Conquering Fears

Such an auspicious title and this blog is not really that dramatic but still that is exactly what I have been working on for the last little while.
To explain.  We have lived here almost three years, Matthew has owned a bike for maybe 2 years of these years, and for the last year I have decided that I really want to be able to ride it.  The only problem is I am terrified,  of what I don't really know, but terrified none the less.  Anyone who knows me (well maybe I kept it a bigger secret then I thought) knows when I tried to do the motor bike pre-licence course I went over an embankment down a hill and crashed into another class, jumped off and somehow landed on my feet but of course dropped their bike.  Hence I didn't get a pre-licence, the poor guy just said you are so terrified I can't pass you.  I have come a long way since then, I can now ride down a quiet street, turn corners, stop and sometimes even use the blinkers - I'm still working on the horn which in Viet Nam is very important.
The last few times I have ventured out on more busier streets I even attempted a main road successfully I will add.

Our Phu Quoc Bike Ride

So during our week end in Phu Quoc we decided to hire bikes and go for a ride along the beach.  This sounded wonderful until Mathew led us along a dirt track and then onto a dirt road.  I will add he shows no sign of impatience with my very slow speed but he does regularly remind me that going faster is easier.  The dirt road was very scary.  True there was no traffic but I kept thinking I was going to lose the back wheel in the dirt.  But I did it.

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With new confidence last night I rode to Citimart to get a capsicum and tonight I went all the way to Crescent Mall - this requires main road driving and parking - which if you imagine a regular Mall parking lot and shrink it for bikes, that's where you park.
One of my poor co-workers drove past me and called a friendly greeting at which point I barked at her not to talk to me - I haven't yet learnt to drive and talk, I felt so bad I quickly sent her a text apologising.  I then had to drive back in the dark but it all worked out fine.  (I will point out that Crescent Mall is only about 2km's away but still...).  My goal is to ride all the way to work, so this week end some friends and I are going to go for a drive in more challenging conditions - I do hope they realise what they are in for!

The dirt track

The beautiful scenery which of course i didn't look at because I was looking at .......

this.

Drinks Break

The view from our drinks break