Electrifying (Electric part 2)

A few weeks ago, I had to review an electric bike tour, and then started to freak out about it. (Unnecessary but original post here). I was scared on arrival, especially signing the waiver, but as soon as I got on the bike, I was fine. In fact I LOVED it.
(Review for those interested here, as this post is on fun and fear).

All the way in, I kept hoping the potential pending rain would call it off, but there was no getting out of it. Had I not been forced to write the review, and had a friend meeting me, I would have feigned illness and cancelled. Sometimes I have to stack the deck so I force myself into things....I'm quite a chicken.




One of my fears was that I'd get burnt by the engine, as I'm clumsy and uncoordinated. However, the engine is tiny, and in the wheel so there's no chance of burns, as I imagined.







I was scared of crashing or being hit by a car, yet we were rarely on the roads and the guides watched for safety. Other than a near miss of running up the back of my friend, when she suddenly stopped, it was all smooth sailing.

By the time we hit Barangaroo*, I was keen to test out the bike at speed (the engine kicks in on it's own accord as soon as you start pedalling too much). It was so much fun, tearing around that strip without pedestrians to worry about. Getting the speed up was exhilarating.

The engine also made riding up Observatory Hill a breeze, even for an old, unfit lady like me.

 

All in all, I felt very energetic, like I'd exercised for two hours (when really I'd just enjoyed fresh air, as the engine takes all the exercise out of the cycling).

The highlight? Riding around the back of the Opera House. We had it more or less to ourselves, and it really felt special, looping around that great monument with the beautiful views of our wonderful harbour. They have special permits, so don't just lob up on your own bike!!





I'm proud that I pushed myself into something I was scared of, and as a result, I really enjoyed it. I have to work hard on not letting my fears restrict me. With age, most limitations are self imposed. At least for me. As Dave Allen used to say 'There is nothing to fear but fear itself'**. It will be a sad day when I let my fears get the better of me. I know that day will come but I'll keep working on it while I can.

Linking up with #BlueMonday for the helmets

*We didn't start the fire...(do you have an earworm now?)
**Apparently FDR made this famous, paraphrasing Sir Francis Bacon, but for me, it will always be the Irish Comedian, sitting on the stool, smoking, before launching into a story of how he lost his finger...