It’s been 2 1/2 years since I started cycling, and have been very fortunate that I haven’t had a serious fall before. Especially with off road riding, it’s not exactly like a ride at East Coast Park.

I started riding with Wayne’s old Marin bike, and with a purple Trek helmet that didn’t fit. I’d wear tights with no padding and 5 year old running shoes. We started off gradual with rides at East Coast Park, from Fort road to Safra.

But it got a bit boring for me, so Wayne brought me for my first off-road ride, to Bukit Timah MTB trail. (What a trail to start me off with! Geez start me off at Tampines or something, I nearly scared myself to death that day)

Soon after that I bought my first bike, the “Orangela” as Wayne liked to call it.

After the Orangela, came the “Pinky”.

Now, together with “Pinky” I have the motolite.

I do fall, but they are usually bruises, scratches, and aches. But nothing like this.

On Sunday, I decided to attempt the 5ft drop at Gangsa. I felt good…I was on top of my game, had bags of confidence, and as Wayne said before, if you have that feeling, don’t let it pass and just do it.

I also got a new set of knee guards two weeks ago (we were sharing one previously).

I went for the drop, landed it on both wheels, but realised I was too far back on my seat, and that’s when I lost it and skidded sideways on the ground and hit my head. Thank goodnesss I was wearing a full-face helmet, I can’t imagine what would have happened if it didn’t!

So for the next 6-7 days I was nursing a headache caused by the concussion. No, I didn’t lose consciousness, and yes I went to see the doctors when the headaches didn’t go away a day after. You know what it feels like? It feels like a rubber band around your head 24/7, it’s a really shitty feeling.

Anyway, I’m back to my old self, and back at Gangsa on the weekends. But I think i’ll lay off the 5ft drop for awhile.