You should be down. 

Down on the ground. 

Your bike on its side, and you on your side. 

But you are not on the ground. 

You are up. 

You are still riding. 

Your heart has missed a few beats. 

It is kind of racing. 

You work at bringing it back down. 

‘WHOA’ you say in your head. 

You do not look back. 

There is no need. 

It is over. 

But (insert ‘F’ word here), that was way too close. 

You are shocked that you are still up. 

The puddle was deeper and full of debris. 

The sharp turn had gravel on it. 

The car door opened. 

The wet spot was ice. 

The Squirrel. 

It takes a few deep breaths to get yourself back to ‘normal.’ 

You ride on, and a couple of minutes later, you forget about it. 

But you are riding differently. 

Faster. 

Haha, it is like a brand new ride. 

‘WHOA!’ 

Insert emoji wiping brow here. 

‘There is another way to ride.’