Me and My Bike

So, I'm trying to get back into the habit of riding my bike.

The thing is, I'm not a great bike rider. That old "You never forget how to ride a bike" thing is just not true in my case. I just recently re-learned to ride a bike when Mr. Ashley bought me mine for Mother's day, and I fell once. Or twice. I'm embarrassed to admit that but it is true.

I'm also convinced that all approaching cars WANT to kill me. Not just accidentally might, in my head my seemingly nice neighbors are all just waiting to snap and kill an innocent bike rider. Or I convince myself that I'm going to lose control and crash as they pass, forcing them to run me over. I can't really believe I'm admitting that, as it makes me sound especially crazy, but I'm trying to give full disclosure into the bike riding situation (and we all know I'm an over-sharer).

But then I was on a roll with it. I was going pretty far and really liking it. Then summer came and it was hot and rainy and humid and I was over it.

I just got an mp3 player and want to start bike riding again to escape the house and to listen to my This American Life's podcast in peace. I went on a ride the other day and had a great time, until I realized that I had lost some of my previously gained stamina and was further from home than I would've liked. And had to ride back home into the wind. It sucked. I walked my bike a little of the way, and as neighbors passed, just hoped they would assume it had broken--because what kind of adult walks their bike?? An adult with really shaky legs, that's who.

Anyway, pretty sure I just answered my own question by typing out the above, but I got a baby bike seat at a garage sale...this is a terrible idea, correct? Bike riding will be much more difficult with 35 extra lbs attached, correct? It seemed like a good idea at the time, and I know it would be fun for little kid, but the reality of it is setting in and I'm thinking it's a bad idea.

It is, right?