My 12-mile bike ride one recent morning was interrupted by an event that adversely affected my attitude and self-talk. Here’s what happened: At the beginning of my route near my home in Newport, Va., I encountered about 20 bikers traveling in the opposite direction. All were decked out in radiant racing attire, consistent with their sleek road bikes. Of course, I was using the appropriate safety gear, including bike helmet, gloves, and safety glasses; as seemed to be the case for all bikers in the group.
As I approached the group, one of the bikers yelled out with a condescending tone, “Look what we’ve got here.†I heard a few chuckles, and then another group member barked, “You need a new bike.†My reaction: “You mean one like the one your daddy bought you? And do I also need one of those girly shirts?â€
Two factors stopped me from verbalizing these negative comments aloud. First, I was startled by their negative verbal behavior, and before I could think of a clever retort, the bikers were gone. And these derogatory comments came from about 20 individuals, each younger and more fit than I.