I feel as if my best friend since I was ten has now betrayed me and left me at the time I need him most. My limit is reached and my leg muscles withdraw in terror from the imminent pain. My mountain bike slows to a crawl during the climb and I shift to the lowest gear. This does nothing to help the situation because I am now just spinning the pedals while inching forward at an intolerable rate. I jump from my saddle without even bothering to use the brakes.
Gravity is enough to bring the bike to a stop.
As usual, I didn't think about the consequences of my actions so my now-useless legs give out when I put my full weight on them. I fall first to my backside. This undignified position is made worse when my bike, lacking a kickstand, cannot stand on its own and sprawls across me sending me to the ground on my back. I lie there for a few seconds wondering if my heart, now pumping at 180 beats per minute, is going to rupture. I usually take my heart for granted and barely give it a second thought.