Tuesday was a magical day. StanLe and I went to South Bay Trikke so that I could try a Trikke and talk to Andy, at South Bay Trikke (SouthBayTrikke.com), about the details of the impending purchase. I got lessons on how to ride because one can't just hop on and maneuver "cambering". It must be taught. I also got to ride an easier motorized trikke which automatically corrects leg movements.It was a blast! I was surfing through time and space, like a land surfer! I was gliding and rocking back and forth. I felt muscles I had long ago retired. But who cared? I couldn't stop. And this instrument was secure with two foot pedals and handle bars with hand brakes. I was getting praise on how quickly I was learning so I stepped it up.
Next lesson was circles and figure eights, which is a safety movement in case someone steps in front of the Trikke. I was committed to a circle and out stepped a car bumper. I panicked and cranked the handle bars in the opposite direction which made the trikke stop. It didn't stop me. I flew over the handle bars. Next moment... face hitting asphalt. Luckily my nose was there to stop my fall. It was also lucky that Andy is a fireman and knows what to do in an emergency -- keep me calm and apply ice.
I couldn't think, it hurt so much. I felt the blood and tears flowing down my face. All I could hear was "breathe Jeri, breathe." The ice felt good against my nose. And StanLe's strong hands on my shoulders kept me from flying off into hysteria. I didn't cry, I knew it would hurt too much.
I had to "get back on that horse" that bucked me off if I ever wanted to land surf again. So after about 30 minutes I got on the motorized version and rode safely up and down the street until the fear dissipated.
Special thanks to Andy and StanLe, they got me through a nightmare
experience. Even though I have bruises, I am once again dreaming about cambering.
My swolen eye... and fat nose
