Your story reminds me of Georgena Terry, the founder of Terry Bicycles. She has never made a big deal about it, but she had polio and wore a leg brace while growing up.

Thank you for your post, BobbyG. I routinely ask, "Do you have everything you need?" when I pass a cyclist making a roadside repair, and I am pleased to report that I have seen other local cyclists doing the same. This admittedly comes easily for me, because, being blessedly devoid of athletic prowess, I have never viewed myself as a competitive cyclist.