How I overcame my cyclophobia

FIGHTING FEAR Ariadna Gomez Kelly overcame her cyclophobia and is now captain of the leading OT team, Happy Feet SHS

Ariadna Gomez Kelly

The very mention of cycling, let alone the sight of the dreaded two-wheeled apparatus, used to bring me out in a cold sweat … and all because of a minor accident at the tender age of five descending the hill on James Street.
My cyclophobia lasted for many years, and probably would still today if it were not for Westport Smarter Travel.
I used to baulk at any suggestion of cycling excursions. Bait, such as chocolate or ice-cream, used to tempt me onto the saddle, or idle threats from my father, were ignored. Even monetary bribes failed to do the trick! And so I continued blissfully unaware of the joys of cycling.
Sometimes I would not take part, for fear of the bicycle itself and for fear of embarrassing myself in someway. I even missed my Fifth Class school tour – a cycling trip along the Greenway ending with the reward of dinner and a swim in Mulranny Hotel pool. Many such opportunities were passed over. It was not until later that I realised I had allowed myself to be robbed of many very worthwhile experiences.
Then one day Westport Smarter Travel came to my primary school, Scoil PhΡdraig, to train us in the art of cycling.
Cycling had never seemed so attractive or such fun. The daunting prospect of mastering the shining handlebars looked easier than I had thought, and so I breathed deeply and tentatively placed my feet on the pedals. The Westport Smarter Travel instructor supported me in my efforts, eventually encouraging me to venture into town.
Things were going fine, and I was pretty proud of myself at this stage – that was until, we went down a hill. And not just any hill, but the very same hill that had scared me off cycling. I may seem a drama queen to you the reader, but everyone is scared of something. Your phobia might be spiders or heights; well, this is my phobia, cycling down hills.
While the rest of my class were miles away from me, I was far behind struggling down the hill. The instructor helped me, and although we went very, very slowly, I still did it: I cycled down a hill! I was of course the last to arrive back to school, apparently 15 minutes behind (I think that was a bit exaggerated), but no one could bring me down! I had conquered my fear at long last!
When I told my parents they did not believe me. Then I started using the Greenway to cycle to my piano lessons. They finally believed me once I went on a bike ride with them. Now I use my bike daily to go to school! Westport Smarter Travel, Green-Schools Travel and the Greenway have introduced me to a whole new world of adventure, immense fulfilment and personal achievement, for which I am truly grateful.

Ariadna Gomez Kelly is a Second Year student at Sacred Heart School, Westport, and Captain of Happy Feet SHS in Operation Transportation.