Dangerous without breakfast

It was a big rush to make it for the 609am train to Mandurah this morning, and I only just scrapped in. Rod was sitting patiently as always at the platform, reading a book looking very relaxed. When our train came, we moved to the last carriage with our bikes only to be pleasantly surprised to see Pat grinning widely with his red Dahon Speed 8 in tow.

What a wonderful day this was going to be as we met Ken at his Mandurah home, and cycled together in absolutely glorious weather. As Rod said almost poetically, "Isn't it marvellous to be out here away from the pollution, away from the stress and cycling along the coast with fresh sea breezes?" With the morning sun lighting up the sky, I could not agree more and its times like this that I truly give thanks to Him for being alive and for the beauty panned out before my eyes.

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We noticed that Pat was not his usual energetic self (former tri coach) as he was lagging behind and at 15km mark, he was nowhere to be seen. I decided to back track and in front of me was a red foldie lying pitifully on the bike path, and a black body sprawled motionless near it on the grass verge. I turned cold at that sight and rushed to his aid, expecting the worse. Fortunately, he was still breathing and came around after a while. It seemed that Pat too rushed to make his 543am train and skipped breakfast. Thus, he became Hypoglycaemic - low sugar level.

But what followed really scared me stiff. While I was picking up his fallen Speed 8 and parking it properly, Pat got up and tried to stand. He blacked out again and collapsed to the ground like a lifeless rag doll only to hit his head really hard on the concrete path. The impact of that loud sound made my heart stopped! If he wasn't wearing a helmet, Pat could very well have had very serious head injury.

The ride was cut short, morning tea venue was aruptly decided. I fed Pat with hot tea, chocs, grapes and an Otak Sandwich which really brought life to him. Both Ken and Rod were kind enough to ride back to Mandurah to get Ken's SUV and we all ended up enjoying Cappuccino and Latte at the Jolly Frog Cafe, with our foldies snugly in the boot.

I've learnt 3 precious lessons this morning. Firstly, always wear a helmet. Secondly, always ride with a buddy. They will save your life. Finally, rushing for early morning trains and esp skipping breakfast can be very dangerous!

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ps: Pat later emailed me to say he was confident that he was in good hands and was not worried about the outcome during the whole ordeal :-)