DEL.ICIO.USBicyclist overcomes assault, learning not to live in fear
With Silver Comet safety back in the news, a former AJC sports editor writes about returning to the recreational trail after being attacked there this summer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, September 19, 2008
I believe in taking risks. Even at 61, it keeps life interesting, challenging.
That said, I also believe in being smart. Responsible. Staying alive. Several years ago while in Zimbabwe on a church mission trip, I was invited to bungee jump from the bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe. I don’t like heights, except when seated on airplanes with big engines. I looked over the edge of the bridge into the Zambezi River which, to my eyes, looked 25 miles below. No thanks.
Becky Stein/Special
Don Boykin was assaulted by four youths on the Silver Comet Trail several months ago.
• Incidents on Silver Comet rekindle safety issues
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But responsible risks in relationships, careers and athletics, for example, often are worth the “jump.” A few years ago, after decades of running marathons and other road races, I decided to try cycling. Told to be careful and that falling often is painful, I was excited about another challenge. Bring on the risks. Everything went fine for a few years. Then I realized the person who told me falling would hurt was right. I broke my clavicle, needed surgery and a plate to mend the bone. While I don’t look as good in my Speedo — I also do the occasional triathlon — the bone healed and I was back on the bike, determined to not fall again. Ever. So far, so good.
In June, I discovered another risk to cycling: No warning, no preparation, just life, I guess.
I was doing a 40-mile ride at the Silver Comet trail, a great venue for cycling, running, walking, and an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors safely. Or so I thought.
While the trail offers the opportunity to ride from a starting point near South Cobb Drive to Alabama, I simply was looking for a peaceful and easy ride on a nice Monday afternoon. Alone, I headed toward the 20-mile mark and turned around. I was back in Cobb County, within six miles of finishing, when things became a lot more complicated.
I noticed four young boys stretched across the trail as I approached. It was curious because users of the Silver Comet generally know the rules, primarily stay on your side. I certainly was aware of the tragic death of Jennifer Ewing in 2006 when she was attacked and killed near the 17-mile mark. In fact, I was reminded this day as I rode past the memorial cyclists have made in her honor.
Despite that incident, I never have been afraid to ride or run the Silver Comet. But I was careful as I slowed to ride past the four boys. Then it turned ugly and scary. One of the boys slugged me in the shoulder, knocking me off balance. My first thought was that I was going to fall and break my clavicle again. Seems silly in retrospect. Somehow I got my left foot out of the clip (your shoes are attached to the bike), but struggled along before gaining control.
That accomplished, I dealt with a bigger problem: What did these guys want?
“These are tough times,” one said, “and we want all you’ve got.” Obviously, they wanted money and I told them I had nothing. “We’re going to search you,” I was told as they surrounded me.
The day before I had read Proverbs 15:1 and I was hanging on to these wise words: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Ok, I told God as I decided to play nice.
They looked in the pockets of my cycling shirt, found nothing but my car key. Then it became a bit weird. “Are you okay?” one asked. “Not sure,” I responded, a bit confused at the sudden concern for my welfare. I tried to talk to them. “Why are you doing this? This is going to get you nothing but trouble. Don’t ruin your life,” I said. The one who hit me clearly was not in the mood for life instruction as he laughed at everything said, clearly enjoying the intimidation factor.
I decided it was safe enough to get back on the bike and take off. I must admit I was impressed how much faster I was able to go. I rode a mile, went into a bike shop at Floyd Road, called the police, who responded quickly and effectively. I was told they would catch these guys. A few months later, they did. Two television stations called and interviewed me. One question stuck with me. Will you ride the Comet again? “Absolutely,” I said confidently.
Yet, as of Labor Day, almost three months after the assault — and before the attacks reported this week — I had not been back. I believe it had more to do with time than fear; I live in Fayette County and it is a bit of hike to the Comet. But I was not sure as I decided to head back for another ride, alone.
This time I started near Florence Road, 11 miles from the trailhead. I knew this spot, but had never thought about starting there until a cyclist I did not know e-mailed me after learning of the incident. You avoid most of the crossroads (cars) and runners and walkers in the early miles of the Trail.
And, for me, I avoided the mugging spot.
Still convinced I was not concerned about the possible risk of another attack, I was shocked at my emotions when I noticed two chaps walking ahead of me. Instantly, I wondered if I would be clobbered again. Stop it, I scolded myself. Still, it was nice to see a smile and receive a “have a good ride” as I sailed past.
I was more of a victim than I realized and, frankly, this surprised me. Everyone I approached that day — riders, runners, walkers — had my attention. And it dawned on me that I was working that day on more than my speed and cycling technique. I needed to believe in people again, to believe I could live life when and where I wanted without fear. Would a group of misguided teenagers who simply needed to have someone help them know right from wrong persuade me to not trust people?
At the end of my ride that Labor Day, I was convinced I was back — mentally healthy, safe, enjoying life, trusting. Am I more aware of potential problems? I guess so. And that is a good thing, not meant to be debilitating.
But I also believe in relationships, even the ones you develop quickly as you ride by someone who is cycling or walking on the Silver Comet. We are meant to enjoy one another and life. To not live in fear.
But peaceful times can be fleeting. Such was the case Thursday when I heard of the most recent attacks on cyclists at the Comet. It does not matter that the bad guys have been caught. Fear, suspicion, anger, disappointment, a lack of trust comes crashing back into your mind. It’s tempting to say I will never ride or run the Silver Comet again. Instead, I plan to ride today, but not alone. That’s the only way we win.
Please join me. And let’s look out for each other.
TRAIL EVENT
Grand opening of the complete Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga trail on Saturday, Sept. 27, features a 61.5-mile ride from the Mavell Road trailhead (off Cooper Lake Road near South Cobb Drive) to the Alabama state line beginning at 7:30 a.m. A hospitality tent with food and entertainment will be open at the state line from noon to 4, with opening ceremonies at 2 p.m. For more information: www.silvercometga.com.
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