point, my friends were about halfway down already and with the first hard thumping BAH, they fell down into crouching positions and slowly turned around in absolute terror thinking, an actual vehicle was behind them.
In one slow-motion moment, I remember making eye contact with my friend who was looking at me with the biggest shock-horror expression – which quickly turned into a look of… that can’t be her …to… Ooh no, what iS SHE DOING…to… hysterical laughter.
What I saw: I must look like I know what I’m doing.
What they saw: bum, legs and a very panicked me holding on for dear life.
My favorite part of all was Ryan (my fiance).
He couldn’t understand why I was making such a stupid decision, but he wouldn’t let me suffer alone and followed me down – also realizing, he needs new brakes.
