Gilbrook pond

A couple of years ago, I fell into Gilbrook Pond in Winooski.  The pond is a five-minute ride from my house.  I fell in while riding on a narrow dirt track on the north side of the pond.  Ever since, I have been leary of that track.  It is easy enough to avoid using it; there is a detour by way of a paved road and then a wider track that is not close to the pond.  

I am an ‘Ambassador’ for the Winooski Bike Gang.  Every Wednesday, from May through September, we take bike rides starting from the Monkey House in Winooski.  Sometimes I lead rides, and sometimes the leader is one of the other two ambassadors.  Last month a ride included the path next to the pond.  I felt anxious, but I made it to the end of the path without any problem. The ride was to  Indian Brook in Essex.  I was the sweep, meaning I rode last and ensured everyone got there and back without a mishap.  At Indian Brook, it started to rain, and I was the only one who brought along a rain jacket.  One of the riders was much slower than the rest, and I kept with her.  When we got to Gilbrook, I asked if she wanted to go by the pond or take another route.  She said that she did not care.  I thought the rest of the group might be waiting for us by the pond, although that was a silly idea in retrospect.  We were almost back to the Monkey House, and there was no reason for anyone to wait.  Even though it was dark and rainy and I was tired, I chose to do the track by the pond.  I hesitated where the pond track dips down and fell into the water.  The pond is lined with vegetation, and I was not hurt, but I did end up very wet.  The person I was riding with went ahead, and she did not see me fall into the water.  I felt some embarrassment.   

Peter Burns is a bicycle enthusiast and writes a blog for Local Motion.

The second fall into Gilbrook made me even more hesitant to ride along the track. Still, as a swim instructor and also a leader of Local Motion bike workshops, I encourage people to do things despite fear and anxiety.  I decided I had to face my fear and ride that path.  I did it once on my own and then once again when the bike group rode that route.  On the way back from the bike group ride, I chose to take an alternative route.  I did not want to go beside the pond after sunset when I was tired.  I think I will always be anxious when I ride beside the pond, but I believe that I can do it.  

I feel ambiguous about challenging myself and facing fears.  Mountain bike trails scare me, especially the narrow wooden bridges.  I am fine with not mountain biking, there are plenty of other ways to ride, but I also think that overcoming fears is generally a good thing.  

Now I ride the pond path when I am heading toward Saint Michael’s College and Fort Ethan Allen.  This route means I avoid riding on Route 15, which is very busy and a dangerous place for a bike.  I still feel a bit of anxiety,  but I am more comfortable doing the ride.