Tag: cycling

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

I’ve rarely stumbled across a stranger where they’ve had a positive effect on me but I’ll turn it around the other way where I may have had an encounter where I have projected a positive attitude to them.

I loved going on long mountain bike rides when I used to holiday in Cyprus. We used to base ourselves in a town called Pelathousa, about 6km up into the mountains away from the seaside towns of Polis and Latchi. A beautiful little town with very few occupants and stuck in a time warp, a wonderful peaceful existence, we stayed with friends there and it was a wonderful place to spend some time.

I used to strike out on some rides from here and this particular one on June 14 2015 was probably one of the most beautiful, hilly and memorable rides I have ever done. It was an epic ride.

I started on this particular ride well stocked with energy snacks and plenty of hydration, with the plan to meet with my wife and her friend who were going to be my support team at about the halfway point to serve the purpose of giving me a lift home if I was tired, or to give me some more substantial food should I require it, to continue.

After about 15 miles of mountains, very quiet roads and superb scenery that I just drank in, I finally dropped down into a small town called Stavros tis Psokas, a small town at the foot of the mountains. Here the elusive “Mouflon” a wild sheep can be seen if you are very quiet, and this was an exceptionally quiet place, you had to keep making little noises just so you could assure yourself that your ears were functioning. I found a little cafe, where the elderly owner didn’t speak English, but I was able to get across my requirement for a coffee in broken Greek/Cypriot. I just love Cypriot coffee, it was a much needed boost.

It was time for my return and it was a hellish mountain climb back out of the valley, however I was meeting my support team at the top for that much needed refreshment, I already knew I wasn’t going to give up, I was going to continue on.

I pulled into the lay-by at the top of the valley and was pleased to see the girls. It was lovely, I had the customary half way photo taken.

It was here that we then became away of another vehicle in the area parked up on the opposite side of the road with the two occupants now walking over towards us. A conversation began, but no one understood what was being said. Us being English and the other two people being German, we were totally lost at what was trying to be communicated, until they motioned me towards their car, and off I went with them.

It was plain to see that they had a flat tyre, they had no idea how to change one, and it now became obvious that I was their only hope, as there wasn’t a garage anywhere remotely accessible in this region. So after a tiring long ride I now changed their wheel for them, intimated to them that they turn back to where they came from, as it was only one of those temporary wheels, they shook my hand, I understood them saying thank you, they turned around and off they went on their way.

I returned to the girls now covered in dirt from the old wheel, washed my hands had a drink and some food and told them to head off on the way, they would stop every few miles and wait until they saw me in the mirror and then move on again until we eventually arrived home a few hours after the adventure began.

So that was my random meeting with a stranger. And what was positive for me is that no matter what the boundaries are we can always help and assist. And that is what was the big positive for me. I’d hope in a similar position of need that someone would kindly offer me similar assistance. It’s just being human isn’t it?

Have a great day.