I GOT SAVED BY THE BELL

I Got Saved by the Bell

(by Blessed Tamayo)

It was last Saturday, a sunny afternoon at exactly 4:00 o’clock when I started my Bird Creek to Girdwood twenty mile round trip bike tour. I had mixed emotions as I pressed down the pedals. One part of me was apprehensive, because I had not stretched myself physically this far. On the other hand, there was a surging sensation of excitement for new adventure bubbling up within me, and I thought to myself, “…finally, I get to do this!” It felt different compared to past four successive of Alaskan summer fishing. This time it was no longer, “fish on” but, “bring it on.” As I got out of the underground trail tunnel, a refreshing cool breeze coming from Turnagain Arm hit my face as I leisurely watched the sun’s crystal reflection bouncing on the sea waves. On the horizon, mountains came into view captivating me as their residue of snow from the last winter dissipated from the top. Shortly after, I was approaching a snake-like uphill climb; I capitalized all strength I could muster to constantly press the foot lever forward. While my throat was drying up, the nagging thoughts of doubt gnawed my mind, “Can I make it to the top?” With ample amount of sweating and my bike on the lowest gear; yes, I made it to that hill. After getting through that hurdle, I saw a hairy brown creature coming down from the mountain. Instinctively, I hit the brake at a screeching halt and I turned around. My heart was fast palpitating, my adrenalin was pumping, and goose bumps covered all my skin. It was a grizzly bear coming after me and he happened to spoil my joy ride day. My speedometer reads 53 kilometers per hour as I go downhill; at that speed rate, my front wheel hit a dried tree branch lying dormant on the ground. I descended out of control towards the slant rough shoulder, and innately I prayed, “My God, save my soul!” Out of the blue, the door bell went off, “…oh great, it was Sunday morning!” I got up from my bed, and uttered these words, “…it was just a dream …it was just a dream.” Truly, with countless people who went before me, I can also identifiably say, “I got saved by the bell.”