A Broken Pedal and Frogger

I have to relate a funny story from something that happened on the way to work the other morning.

My bike pedal had been making a clicking sound, then went wonky on me.  I was on my way to work and I was sitting at a big intersection.  When the light changed, I gave a big push to make my way through and keep up with all the cars and motos.  Well, off came the pedal just as I started going.  Single pedaling didn't really work so I coasted/hobbled to the far corner.  I looked back and could see my pedal across the road.  I had to decide what to do.  My roommate left a minute after me and should be coming through the same intersection at any moment.  Maybe I could wait and holler at her to get it on her way over.

Then there she was, conveniently stopped at a red light.  I began shouting across the road and waving my pedal in the air.  That didn't work.  I looked at my bike and prayed to God to not let anyone steal it as I ran back across the intersection to retrieve the broken pedal feeling very much like a pale spectacle.  As I picked it up, I was able to relay to Meredith what had happened.  Not only to her but to everyone else in the pack of motos surrounding her.  I ran back across the street to my bike which was still there.  Thank you Jesus.  But the pedal would not screw back in.  I tried, Meredith tried.  Not happening.

So Meredith went on to work and I walked my bike back across the intersection (my fourth crossing of the morning), to the local repair shop.  I walk up with my bike and there are 2 fellows at the ready.  He tries to fix my old pedal, but to no avail.  He comes back with a couple of new pedals and starts installing one. Then he takes off the other fully functioning pedal and replaces it with a new one.  I thought, I didn't need that one and he's going to charge me a big price now for two pedals.  I began to mentally prepare for a negotiation. 

Me: "How much?
Bike man: "Bai dolla"
Me: "3 dollars?"
Bike man: nods
Me: "Ok. Thank you, oh kuhn"

Not a bad deal, eh?  And I still made it to work on time.  As Meredith said, there's never a dull moment in Cambodia.

This scenario may make you thankful that you drive a big, air conditioned SUV to work every day, and yes you should be thankful.  But for me, I find it amusing.  Sometimes on my way to work I have a big smile and may even chuckle a bit.  Why you ask?  Because whenever I bike to work it feels like I'm in a Frogger video game.  You know that one from way back in the 80's when the frog had to cross the river dodging hazards to make it to the other side.

Instead of a frog on a log, it's a teacher on a bike.  Instead of dodging crocodiles and water bugs, I dodge vehicles and potholes.  There's even a sandpit as you turn off the main road to get to our school.  No problem for an SUV, but treacherous for a one-speed bike.

Despite the funny stories a bike provides, I am considering investing in a moto.  It would definitely make it easier to get around town and would be a bit less treacherous.  I hope anyway.