I don't know how to ride a bike.
"Of course you do", you say, because everyone knows how. That's why there is a saying "it's like riding a bike".
Except, that whie I will freely admit that I did at one time know how, it's been the relearning that hasbeen problematic. I tried in Florida with Gigi, my husband's grandmother. That was pre-kids, possibly even pre-wedding, and I made it around her friend's cul-de-sac once. Then gave up.
I tried in Lake Tahoe, (twice!) on my mom's mountain bike, and hated it each time.
So I was happy to just carry on as a non-bike rider. Except for one problem, I had promised my husband that I would learn to ride a bike before our kids (imaginary at the poitn this promise was given) were old enough to realize I couldn't ride a bike.
Needless to say, our almost 6 year old caught on to the fact that I didn't own a bike, while our garage is full of tricycles, scooters, a balance bike, and two-wheelers with training wheels...
So it was time to learn.
I told my husband I would learn if we bought a bike of my very own that:
- was aqua or pink
- had a low enough seat for me to reach the ground while riding
- had a bell
- had a kickstand so it wouldn't fall over (this elicited a *lot* of laughter)
- had giant can't-fall-over wheels
- and had a matching helmet
So sure, that this mythical bike was just that, mythical, and didn't actually exist, off we headed to a bike shop.
Yup, it's everything I asked for.
Except for the part where I didn't even want it; it's perfect. Even my daughter approves.
So far, I can ride it in laps up and down our street, up and down, up and down. It took a few days for me to be able to turn around at our end, where the street narrows, but I think I can do it now. One of our elderly neighbors is often out gardening and gives me lots of encouragement:)
I'm not street-ready yet, but I think by the end of the summer, I should be able to manage a flat, paved, no intersections, no other bikes, no cars, no one watching, bike path:)
Jessica
your new ride is so cute and i am excited for you!!! way to go! sawyer needs to learn and avoids it- i am a no pressure kind of mom, so waiting for him to want to.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
ReplyDeleteTHAT is a beautiful bike! So good for your kids to see you doing something that makes you uncomfortable!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more!! Good job, Jessica! Your kids will be so proud of you :)
DeleteYou go, girl!! That bike would be perfect in Key West!!!
ReplyDeleteSweet ride ya got there! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletenice bike! and what a adorable little girl!!
ReplyDeletewall art
What a great bike. If I would of known you didn't know how to ride a bike I could of given you some pointers at Haven. When I lived in Hawaii I taught bike riding and bike safety to the schools around the island. All about balance and learning without the peddles to get used to the balance. Sounds like you have it. Enjoy biking it is amazing. Don't forget a helmet! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteLove your bike! It's so cute! And way to go learning to ride!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the episode of Modern Family where they teach Gloria to ride a bike.
Guess what?! I dont know how to ride one either.
ReplyDelete