Ow.

I had the first tumble on my bike in the city a few weeks ago. It's been a long time since I've fallen off a bicycle, probably about seven years. Ouch. I went over the handlebars when I had to brake suddenly. My front wheel locked too quickly and my back threw me forward. Fortunately I landed in a way that didn't involve me smashing my face in or losing any teeth.

I was bruised and sore for days -- similar to when you work out and burn all that lactic acid, but without any of the benefits of working out.

Luckily there was little traffic, and I was able to get myself onto the sidewalk before any cars came by.

The perception of time totally shifts when you're facing danger. I know it must have been quite the sight to see. This girl riding along in a nice coat and dress and heels only to fly forward, going over the handlebars and land on the ground, chest and arms first. I'm sure the entire thing only took seconds, but when I was going over the bars, I had time to think, "Oh, I'm going over the handlebars, and I should land like this to minimize pain." The whole thing was simultaneously quick and slow-moving.

I'd like to think that we've evolved to adjust to danger like this. Or maybe my mind is just that quick.

Either way, I'm glad to be okay.