Down, but not out

My trip hasn’t gotten off to the best start.

With less than a week to go, as I practice on my new, beautiful sparkly bike, which my brother lovingly built for me, I have my first (and hopefully last) collision with a car. With a hundred things on my mind, I wasn’t concentrating and, unfortunately, can’t blame anyone but myself. I was looking backwards (stupid), talking to my Dad and the car *came out of nowhere*. With my Dad screaming at me (a shrill noise I’ll never forget), I was quickly lifted up off my bike, onto the bonnet of the car before landing on the road.

The first thing I thought was, fuck, am I ok – which to my surprise, I was. The next, FUCK, my bike. The bike that my brother has built. The bike that I’m meant to spend the next few months on. The bike that will be my best friend. The bike that has seen me quit my job and all the rest of it.

Shitting fuck fuck fuck.

My Dad’s first impression was that I wouldn’t be able to go. Firstly because he thought my bike had to be written off, but really because he thought I’m an idiot who can’t cycle. If I can’t handle the sleepy streets of Shoreham, what does that mean for the carnage of Naples?

After an emotional day with tears (of shock more than pain), some more begrudgingly spent money and a few choice bruises, my bike is getting repaired and I am still on track for departure this Monday.

My bike, by the way, is a Genesis Equilibrium. My wheels, which I was (am) particularly pleased with, are Mason x Hunt wheels, made in Brighton. I’ve never thought of wheels as beautiful, but these definitely are.

So, my intervention with the car (which luckily, was OK — the driver was also in shock, but I’m glad at least there was no damage), managed to snap the carbon fork of my bike and buckle my beautiful front wheel.

The fork now looks like this:

Knowing my confidence had also taken a hefty knock, my Dad suggested a cycle trip to Partridge Green the next day, where I could see Hunt Bike Wheels and try and mend the damage (both self and wheels!).

The team there were extremely helpful and my brother, Jack, has been an absolute hero. Not only did he come and pick me up post crash to take my bike and me home, offering a hug that only brothers can, sugary tea and toast, but he also helped me find a new fork that fits (but isn’t going to match ascetically as Genesis doesn’t sell separate parts) and is fitting it now to get the bike back to tip top shape. Pretty great when he’s got a baby (Sophie Agnes!) just two weeks old.

The thing I keep telling myself is what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Though this was a pain (and expense), it’s all part of the experience and no doubt there will be plenty more set backs to come. I will definitely be a more vigilant cyclist because of it.