Embarrasment is the bigger pain

[Laura00]

I'm from Tijuana. Feel free to correct my English.

Here in Tijuana there are no places to ride. Usually people don't respect cyclists.

That's why some people are riding on Wednesdays and Sundays to gain respect and a space to ride safely.

Sunday was my first time. I felt very confident most of the ride. But we had to cross some railroads. That was my first fall. It wasn't painful at all. I continued without any problem.

On the way back we crossed another railroads. I took a high part of it. I felt so badly. Friends stopped to help me. I continued, but the railroad too. I felt again. I had small injuries on my hands. But embarrasment was bigger!!!.

Some "friends" still laughing at me. But today I really don't care.
I'm going to ride this Sunday again. I'll be really careful when crossing the railrodas. Maybe I'll walk.

[chickwhorips]

all that matters is you got back up after you fell and kept going! good job!

[caligurl]

sure... go ahead and walk across the tracks!! there's no embarrasment in that!

if you do decide to ride... make sure you are going over the tracks at and exact 90 degrees.... don't try to go on an angle cuz your tires will get in the tracks and you will fall!

that was rude of your friends to make fun of you for falling! trust me... everyone falls off a bike at some point!!!!!

welcome to the boards! and HAPPY RIDING!

[KSH]

Hey, you kept riding, that is what matters! Most would be too scared to carry on.

And, you might want to walk across those railroad tracks, they sound dangerous. No shame in walking.

[Deanna]

Another congrats to you for keeping on. By the way, in some places they have signs recommending that cyclists walk their bike across the tracks--so don't hesitate to do so.

[eclectic]

Welcome Laura

congrats for having the self confidence to get up and keep going!

I have visited Tijuana - Drivers there can be a little crazy so you all are doing well to take a stand. Be careful and wear bright clothing

Railroad tracks still make me nervous and the ones that aren't well maintained are the worst. I would definately get off and walk across them. Luckily you weren't injured but it only takes 1 good fall to lay you up for awhile

PS your English is way better than a lot of native speakers I know

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Bienvenido Laura!

En ciertas situaciones, es mejor caminar y mantener su seguridad!

Don't be embarrassed to walk over railroad tracks- just do it! I often get off my bike to cross a big street that I feel is dangerous. Better to live, to ride another day!

It's good to ride with others too. Riding with other bikers will give you more confidence. Also, I used to go on very short and safe rides in empty parking lots to get my confidence in the beginning. It worked well for me.

Congratulations on riding your bike!

[Laura00]

Thanks for the supportive words girls!!

[Nanci]

I was terrified of RR tracks when I first got a road bike! I still have a healthy respect for them. Besides the obvious crashing possibility, RR tracks can also cause things, such as lights, to fly off your bike!

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratulations on facing your fear and getting up and riding again. I have not had to cross railroad tracks yet, but I know if I came across them I would walk my bike across for fear of getting my tire stuck. I am sorry your friends laufghed. It was quite rude of them to do so. I wish they would have been more suportive. We all fall. Read the different threads, some are devoted to falling.

Welcome to TE! I hope you visit often and keep riding.

[cosc]

Glad you were able to get back on and keep riding. You're a brave gal.When I'm riding across tracks I'm not familiar with I'll get off my bike and walk. Safety first is my motto.

[bikerHen]

I have to cross three seperate sets of RR Tracks everyday. Two I can manage to cross. One set is just plain nasty. They are well maintained but have lots of sand around them and cross the road at about a 60 degree angle. I've fallen on them, my daughter has fallen on them and a friend has fallen on them. I don't even think about riding over them anymore. I get off and walk them everyday. When it comes to RR tracks you can't be to careful! bikerHen