I thought this morning ride was going to be the same from the last Saturday ride...No, I got a group of 8 riders that was including Luke lbilger & his girl friend arrived on their tandem which they had been ridden all the way from Huntington Beach to our meeting point. Yes, I got another surprise and big support from the duo. Thank you Luke & Liliana (I hope I got this right). We enjoyed our morning coffee and doughnuts while introducing and greeting each others...it was a joyful moment, and I loved it!
Okay, let me introduce my new recruiters to you (unfortunately I did not take any pictures). I got Tanya, she is my wife's aunt; Leona is my wife's younger sister in-law; and Simon my wife's uncle. It took me 6 months to convince them to come out and ride. Anyway, here is how the story goes...
I did some demo how to ride safe...blah...blah...blah...and off we went. From the Petsmart's parking lot to the SART (just a short distance by crossing over the bridge). I was in front of the pack, Luke & Liliana were riding behind, I suddenly heard someone screaming quite loud on the bridge, I thought some one must be over joyed....but my thought has not yet finished I heard the second screaming then third one extremely loud. I then realized it was not over-joyed screaming it was terrified, I turned around and recognized that it was from my sister in-law, Leona.
She was terrified by the in coming traffic even though she was riding on the side-walk, later at the SART she confessed with me she having problem with the traffic because she had a bad experience on the bike tour in Italy, Nice....! She was trembling, upsetting and scared and she'd wanted to quit, turn around and go home. Everyone was so quiet, but I encouraged, comforted and promised to help her to over come her fear on the bike. From that moment on I was sticking with her, one-on-one helping her how to deal with the traffic on the SART, how to relax on bike, changing proper gears...on and on.
We later all made it to the PCH, Luke and Liliana went on and heading home. Leona had gained her self confidence quickly and even asked everyone hang around to ride along the beach for a while before heading back to the parking lot. Everyone, indeed had good time at the beach especially Leona, she started talking and joking around what were happened back there...then we were soon headed back.
Of course, at the bridge we all had suggested her to walk with her bike instead of riding it...At the parking lot everyone was so happy and sharing their experiences on this ride, they all loved it and wanted to ride Saturday and Sunday. For Leona, it was not just a ride...it was her whole new experience and her fear has been subdued and quickly leaving her, she did great with her brand new bike that she bought 2 years ago that...never been ridden.
There is a reason for me to bring up this story, it is about over come the FEAR that may hiding inside among of your love ones, relatives and friends...ask them come out and ride with us, we will do our best to assisting them. Don't be afraid and don't be shy...
Ride On...
Toan
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