Buying A Bicycle

The auspicious day has arrived for hub to fulfill his promise of an anniversary bequest. This year, Selberans would be last on my wish list. Being besotted by the cyclic spright, a new mountain bike is my pine.

So, lovely morning, hale and hearty, hub packed my old Rockbike, which has served me well into the backseat of our sedan and off we set out to Jalan Ong Kim Wee. I, as vivacious as the dancing clouds in the horizon, as hoity- toity as an American Idol contestant would be, is seeing visions of that perfect two wheeler.

After a brief interview of my cycling habits and needs, Keong the veteran shopowner of Sin Bee Hin recommended two Medinas of which the first , a white aluminium framed, 27 speed Shimano geared was a handsome picture of zest. When he has finished briefing us on 27 speed, he moved forward and presented us with another Medina, which set my heart racing and swirl my eyes to sparkle like a glass of Moet & Chandon.

Its gay silver top notch aluminium frame, 24 speed Shimano powered gear, handsome bar handles and superior hydraulic brake discs whispered me her dynamic potential and brawn. As she beckoned to my frivolous intuition, I conjured my most captivating smile at hub, my sight returning to Invictus, her new name and thereafter to hub again.


Owning Invictus qualify me for bourgeois extravagance, and hub made no qualm in hiding his expression of disapproval, adamant at the price. Keong approved of my choice, declaring that engaging the 24 speeder would be ample for my training on the road. Chances of experimenting off road mountain biking is a 0 % in my paradigm. Hub, convinced by his wise commentary relented to the offer. A sly grin emerged from hub as we locked eyes to probably indicate
" This will be your Mother's Day, Birthday and Christmas present as well."

How To Survive A Bicycle Crash

Waiting for the day after for an opening ceremony seemed almost eternal. In the early morning, children in tow areall at school, peace on earth, goodwill to me. Cumulostratus, accompanied by the crisp blue sky as if cheering my attempt to put my convictions to the test. That my daily 12km ride redeemed me a perpetual, bona fide cyclist. My training was a journey of tranquility on the familiar route, serened by rows and rows of palm oil trees on both side of the road.

Serenades of my Mp3 heightened the pleasures of serendipity. Almost near home, absolutely tempted to flaunt Invictus, I brisked through the coarse terrain; my right foot missing the pedal, losing restrain of the steer. At this strident, defeated moment, I sprawled semi prone in disbelieve.

Dust arising in my face, anguish pain ripping through my senses, I prefered the moment's delusional state to the truth. Reality sank in when crimson trickles ran down my knee and elbow, a concoction of blood and dirt! Trotting to my rescue were two astounded 'Asoh's, of whom one of them bawled " Why did you go so fast? ".



How to recover from a bicycle crash in style?

1) Examine self for signs of fractures, punctured wounds, profuse bleeding.

2) Apply immediate first aid if need to e.g. support a fractured upper limb with the other hand. Compress bleeding wounds with a handkerchief or your own hand.Call for help if in suspicion of fractured lower limbs.

3) Gather enough courage to pick yourself up despite the excruciating pain sustained.

4) To mimic bravery, pretend you are still 'on top of the world' .Smile and say thank you for help offered.

5) Proclaim " I'm fine. Small matter ".Smile!

6) As much as you can, ride or push your bicycle to the destination for medical attention.

An frivolous survival guide, you may say but for all your wisdom, it may be the simplest beacon of knowlege to an Idiot's Manual to Surviving a Bicycle Crash.

Ironic.