After falling off my bike each of the last two years, I have been reluctant to ride again. However nervous I am, my husband is more so. He was behind me both times I went down and he can’t get the images out of his mind. Three summers ago, we rode across the island and back, a distance of 450 kilometres. The following year, I had the first fall.
I have worked up the courage to ride again however. My injury from the fall last April healed by the end of last autumn and I was ready. We started small, riding around a nearby neighbourhood during the day when there wasn’t much traffic.
We added a few kilometres every day as my confidence grew. Then we tried the Confederation Trail again.
The day we rode on the trail, it was overcast but the sun was determined to break through the cloud cover. Summer light was bright but not brilliant as on a clear sky day. I concentrated on the riding, however it was impossible not to notice the green glow all around. We stopped to take it in, the wind rustling the leaves and the birdsong. Sitting there on our bikes, one felt at peace in a setting where worldly cares don’t exist.
Riding along that trail, pushing through the fresh air, creating your own breeze in addition to the natural one is a great pleasure and privilege. You are serenaded by the birds and, if you’re lucky, you see the songsters cross the trail occasionally. Robins are frequent visitors. We’ve seen hares, foxes and squirrels too. As I rode along that day, a chipmunk ran into its burrow along the side of the trail.
The above photos were taken with my husband’s cell phone. I don’t take my camera on the bike out of an abundance of caution!
We also walked the boardwalk near the marina in the harbour at Summerside this past week.
The marina is busy again this summer. Beyond the breakwater in the distance, two sailboats caught the July breeze.
Along that section of boardwalk, an apartment building is under construction along the shoreline. There are three huge shipping containers on the edge of the construction site. Wildflowers softened the look of the ugly containers.
People encroach on nature but she adapts…for now. Meanwhile we enjoy the summer breeze every chance we have and don’t take a minute for granted.
39 comments:
Glad you're back in the saddle again -- the bike saddle! If worries remain, might a 3 wheeled bike provide better stability?
I am glad to learn you are cautiously riding again. It's such a beautiful place you live, and I'm grateful to be able to go along with you.
I remember that breeze you create riding a bike. Lovely virtual trip for us.
Good for you for getting back on the horse as it were. We've had two short spins, but my leg is giving me a problem.
Hello,
I am glad you are back to riding your bike, I am sure you are being extra safe too. I enjoyed all the scenery and views from your outing. I like the trail, sailboats and water views. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
Beautiful photos as always. Love the wildflowers and all the scenery. Glad to hear you are riding again and enjoying the summer. Your blog title made me think of the song, Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft. Have a wonderful week and take care.
Oh yes, take advantage of every chance you get. Life is so precious and our time should be well spent...just spent enjoying each other's company, the fresh air, bike excursions and being brave enough to ride again.
Kudos to you!!!
Sue
i remember those falls. it is difficult to regain the confidence needed to get back riding again. i fell so many times on my electric bike we realized a big part of the problem was the weight of the bike. after riding a bike my entire life, it has been difficult to give it up. i did not ride this year and i don't think i will. i adore your words and the way you described this experience. the cell phone pictures are really beautiful. phones now a days take amazing pictures!!
this reminds me of simone biles and the courage she needed to get back into gymnastics again.
I have not been on a bike in forever! But I do remember the wonderful feeling of total freedom! Good for you to be back at it, my friend.
I am grateful from the bottom of my heart dear Marie that you overcame your fear eventually and are able to ride again!!!
May God be with you each step in these travels my friend! Amen
Your description of bike ride and how magical it feels to create your own breeze sounds utterly poetic ❤
Imagine are exceptionally beautiful and lush!
Your words align with them so perfectly ❤
You have loving husband indeed!
Hugs and best wishes for future journey!
I am so glad that you overcame your fear and we able to ride again. And thank you for sharing some of the beauty of your outing.
I've never learnt to ride a bicycle. I have a tricycle ,though, which is not frequently used. The doctor recommended my late father walking, only. He said any other type of commuting, by car, bus, bicycle, at a certain age (he was retired ), raises bloodpressure and is dangerous. People take meds, and don't give up things they love to do but my father wished mainly to get rid of meds.
Lovely photos in your post, as usual!
Hello Marie :=)
Your hubby took lovely photos of the trail you both rode and you described your bike ride so well that I could almost feel that breeze on my face. It takes a while to regain our courage after a fall, but in time I think we know when to try again, and I'm glad you did. I enjoyed seeing the sailboats, sea views, and flowers.
Take care
Best wishes
Sonjia.
Your confidence gets knocked with a couple of falls. Good for you to get back riding. I rode until I was 80 and then said it's time to quit.
Congratulations on having the courage to go cycling again. I do hope this year there will not be any accidents! Your husband took some nice pictures - the trail through all that greenery looks amazing. Take care, Mxx
Green glow is the perfect descriptor for such summer days.
I so love that photo with the sailboats! It is fabulous...not that I don't want to be in the others. I can only imagine how good it feels to be on that trail and out with nature.
Wonderful post - I hope you keep riding.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
I can imagine your nervousness. I am the same about skiing. Glad you were able to get back on your bike. Lovely pictures.
Those are some big boats
Nature is amazingly resilient and forgiving. You are brave. I don't think I would have tried again.
It is good to overcome any fear, no matter what, Marie, and I am sure that your riding a bike again made you feel more confident. I too know how a fall can make one fearful. Thanks for taking us along on a nice summer ride and kudos to you as well. Good plan to leave the camera behind.
Glad to see you out on your bike again, Marie. No more falls now!
All your photos are amazing Marie. Adore the sailboats on the water. Don't get to see this scene too often where we live. So happy to read that you are now out again biking. I can imagine being just a bit reluctant to ride since having had two good accidents. We used to ride our bikes but living on top of a hill made riding a real challenge :)! I stick to walking now. Hugs
I haven't been on a bicycle in probably 40 years and I'd be terrified. I'm glad you were able to heal from the last fall and find the courage to get back on the bike. Love the photos!
I could easily just have become an invalid after being paralyzed. But what a life would that be?
So glad you are riding again with great success. We very much enjoyed our ride last summer on a portion of the Confederation Trail. I hope you keep on riding!
You enjoy your rides so much in nature. Good for you getting back on that bike..Beautiful Photos Marie
You are brave! I would never attempt a bike again, unless it was a three wheeler. The very idea of a bike wreck makes me quiver.
The sailboats are lovely, so graceful.
It’s fantastic to hear that you’ve worked up the courage to get back on your bike! Your ride through the Confederation Trail sounds absolutely serene and rejuvenating. It’s great to see you embracing the beauty of nature and enjoying those peaceful moments despite past challenges.
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Well done I know from experience what courage that took to ride again and the route you took was beautiful.
Beautiful photos, and kudos to you for getting back up on that bike!!
I love to go along with you. So refreshing, so adventurous...
Take care.
Beautiful photos, as always. Can you believe that it is August?? I am looking forward to your fall photos.
You are so brave! The bike tour is so beautiful...
Love from Titti
I have not been on a bike in so long....and I used to live on mine. Marriage, motherhood, work and life seems have knocked the wind out of me...great traveling for you.
Marie, Another beautiful post! I love to hear about your adventures and the way you capture the simple joys of cycling through nature. The imagery you paint with your words brings the experience to life, from the sun breaking through the clouds to the vibrant greens and lively wildlife along the trail. Thank you for sharing your journey and these moments. It’s a gentle nudge to all of us to get out there and enjoy the simple pleasures that nature offers, while being mindful of the world we inhabit. John
Gosh, about time I checked in!
Wonderful news that you are back on the electric bike, especially when it is so hot.You describe your enjoyment of riding the Confederation Trail, beautifully. The wildflowers are heavenly.
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